John,

America is facing Great Depression-level unemployment, COVID is killing a thousand people per day, and Mitch McConnell’s priority isn’t helping people, it’s shielding negligent corporations.

While Democrats are fighting to extend the enhanced unemployment benefits that are keeping millions out of poverty, Mitch McConnell is demanding corporate immunity for companies that expose workers to the COVID-19 virus. Not only are Republicans trying to force Americans back onto the job with COVID cases rising, but they don’t want corporations to take steps to keep their workers safe!

Under McConnell’s plan―released this week―companies that fail to provide masks and gloves, don't enforce social distancing, or recklessly expose customers to COVID-19 could be let off the hook.

Meanwhile, workers and seniors living in nursing homes continue to die.

Tell Congress to hold employers and nursing homes accountable if they cause COVID-19 outbreaks in the workplace.

The COVID-19 nursing home death toll throughout our country is shocking: So far, more than 57,000 seniors have died in nursing homes as a direct result of the pandemic. As of this month, the virus has infected more than 316,000 people at some 14,000 facilities.¹

The HEROES Act, passed by the House of Representatives more than two months ago, contained several provisions aimed at addressing the nursing home crisis. But as Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans drag their feet, the number of nursing home-related deaths continues to rise with 40% of all U.S. coronavirus deaths now linked to nursing homes.

Instead of protecting residents and employees, McConnell seeks to shield private equity-backed nursing home owners from liability for the people killed in their care.

It’s outrageous that Republicans in Congress and across the country continue to place short-term profits over the health and safety of our seniors.

In the past month, Florida nursing homes and assisted-living facilities have seen a 74% increase in coronavirus cases.² According to a Politico interview this week with Mary Mayhew, secretary of the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, "Infected, asymptomatic health workers themselves are carrying the virus and transmitting to their own patients."

Why should negligence like this be protected? And why is the Senate putting corporate immunity ahead of the needs of seniors and employees?

Together, let's reject COVID-19 corporate immunity! Demand Congress hold employers accountable if they cause COVID-19 outbreaks. Sign if you agree.

We are living in a global pandemic with a disease that has no known treatment, cure or vaccine.  

Instead of trying to guard companies from being sued for failing to take basic precautions, Congress should act immediately to protect people, not corporate profits. Congress should be fighting for more testing, contact tracing, mask production, and direct aid to those on the frontlines—including nursing homes.

Thank you for your support during this challenging time. Together, we will hold Washington politicians accountable to the American people.

Michael Phelan
Social Security Works