This is a terrifying moment for everyone. As many of us stay home to help "flatten the curve," millions in this country simply can't. Even steps that seem simple – stocking up on groceries, avoiding public transportation – are impossible for millions who don't have the savings, the health insurance, or the sick leave.

COVID-19 is illuminating a stark fact: Millions of families in America live on the edge. Tell Congress: Expand social protections, don't bail out corporations.

Earlier this week, Congress finally passed a significant package that offers some relief – but it falls woefully short in critical areas. The next package must address these gaps.

As Congress continues to battle over these measures, it's on all of us to stand up and say loud and clear: put people and families – not corporations – first.

We are calling on Congress to take swift action to prioritize the needs of those who cannot isolate and are exposed to risk, and:

• Mandate universal permanent paid family and sick leave for ALL workers, not just some: More than ever before, the virus reveals how essential it is that all workers be able to stay home when they're sick. Congress recently passed legislation that mandated paid sick leave – but it excludes 80 percent of workers. We need to do better.
• Stimulate the economy in ways that benefit people, not corporations. Congress must provide immediate and direct cash payments to all families and individuals, increase federal funds for Medicaid to cover surge costs, prohibit subsidies for huge fossil fuel companies, and refuse to implement a payroll tax that would decimate Social Security and provide no help for laid-off workers.
• Ensure no blank checks for corporations. This is not a moment for corporate bailouts and tax cuts. Instead, we must focus all stimulus efforts on consumers and working families. If companies want taxpayer dollars there must be strings attached to protect working people.

We're calling for other important measures too, like ensuring everyone can get healthcare for the coronavirus for free, increasing unemployment assurance, and protecting migrants. You can read more about what we're demanding of Congress here.

In this crisis, it's vital to make sure our response addresses the very real needs of millions of people on the edge. Add your voice to the swell of demand here.

Thank you for standing with us and all those who have been affected by this pandemic.

Sincerely,

Gina Cummings
Director of Campaigns
Oxfam America Action Fund