John,

Mitch McConnell is not only blocking additional COVID-19 aid to state and local governments―calling for states to file for bankruptcy instead of receiving federal aid―but he’s gone one step further. McConnell’s office recently published an official Senate document titled “Stopping Blue State Bailouts.”[1]

Mitch is perfectly happy for the federal government to direct a majority of aid, such as Medicaid and SNAP benefits, to red states. But when it comes to helping so-called blue states through a health and economic crisis, it appears they’re on their own.

And now Trump is piling on, tweeting yesterday: “Why should the people and taxpayers of America be bailing out poorly run states (like Illinois, as example) and cities, in all cases Democrat run and managed, when most of the other states are not looking for bailout help?”[2]

Never mind that the bipartisan National Governors Association has told Congress states need $500 billion in financial aid.[3] And counties, cities and towns―run by Democrats and Republicans alike―are desperate for $250 billion in federal coronavirus aid.[4]

Remember, just a month ago McConnell and Trump were happy to sneak into the $2 trillion financial aid law a $135 billion tax break that is almost exclusively benefiting 43,000 millionaire business owners with an average $1.6 million tax cut this year alone. A tax break we are working tirelessly to repeal.

Right now, it’s critical that aid be directed where the need is greatest. This pandemic isn’t about red states and blue states―it’s about humanity and supporting those on the frontlines. And when the rich and corporations pay their fair share in taxes, we can do just that!

Americans for Tax Fairness Action Fund is demanding Congress repeal the $135 billion tax handout to wealthy business owners that was included in the CARES Act. Instead, they must direct critical resources to those on the frontline of the pandemic.

Donate today to demand that the next financial aid package, CARES 2 Act, repeals tax breaks for those on top and directs that aid to those on the frontline of the pandemic.

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Together, it’s up to us to hold Congress accountable to the American people in this time of desperate need.

Thank you,

Frank Clemente
Executive Director
Americans for Tax Fairness Action Fund

[1] “McConnell takes flak after suggesting bankruptcy for states rather than bailouts,” The Washington Post, April 23, 2020

[2] The Hill, “Trump asks why taxpayers should help bail out blue states,” April 27, 2020

[3] National Governors Assoc., “Governors’ Letter Regarding COVID-19 Aid Request,” April 21, 2020.

[4] NLC-NACO-USCM Fiscal Assistance Letter to Congress, April 16, 2020