For Immediate Release: January 19, 2021

Contact: Mark Brueggenjohann  202-728-6014

Biden’s Rescue Plan is Right Step in COVID-19 Fight

IBEW International President Lonnie Stephenson issued the following statement in response to President-Elect Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan:

“President-elect Joe Biden’s ambitious relief package is just what our nation needs to take on the COVID-19 pandemic and provide millions of struggling Americans with immediate economic assistance.

Working people have had to bear the brunt of this crisis. Biden’s plan will provide them with immediate support, including extending current unemployment insurance benefits, additional economic stimulus, and childcare assistance to help working families most in need.

It also includes beefed-up health and safety protections for frontline workers, investments in living wage public health jobs and a nationwide vaccination program.  

With the United States reaching a new daily record for COVID-19 deaths while jobless claims are at their highest level since the summer, it’s clear that we need immediate action to end this pandemic and revive our struggling economy.

Biden’s American Rescue Plan is a bold but necessary effort not only to combat the coronavirus but to boost our ailing economy. The IBEW calls on Congress to take immediate action to get relief to the American people.“

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The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) represents approximately 775,000 members and retirees who work in a wide variety of fields, including construction, utilities, manufacturing, telecommunications, broadcasting, railroads and government.