Op-Ed: Western New York needs a bold plan for economic recovery

Though the vaccine reservation process has been frustrating, and federal supply of the vaccine continues to ramp up, it brings relief to know that help is on the way. As the vaccine rollout continues, I am encouraged by news that New Yorkers with pre-existing health conditions are now eligible, and the federal government has purchased enough vaccine to ensure every person who wants the vaccine can receive it in the months ahead.

As we look toward the future, it is difficult to forget where we have been, and where we are today. The pandemic has dealt a blow to our country unlike anything we have seen in modern times. The death toll is inching toward a half million Americans. Unemployed workers and small businesses continue to struggle. Many families are unable to afford necessities like food, rent or transportation. Despite some assistance from the federal government, we continue to need a bold plan to help the American people and address the recession that has had a ripple effect throughout our country.

On top of the economic fallout, states are grappling with unprecedented deficits. We need to rebuild our economy, but we also need to build back better than ever before. That is what President Biden promised, and he has made good on that promise with the American Rescue Plan, a bold initiative to boost our economic recovery.

Families here in Western New York need larger direct relief payments and an extension of unemployment benefits – and our small businesses need continued help. The American Rescue Plan would deliver this much needed assistance. The plan would also provide funding for a national vaccine program, ensure the vaccine is free for everyone, and deliver critical funding to safely reopen our schools, providing our districts with the support they need to get kids and teachers back in the classroom.

The American Rescue Plan would also provide $350 billion for state and local governments. This funding would help close our budget deficit, and local municipalities in WNY would receive more $792 million in federal aid. Taken all together, this is the bold plan we need to address the economic impact of the pandemic and help our state and nation weather the storm in the months ahead.

Despite all we have been through, there are hopeful signs ahead for our economy. Job growth is the key to our recovery, and we have seen recent news of companies that are investing in our future. Sumitomo Rubber is investing $122 million to expand its Tonawanda facility. Pine Pharmaceuticals says it is tripling the size of its facility in the Town of Tonawanda, adding to its current workforce of 85. In Grand Island, Life Technologies is investing $175 million to build a new facility that would create 140 jobs.

There may be quite a bit of uncertainty these days, but I know better days are ahead. The American Rescue Plan and targeted investment in our communities will provide the next steps needed to get us back on our feet.