Dear friend,

The growing coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic is already having far-reaching effects on communities all across the country, particularly hurting workers and low-income families.

Most schools, restaurants, bars, and non-essential businesses are closed in many states, resulting in millions of service industry workers being temporarily laid off or going without a paycheck. It also means millions of school children are home without access to the free meals they’d normally receive, putting further financial strain on their families.

One thing is clear: our government must act, and fast. Last weekend, the U.S. House successfully passed bipartisan legislation called the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act, which would provide two weeks of emergency paid leave for most hourly workers, $1 billion in unemployment funding and another $1 billion in food aid, as well as free testing for anyone who suspects they have the virus.

But for some reason, the U.S. Senate under Mitch McConnell’s leadership has yet to vote on this desperately needed relief, with some Republicans expressing opposition to providing paid sick leave for workers.

The Senate’s inaction is absolutely shameful, and they must act swiftly to assist the people they were elected to serve who are currently struggling in the midst of this public health and economic crisis.

If I was in the Senate, this legislation would have my support. Let’s urge the Senate, including Mississippi’s Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, to do the right thing and vote for relief ASAP: add your name to my petition now.

Middle and low-income families cannot be left in limbo. The Senate needs to put aside partisan politics and pass bipartisan legislation to lift up suffering communities as soon as possible.

Thanks,

Mike