Seniors and disabled Americans will receive billions of dollars in funding as part of the American Rescue Plan, Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.) announced Thursday.

Casey met virtually with Erie area advocates and leaders Thursday morning.

In all, $12.7 billion is included for home and community based services. Of that total, $730 million will be allocated to Pennsylvania.

The plan includes Casey's legislation, which also provides $700 million for nursing home infection control and to vaccinate residents and workers.

Nearly one-third of all U.S. COVID-19 deaths are connected to nursing homes.

"This is about American values," said Sen. Casey, chair of the Senate Aging Committee. "This is about whether or not we're going to affirm the dignity and the lives of those who are represented on this call."

Casey notes these are one-time funds, but says he's working to find long-term solutions.