New Jersey Residents To Receive $9.5 Billion In Stimulus Checks From American Rescue Plan
ELIZABETH, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- The American Rescue Plan signed into law by President Joe Biden delivers billion of dollars to families, schools, small businesses and communities hit hardest by the pandemic.
Leaders in our area say it is desperately needed. On Friday, New Jersey officials explained how the stimulus will help the Garden State recover.
"More than $9.5 billion in stimulus checks will flow to approximately 3.7 million households across New Jersey," said Sen. Bob Menendez.
Checks will average more than $2,000 per household in the state, CBS2's Meg Baker reported.
"An individual just out of high school here in Elizabeth, put off college for a year because they couldn't afford it, working a minimum wage job. That individual, just by themselves will get $2,300 from this bill," said Sen. Cory Booker.
The plan also expands the child tax credit, benefiting more than half-a-million children and helping cut the child poverty rate in half.
"The $3,600 for each child under six and $3,000 for children under 18," Menendez said.
$10.2 billion in direct, flexible assistance goes to the state and every county and municipality.
Elizabeth, New Jersey will receive $40 million in aid which the mayor says will help stabilize the city's budget and save first responders' jobs.
More stimulus will be spent to accelerate vaccination efforts. Gov. Phil Murphy said that puts the state on stronger footing to reopen.
"The more than $2.7 billion in funds that will largely flow to our public schools will not only get our kids and educators back into their classrooms, which it will, but help insulate property tax payers from shouldering the costs," Murphy said.
"$900 million is support for our institutions of higher education will allow them to safely get back to reopening their classrooms and campuses. An additional $450 million in emergency rental relief will protect families against the specter of eviction and homelessness," Murphy said.
Some of the COVID relief funds will be spent on NJ TRANSIT, too.
Stimulus checks are expected to reach mailboxes in April.
CBS2's Meg Baker contributed to this report.