Dear Friend,

The coronavirus (COVID-19) will impact millions of people in this country and
around the world. The $8 billion package recently passed by Congress is a first
step to address the outbreak but is insufficient in addressing the needs of
people, especially those who are low-income and vulnerable.

Legislators are drafting another bill, the Families First Coronavirus Response
Act, to stimulate the economy and assist those affected by the outbreak.

Take Action [[link removed]]This legislation focuses on those whose jobs and situations do not provide the
resources or flexibility to meet the recommended self-quarantining measures,
caregiving responsibilities, and economic impact of the disease. It is still
being negotiated, and we believe it should include:

* Free coronavirus testing for everyone who needs a test, including the uninsured.
* Paid emergency leave with both 14 days of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family
and medical leave.
* Enhanced Unemployment Insurance
* Strengthened food security initiatives , including SNAP, student meals, seniors’ nutrition, and food banks.
* Increased federal funds for Medicaid to help states deal with increased costs.

Congress and the president must act quickly to ensure that everyone is protected
from both the disease itself and from the seemingly inevitable economic impact
and fallout. Contact your Congress members and urge them to act quickly in offering aid to
those at risk of losing income, health care, or food security. In I Corinthians 12 the Apostle Paul casts a vision of the church as
functioning as a human body, and “when one part suffers, all parts suffer with
it.” Therefore, it is both a moral and pragmatic imperative to take this
outbreak seriously and play our part to protect ourselves and others,
particularly those most in harm’s way. Though this legislation is an important
next step, we expect that more actions and legislation will be required in the
coming days, weeks, and months in response to the coronavirus.

In faith,

Rev. Adam Taylor
Executive Director

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