Washington, D.C. — As the House introduces The Heroes Act to provide much-needed federal resources to our nation, the CBC worked closely with leadership to develop legislation that responded to the urgent needs of Black America, who have been hit the hardest by coronavirus.

The proposal includes policies to safeguard social safety net benefits, keep Black businesses afloat, support students and educational institutions, address health care inequities, strengthen infrastructure in the Black community, protect Black farmers, keep people in their homes, ensure incarcerated individuals are protected and much more.

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus in America, the Congressional Black Caucus has led the way in calling for legislation to support Black communities through this pandemic.

On March 20th, the CBC submitted an initial 11-page proposal to House and Senate leadership with recommendations on legislation needed to support Black America.

Through the collective efforts of CBC Members, the CARES Act included legislation from the CBC proposal including: an increased amount of direct payment assistance for people struggling to make ends meet, from $600 in the original bill introduced by Senate Republicans to $1200 in the final bipartisan agreement; an additional $500 child tax credit per child; a moratorium on foreclosures and evictions; and $447 million for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), among other priorities included.