Dear John,

In crisis moments, we can often feel powerless. But today — right now — there is something you can do to make sure our government provides the leadership we so desperately need.

Congress must take urgent action to protect public health and ensure that working families aren’t devastated by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before this crisis, many families throughout our country were already struggling, of course. But this pandemic is exposing weaknesses in our labor laws and social insurance systems as workers cannot take paid time off if they are sick, be assured of access to medical help, or be able to meet basic needs should they be laid off as a consequence of the virus. There are a number of important policy tools that Congress and the administration can use to limit the spread and harm of the virus and prevent it from wreaking economic havoc.

The House has proposed a bill that would:

• Empower employees and employers to prevent further spread of the virus with paid sick leave.
• Invest in testing and health care for people affected by COVID-19.
• Get help to more families facing illness-related job loss more quickly, preventing widespread economic hardship, bolstering macroeconomic response to slow additional job losses, and helping affected families and communities get back on their feet more quickly.

Tell your members of Congress to help lead in this critical moment by passing immediate legislation to help working families survive this crisis.

Too many families live a single paycheck away from disaster. And that coming disaster is far too real right now. Join me in urging Congress to act today.

Sincerely,