John,
The COVID-19 crisis has created a lot of fear and uncertainty in all of our daily lives. Many of us are worrying about how this will impact our jobs and how we’ll pay the rent; or how we’ll take care of elderly parents or kids home from a shuttered school—perhaps for weeks.
It’s important to not let the fear immobilize us and take over our lives. One way to overcome this is to take action to change the situation.
For example, thanks to your hard work, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a response to the COVID-19 pandemic that rejected tax cuts (for the time being, at least) in favor of real solutions that will put money directly into the pockets of working people and families impacted by school closings and work stoppages.
The bill is now before the U.S. Senate where its fate is much less certain. Write to your senators right now and tell them to vote in favor of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act!
The bill (H.R. 6201) will:
Provide free COVID-19 testing for everyone who needs a test, including those without health coverage, and increased funds for Medicaid to help low-income families cope with medical costs.
Provide 14 days of emergency paid sick leave for tens of millions of workers at businesses that employ fewer than 500 employees, up to 12 weeks of family and medical leave (at two-thirds pay) for those affected by the virus. (Unfortunately, Congressional Republicans rejected a provision to require large employers—those with over 500 employees—to provide emergency paid sick leave for their employees.)
Strengthen unemployment insurance for those who lose their jobs.
Direct hundreds of millions of dollars to nutrition programs serving children and seniors as schools close and food banks are strained.
Write to your senators demanding they vote in favor of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201)!
This bill correctly prioritizes putting the health and financial security of U.S. families first with free COVID-19 testing, 14 days of paid sick leave for millions of workers, and much-needed money for unemployment insurance and nutrition programs for children and seniors.
We’re learning more each day about the profound impact the pandemic will have on our families, communities and nation. We can get through this—together.
We’ll continue to keep you updated on ways to respond to this crisis that will support and benefit all of us.
Thank you. Stay safe and stay healthy!
Frank Clemente
Executive Director
Americans for Tax Fairness
P.S. This month, you can support ATF without opening your wallet. Click here to vote for ATF in this month’s CREDO voting!
