Western Illinois Congresswoman Cheri Bustos votes in favor of the latest stimulus bill called the Heroes Act. It passed out of the House, but faces an uncertain future in the Senate. The roughly three-trillion dollar Democratic measure includes more money for cash-strapped state and local governments, hazard pay for front line workers and another round of stimulus checks. It would also extend increased unemployment benefits.
Republicans are lined up against the new stimulus package in the Senate saying it’s too early to tell if the huge package is actually needed. President Trump has also been an outspoken critic of the plan.
Bustos says the plan also includes $16.5 billion to producers to make up for lost revenue and support for renewable fuels at a base rate of $0.45 per gallon produced between January and May of 2020. It also includes $20 million for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network program and emergency assistance to support livestock producers who are forced to euthanize market-ready livestock due to processing plant disruptions.