Biden commences publicity blitz for relief bill

President Biden on Tuesday made the first stop in what is expected to be a weeks-long sales pitch to educate the public about the $1.9 trillion economic relief package he signed into law last week, visiting a small business in Pennsylvania that benefited from the bill.

Biden traveled to Smith Flooring in Chester, Pa., where he met with the shop’s owners and highlighted key provisions from the American Rescue Plan. The trip came as numerous administration officials scattered around the country to tout the legislation in a bid to retain its popularity with the public.

“We’re in a position where it’s going to bring immediate relief — $1,400 — to 85 percent of the American public,” Biden said, standing alongside store owners Kristin and James Smith. “I said yesterday, we’re going to get 100 million shots in people’s arms within the first 60 days of my administration and 100 million checks out.”

“I think you should be aware, more help is on the way. For real,” Biden added.

Smith Flooring, a union shop with 22 employees, is one of many small businesses that received a loan through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) intended to help local businesses amid the pandemic. The company is also eligible for the employee retention tax credit in the American Rescue Plan.

Biden, holding a slip of paper in his hand as he spoke, pointed out changes to the PPP during his administration intended to protect small businesses and ensure the money goes where it’s intended. He also noted the disproportionate impact the pandemic has had on communities of color. Chester is a majority-Black community, and the Smiths are Black.

While Biden was in Pennsylvania, Vice President Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff were in Denver highlighting small businesses that benefited from the American Rescue Plan.

First lady Jill Biden was in New Jersey on Monday to tout the legislation’s funding to help reopen schools for in-person learning amid the pandemic.

Biden and Harris will travel together to Georgia on Friday for a joint event in what the White House is dubbing the “Help is Here” tour to further publicize the legislation.