Are Black Linn residents disproportionately infected with COVID-19?

State and local governments across the nation are contemplating how to spend their shares of funding allocated through the federal American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 aid bill intended to support the public health response and lay a foundation for an equitable economic recovery.

Linn County officials focused on equity during an Aug. 11 public forum at the downtown Cedar Rapids Public Library while receiving input on how to divvy up the county’s $44 million allocation. In communicating why equity is central to how this funding is allocated, Linn County Sustainability Program Manager Tamara Marcus spoke about how the pandemic has exacerbated racial and ethnic disparities, shown in the impact on individuals’ finances and health.

Marcus also is challenging Cedar Rapids City Council member Dale Todd for the District 3 seat in the Nov. 2 local election.

“We see that 30 percent of people within Linn County who have had COVID-19 are Black,” Marcus said, whereas “Black people only made up 6 percent of Linn County’s population.”

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This Fact Checker Podcast episode was researched hosted by Marissa Payne of The Gazette and features The Gazette's Erin Jordan and Michaela Ramm. The Fact Checker Podcast is produced by Stephen Colbert and music is Lobby Time by Kevin MacLeod.

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3986-lobby-time/

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