Connecticut to get $10 billion in federal pandemic aid

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A drive-thru vaccination site in Connecticut. (FOX 5 NY file)

Connecticut is on track to receive more than $10 billion in federal COVID-19 funding in the Democratic coronavirus relief legislation before Congress, including $4 billion worth of stimulus payments, members of the state's all-Democratic House delegation said Tuesday.

Eligible residents among an estimated 1.5 million Connecticut households are set to receive up to $1,400 in direct payments under the massive 628-page bill, which is now awaiting final approval in the House of Representatives.

"That relief is going to be seen at the dinner table and assisting in terms of the day-to-day, ongoing efforts, on behalf of our citizens to make ends meet," said U.S. Rep. John Larson, who represents the state's 1st Congressional District. 

While much of the detailed language outlining the $1.9 trillion package still needs to be finalized, the federal lawmakers said Connecticut is set to receive funds for a variety of COVID-related needs. Those include expanded food assistance, rental and mortgage assistance, statewide and community-based vaccination clinics and outreach, health insurance subsidies, school safety improvements, child care tax credits and an estimated $276 million in direct aid to financially struggling child care providers.

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Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, who represents the 3rd Congressional District, estimated that state and local governments in Connecticut will receive $4.2 billion under the legislation. The funding will be available for a host of needs, including public health, police and fire and public works. 

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, who represents the 2nd Congressional District, said the state's budget office will be required to release the federal funds to eligible cities and towns within 30 days.

"This money's going to move and it's going to move fast," said Courtney, noting that communities need to cover multiple COVID-related costs, including manning vaccination clinics with police and town staff, and fire departments helping to manage crowd sizes. "They need this help to get them and their budgets through this time."