Actors’ Equity praised the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act Wednesday, citing several measures that should help Broadway’s workforce.
The $1.9 trillion relief plan includes COBRA subsidies — a provision the Broadway industry has heavily championed — an extension of unemployment benefits and the additional $300 per week and $1400 stimulus checks that begin phasing out at annual incomes of $75,000, with an $80,000 cap. The bill awaits signature from President Joe Biden, who is expected to sign it into law Friday.
The COBRA subsidies are of particular importance to the Broadway workforce, as many workers have been kicked off or in danger of losing their health insurance coverage during the Broadway shutdown. Under the American Rescue Plan Act, workers can receive subsidies through Sept. 30, 2021 that will cover 100% of their premiums on their union health plan.
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