Dear John,
Coronavirus infections in the U.S. just surpassed 5,000 confirmed cases. More schools and jobs are moving online. This virus is changing our lives in unprecedented ways.
But Trump and his cronies in Congress are exploiting this crisis to line the pockets of Big Polluters. They’re pushing a coronavirus stimulus bill that includes billions in bailout money for the fracking industry and others.
We can’t let Congress put polluter profits over the needs of millions of Americans who are struggling with lost wages, childcare issues, and more. Together, we must send a loud and clear message: Protect the American people, not Big Polluters.
Tell your Senators: Don’t exploit coronavirus to bail out Big Polluters!
Trump’s weak response to this global pandemic has people worried. The stock market is plummeting. States are initiating sporadic curfews and city lockdowns. Most of the San Francisco area is under a “shelter in place” order.
But instead of helping the American public through this crisis, Trump and the GOP Senate are working to protect Big Polluters. Last week, Trump kicked off phase one of his fossil fuel bailout -- ordering the purchase of at least $2.3 billion worth of oil to keep his polluter friends from going bankrupt.
But this is just the beginning. Recently, Senate Republicans announced a colossal $1 trillion aid package to help the country recover from coronavirus. This stimulus package would provide a $50 billion bailout for airlines, money for the cruise ship sector, and funding for other polluting industries that have tried to evade environmental regulations.
We need a coronavirus aid package that protects everyday people. It should include things like expansions to unemployment insurance, increases for Medicaid, and expansion of SNAP (food stamp) benefits.
This is a crisis and our legislators need to put people over polluters. But your Senators will only do the right thing if they feel pressure from constituents like you!
Don’t let Congress leave people in harm’s way while bailing out Big Polluters!
It’s no surprise that Big Polluters and giant corporations are using this moment to their benefit. They’re pushing for public lands giveaways, tax credits, and low-interest loans all under the pretext of helping frontline workers. Meanwhile,Trump and Senate Republicans are enabling them.
Our leaders must protect people -- especially the most vulnerable -- from the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
We must demand more from our legislators. And with your help, we can demand Congress put people over corporate profits!
Put people over polluter profits: Tell Congress to reject the Big Oil bailout and pass coronavirus aid for workers and families now!
Standing with you,
Michelle Chan,
Vice president of programs,
Friends of the Earth
