Schatz: At Least $4 Billion In Federal Relief For Hawaii
The U.S. senator estimates that local residents will get an estimated $2.38 billion through direct payments and unemployment benefits.
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz estimates that Hawaii will see at least $4 billion of a $2.2 trillion coronavirus stabilization package approved by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump.
The largest share of that — $1.25 billion — will go to state and county governments to help them grapple with the outbreak.
Another $2.38 billion is estimated to go directly to individuals to help them cope with the economic ramifications either through direct payments or unemployment benefits.
“Billions of dollars in federal money is on the way,” Schatz said in a press release Monday. “This new funding will support state and local response efforts and help Hawai‘i families and businesses struggling to get by.”
The $2.2 trillion in federal spending is the largest emergency aid package in U.S. history.
Other money headed to Hawaii, according to Schatz, includes an estimated $130 million for food stamps, $53 million for local schools and colleges, $11 million for community health centers and $8 million in Community Development Block Grants.
He said millions more will be spent on health care, education, public transportation and housing.
Hundreds of billions more will be available to Hawaii’s small businesses and corporations, including Hawaiian Airlines, through the legislation.
