The spring semester’s State of Scranton series seminar featuring Representative Matt Cartwright, U.S. House Representative for Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District was offered virtually on April 12.
In this online public presentation and discussion, U.S. Rep. Cartwright provided an overview of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. University faculty, staff, and students, along with Greater Scranton area community members, attended the presentation that highlighted key components of the American Rescue Plan and discussed the impact of this legislation for the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
"We stand witness to the tragedies that have overcome our communities," he said of the pandemic. "We've also witnessed the resilience and resolve of the American people throughout all of this."
The recently enacted American Rescue Plan Act is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill that offers immediate and direct economic-relief, geared largely to supporting low to middle-income Americans and aims to speed up the United States' recovery from the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing recession.
"The American Rescue Plan . . . is helping get shots in arms, money in pockets, people in jobs and children back in schools," he said. "This is the national comprehensive plan that our country needs to recover."
First sworn into Congress on January 3, 2013, Rep. Cartwright is committed to working across the aisle to advocate for working families. His priorities include strengthening the middle class, creating jobs, ensuring quality health care, protecting seniors, and supporting veterans and military families. Rep. Cartwright serves on the House Appropriations Committee, is the chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice and Science, and is one of the co-chairs of the House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee. He graduated magna cum laude with a history degree from Hamilton College in 1983 and earned his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1986.
This online presentation and discussion is a part of the State of Scranton seminar series. Through campus and guest speakers, this series serves to engage the varied opportunities and challenges facing the Greater Scranton area.
Watch the State of Scranton seminar here.
