How Pa. and N.J. could spend billions in relief funds | Morning Newsletter
Seniors need vaccine access solutions, advocates say.
The Morning Newsletter
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First: This is where billions of dollars from the $1.9 trillion stimulus package could go in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Then: Advocates are saying they want better ways of getting the COVID-19 vaccines to seniors, some of our population’s most vulnerable.
And: A new study discusses the true cost of young men of color in Philly staying home to be safe for reasons that have nothing to do with the pandemic.
— Ashley Hoffman (@_ashleyhoffman, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)
Welcome to one of the largest fiscal programs ever passed in a party-line House vote yesterday, days before President Joe Biden’s two month anniversary in office.
The full $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package will mean that billions are flowing to Pennsylvania’s and New Jersey’s schools, restaurants, transit agencies, and state and local governments. The thrust of this unconventional plan isn’t just to fill gaps the pandemic opened up, but also to aid people battling economic insecurity and support the working class. The money could save homes, jobs, businesses trembling on the brink of shutdowns, and, quite literally, keep the SEPTA trains running.
Read on for a breakdown of distribution estimates for things like housing, vaccines and testing, and food insecurity and nutrition from Julia Terruso, Jonathan Tamari, and Alfred Lubrano.
Also, the plan pledges to bring thousands of dollars to a number of parents. Experts are calling part of the package a monumental moment that could potentially lift millions of children out of poverty. To give you a sense of the impact of this package at the local level, we talked to parents about how the coronavirus relief could make a difference in their lives.
Finally, if you’re looking for the TL;DR on what the $1.9 trillion package means for you, reporter Nick Vadala has you covered.
When vaccines first rolled out in Pa., seniors went straight to the front of the line, but so many of them have been unable to get vaccine appointments, and it has nothing to do with computer literacy.
Likening the hunt to searching for “a virtual shot in a haystack,” advocates fear this diverse and economically disadvantaged population is getting blocked by inadequate organization and potentially younger, eligible vaccine-seekers boxing out the seniors. It’s all enough to lead some to shut down, reporter Erin McCarthy found. (About 44% of Pa. seniors who live in Philly have gotten vaccinated, while most of Philly’s shots went to people under 65, according to data supplied by the DOH.)
Read on for the whole story on advocates demanding vaccine solutions for seniors.
Where can you get a vaccine in the Philly area if you’re eligible? Use our lookup tool and find out.
Here’s how you can prepare for your COVID-19 vaccine appointment when you get one.
Here are the updated coronavirus case numbers, as COVID-19 spreads in the region.
Can vaccinated people still spread COVID-19? How long does immunity last? Here’s what science knows now.
What you need to know today
Philly expanded vaccine eligibility to all residents 65 and over effective immediately, the city announced yesterday.
Let’s talk about “network avoidance,” the term that describes the painful reality of Philly young men of color who self-isolate to avoid dangers like street violence and a criminal legal system that can be dangerous.
Here’s what small business owners and freelancers need to know about PPP loan money now that the rules have recently changed.
The ambitious mall drive-through King of Prussia vaccine site is waiting to get sufficient supply from the state. Meanwhile, those who need those second doses are waiting with uncertainty.
Through your eyes | #OurPhilly
Consider this your bright reminder to get us hyped for opening day of the Phillies season, which is coming soon enough. Thanks for sharing, @whatiloveaboutphilly.
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That’s interesting
🕵️ The legend of Pennsylvania’s lost gold lives on as an “extremely suspicious of the secrecy” treasure-hunting group demands answers. This is not just a case for the FBI, but also a story about the FBI.
⚖️ This is what is and is not allowed under New Jersey’s marijuana laws.
🍿 Check out this new film that takes you inside a West Philly house for important lessons on the histories of Black liberation.
Opinions
“Despite united Republican opposition and lots of Beltway cynicism, President Biden’s rescue plan emerged as bold as it was introduced, with relief actually going toward those who need it most.” — J. J. Abbot of Commonwealth Communications writes that Biden’s coronavirus relief plan will help Pennsylvanians suffering right now.
Pennsylvania urgently needs to learn from Texas’ mistakes to ensure we’re ready for a potential power crisis, PennEnvironment advocate Kelly Flanigan writes.
We need earmarks to rebuild America now more than ever, Mark Holman, Ridge Policy Group partner writes.
What we’re reading
Don’t call it a music festival. It’s a “music-themed vacation.” Rolling Stone covers how a company is using rental homes and golf courses to bring back a taste of live music.
This Delco community pharmacy wants more doses for vaccine seekers, and there’s no shortage of encouraging results. Case in point: air hugs. Right now, the pharmacy is endeavoring to alert the most vulnerable among its patient list whenever it gets its hands on a shipment. Get the inside story.