MINEOLA, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — Nassau County Executive Laura Curran is continuing to push the county Legislature to approve a plan to send pandemic relief funds directly to residents.
Under Curran’s revised proposal, which was introduced in late July, the county would use federal pandemic relief funds to send payments of up to $375 to Nassau residents.
The money would be sent as a one-time, direct payment to Nassau households with a total income of up to $168,900. Those with incomes above $168,900, and up to $500,000, may be considered if they can prove significant financial hardship caused by the pandemic.
The Nassau County Legislature was scheduled to vote on the proposal on Aug. 11, but it was ultimately delayed, and the Legislature dismissed for summer break.
Curran, at the time, slammed lawmakers for failing to act.
“By delaying a committee vote, this important legislation now unnecessarily languishes in legislative red tape when it should have been one step closer to going into the pockets of residents who need it the most,” she said in a statement.
Now, residents of Nassau are also encouraging the vote.
Cheri Gimpleman, of North Bellmore, told WCBS 880 that the money would be extremely useful to many people who are still struggling to recover from the financial hardships of the pandemic.
“As a homeowner there's always something going wrong in the house and there’s always need for fixing and to have a little extra income,” she said. “Also, I think psychologically, with this pandemic, [the funds can give a] little boost emotionally… maybe I'll take my son to dinner or buy some flowers.”
The plan also has the support of Sen. Chuck Schumer, who worked with federal lawmakers to approve the American Rescue Plan.
“I fought tooth-and-nail to secure billions in aid in the American Rescue Plan for New York and its localities – including over $385 million for Nassau County – and I’m glad that County Executive Curran has created a Household Assistance Program to put some of these funds back in the pockets of Nassau residents who have experienced hardship throughout the pandemic,” Schumer said.
Curran wants the Legislature to come back early from summer break to vote on giving the money to homeowners and renters.
“With more than $100 million left from the American Rescue Plan allotment, our financial health means that we can put this funding directly into the hands in the pockets of our residents,” Curran said.
In a statement, she added: "Instead of waiting another few weeks and stalling the process even further, let’s take action now. The Household Assistance Plan will not only help those who continue to struggle, but also provide a meaningful boost to our local economy."
The spokesperson for the Republican majority in Nassau’s Legislature said they will do their due diligence to make sure Curran’s plan is not another “botched initiative.”
Meanwhile, Curran's opponent in the upcoming election, Bruce Blakeman, has described the amount of money proposed for residents as “peanuts.”