Community leaders see hope in Biden’s Build Back Better initiative

Written by Victoria Scialfa on August 9, 2021

Community leaders see hope in Biden’s Build Back Better initiative

By Ben Stemrich
August 9, 2021

President Joe Biden addresses a joint session of Congress, Wednesday, April 28, 2021, in the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post via AP, Pool)

WASHINGTON – The White House Office of Public Engagement hosted a conversation last week with Lehigh Valley faith leaders. They shared perspectives on President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda and its potential impact locally.

Listen to the story.

Several community leaders spoke including Marta Ramos, a behavioral health specialist; and the Rev. Dr. Greg Edwards, senior pastor of Resurrected Life Community Church in Allentown.

“This piece of legislation really provides an opportunity for all boats to rise specifically for families who are struggling with multiple children,” Edwards said.

Quality child care is one of the many things Edwards wants to improve.

The American Rescue Plan, for now, is the only one of three pieces of legislation passed in Biden’s Build Back Better agenda. The American Families Plan and Jobs Plan are still being legislated in Congress.

Allentown social worker Maria Isidor said she sees the American Rescue Plan and its rental assistance already making a big difference.

She said it’s encouraging “to be able to see how an elderly couple married for over 60 years can stay in their homes together as they wish to be.”

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