This is an anxious time for all of us. But if we stay informed and take the advice of public health professionals — and our federal, state and local governments act decisively — we will get through the coronavirus crisis.
The Senate just took an important step forward by finally passing the "Phase 2" legislation that provides free coronavirus testing, more paid sick leave, extended unemployment insurance, food assistance, and preliminary assistance to small businesses.
But it's not anywhere near enough.
I've been speaking with public health officials, workers, community leaders, and small business owners across our state to make sure that we meet the needs of all Marylanders as we move forward to the next stage of federal relief plans (Phase 3).
In addition to keeping health care and public health efforts fully funded, we must plan for virtually every American to feel the effect of the economic slowdown. We need to substantially beef up our unemployment compensation efforts, prevent foreclosures and evictions, and help small businesses — especially in the hard-hit restaurant, hospitality and travel industries — that are at risk of going under.
As we work to pass Phase 3, hopefully this week, these are my guiding principles:
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Focus on people in need: workers, students, families, and struggling small businesses
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Provide help immediately: reassure the public by finishing and passing Phase 3 as quickly as possible because the negative economic impact will grow daily
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Support those businesses that are doing right by their workers and communities, but do not allow CEOs to exploit the crisis to pad their bonuses, provide stock buybacks, or otherwise take advantage of the situation at others' expense
As efforts to address the crisis progress, I'll continue to keep you informed.
Chris
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