EMERGENCY ACTION:
It’s urgent: Please, you have to call your Senators!
Tell them: Vote for the House coronavirus bill!
It is urgent that Congress takes at least initial action NOW to protect people as the coronavirus pandemic takes hold. The House voted for the Families First Act, 363-40 early Saturday morning, March 14. They will have to vote again, because of a technical problem with the bill. But it will go to the Senate, perhaps as soon as Monday, March 16.
This bill is far from all the nation needs to address the pandemic and the economic shock it is causing. But it is an essential start. It includes immediate paid sick leave and paid family leave, expanded unemployment insurance, vital nutrition aid, more Medicaid funds for states, and free COVID-19 testing and treatment.
The Senate must hear the loud voice of constituents saying WE NEED THESE PROTECTIONS NOW. If we’re silent, more dangerous delay.
This is a first step. We need to make sure it puts the needs of low-income and vulnerable people first.
Two easy options to call:
Thanks to MomsRising and Indivisible, there are two phone numbers you can use to reach your senators. They each have suggested messages you can use, or use what’s below.
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MomsRising: Text COVID19 to 747464 or call 1-844-633-2048
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Indivisible: Click here to connect directly to your senators’ offices.
Sample script:
“Hello, my name is ______ and I am from [city/town]. This is urgent: Please tell Senator _____ to vote for the House coronavirus bill NOW – it protects people most in need and so protects all of us. The bill includes immediate paid sick leave and paid family leave, unemployment insurance, nutrition aid, more Medicaid funds for states, and free testing. The House bill is a necessary start – please vote for it now, and then get to work on providing more help for the most vulnerable, including health workers.”
This is a true national emergency – you know that. Congress must do a lot more than this bill, but this must pass now. If there ever was a time for you to speak up, it’s now.
*The House bill, H.R. 6201, Families First Coronavirus Response Act, is a first step. Here’s a summary.
