ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Missouri Congresswoman Cori Bush held a virtual press conference with leaders of St. Louis City and County, breaking down the American Rescue Plan.
The American Rescue Plan has $70 billion to fund a federal vaccine distribution program. Bush says the distribution has to be centered in equity, expands testing, contact tracing, and virus mitigation.
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But Bush adds, "we will have to be sure that the funds the state receives leads to a more equitable distribution of vaccines here in our state."
Bush remains concerned at vaccine distribution.
"Ever since Missouri got access to COVID-19 vaccines, I have been concerned about access in and around St. Louis," Bush says. "Months ago – months – I requested, and still have not received, a vaccine distribution equity strategy from Governor Parson. The slow distribution of vaccines to our region is unacceptable. And it is my hope that these funds will help ensure that our communities, that have been hit the hardest by this pandemic, are able to access and receive the vaccines they need."
Bush says Missouri needs to invest in mobile and mass vaccination sites in the St. Louis region.
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Bush says "no one should have to travel 80 miles to get a vaccine." She says she's confident the use of pharmacies and community health centers will help, as more supply becomes available in the coming weeks.
"President Biden directed states to make all adults eligible for the vaccine by May 1st, and by securing these three sources," Bush says. "And working in partnership with the City and County, we will ensure that every person can access the vaccine, here in St. Louis, by the summer."
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