CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- As the US Senate begins considering the $1.9-trillion coronavirus relief package, Democrat House members are stressing that passage is vital for recovery.
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky said Illinois would get some $7.5 billion from the COVID relief package. Chicago would receive nearly $2 billion and about $1 billion would go to Cook County.
"We are happy that state and local and county government will get money from this, because they need to keep the trains running, literally. And they need to help the people in our communities," she said.
She said the money would help everyday people.
"We are going to be having a lot of food support, helping people to pay their rent, as I said, focusing on our small businesses," Schakowsky said.
Suburban Congressman Sean Casten said it’s about so much more than extending unemployment benefits.
"There's a tremendous vibrancy in the US economy that is ready to be unleashed again, but we will not take off if there are permanent dislocations. If the economy comes back, but you have lost your home, you have bigger issues than getting a job," he said.
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And Congresswoman Marie Newsman said even the big ticket items like that will help everyday folk.
"We are going to be receiving $30 billion, which will be invested to support our transportation partners and workers; and that is critical because we are going to get back to work. We actually are going to build back better and we need to have a place for people to go so they can get to their jobs," she said.
The House members said they are excited to see the package continuing to move through the Senate.