Editor's Notes We're living through a time of unprecedented government aid. The newly enacted American Rescue Plan from the Biden administration includes a whopping $1.9 trillion spanning a host of needs: direct checks for parents, funding for vaccine dispersal, small business relief, local government budget plugs and more. As part of the December relief bill, the federal government also passed the Emergency Broadband Benefit, which provides discounted broadband and connected devices for low-income consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both plans aim to address both short-term and long-term challenges, and we'll look to track the effects locally. Think big with me: What's the most beneficial part of these plans, and where do they fall short? This could relate to the broader good, or to something specific to your life. For instance, I'd love to hear from you if the child tax credit will directly impact your ability to work, or if your business badly needs relief in a form not yet proposed by Congress. Reply here or email baltimore@technical.ly And hey, happy weekend. — Technical.ly Managing Editor Julie Zeglen (julie@technical.ly) |