new economy coalition: stories from the field
American Rescue Plan & Black Farmers: Today, one year into the COVID-19 pandemic, a landmark $1.9 trillion relief package was signed into law that will provide desperately-needed relief for millions of working-class people — including direct payments, expanded unemployment benefits, significant child tax credits, and more. The relief package also includes $5 billion in debt relief for Black farmers and other farmers of color, in what is being called “the most significant piece of legislation with respect to the arc of Black land ownership in this country.”
Rural Electric Co-op Reform: Last week, the newly-formed Rural Power Coalition sent a letter to Congress, urging them to enact a list of policies to support rural electric cooperatives across the country. These policies would directly benefit millions of rural people who are struggling to pay their bills in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis — providing an immediate moratorium on utility shutoffs and $100 billion to support utility debt relief. Learn more about the campaign and sign-on to support.
#JxnNeedsWater: Nearly a month after winter storms wreaked havoc on infrastructure across the South, many households in Jackson, Mississippi remain without water. Please support local mutual aid efforts in Jackson! People’s Advocacy Institute is working to raise $2M in emergency support funds, and we encourage folks to support NEC member Cooperation Jackson, who is providing direct relief and will be building out longer-term autonomous solutions to this infrastructure crisis.