James S. Brady Press Briefing Room
12:27 P.M. EDT
MS. PSAKI: Hi, everyone. Happy Wednesday. Don't be distracted by Andrew's fabulous seersucker suit over here. (Laughter.)
Okay, a couple of items for all of you at the top. The President is running a little bit late too, so we'll have a hard out at about five or ten after, but we'll keep you honest, for those of you who are joining his event.
Today, the Biden-Harris administration launched the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program, a first-of-its-kind water assistance program that will expand access to more affordable water, and help low-income households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic pay their water and wastewater bills, avoid shutoffs, and support household water system reconnections related to non-payment. $166.6 million, or 15 percent of allocated program funding, is being made immediately available to grantees, which will then, of course, be distributed in communities.
In total, $1.1 billion will be available through grants, including $500 million in American Rescue Plan funding.
The President believes that having access to affordable, clean, and safe drinking water is essential to everybody's health and wellbeing.
A little preview of the President's remarks for later this afternoon: We have now vaccinated 63 percent of the country [adults], and over 72 percent of those 40 and older are vaccinated thanks to aggressive action by this administration. COVID-19 cases and deaths have plummeted as a result. Cases are down over 90 percent. Deaths are down over 85 percent since January 20th. The fact remains: If you are not vaccinated, you are at risk of getting the virus or spreading it to someone else.
So, today, the President will announce the launch of a month of action to mobilize an all-of-America sprint to get more people vaccinated by July 4th. Community leaders, faith partners, businesses, celebrities, athletes, colleges, and thousands of volunteers will participate in this nationwide campaign.
And as part of the month of action, we're making it even easier to get vaccinated, which, as we've seen, is the key to increasing numbers and getting more shots in arms.
So the nation's largest childcare providers will watching — will be watching kids for free while parents get the shot. Vaccines will happen at barber shops, baseball games, and NASCAR races. Pharmacies will be open 24 hours on Fridays.
