John,

In the midst of dual health and economic crises, this is not a time for Congress to pass a weak pandemic relief bill that shortchanges critically needed aid to the unemployed, families and communities. But that’s exactly what a group of 10 Republican Senators are proposing in the next round of COVID relief.

Tomorrow, Senators will debate the size and scope of the plan and whether it includes critical protections such as more robust unemployment benefits; aid to open schools and to support jobs and public services in communities; paid leave; rental assistance and water and utility assistance; and more.

Take a look at the chart below, which outlines President Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID relief plan vs. the Senate GOP plan, which is roughly one-third the size.

Then sign the petition telling congressional Democrats to not take the bait on a Republican proposal, which provides $0 for schools, paid leave, state and local aid, first responders and more.

Nearly 8 million Americans have slipped into poverty since the pandemic began―2.3 million of which are children.[1] Thankfully, President Biden’s proposal would cut the rate of child poverty in half in the first year.[2]

We cannot back off of the critical aid that our children, families and communities desperately need. Sign the petition to congressional Democrats to not take the bait on the small GOP plan that does not meet the urgency of the moment.

Thank you for fighting for a pandemic relief package that reaches everyone in need.

Frank Clemente
Executive Director
Americans for Tax Fairness

[1] "Nearly 8 million Americans have fallen into poverty since the summer," Washington Post, Dec. 16, 2020

[2] "The Potential Poverty Reduction Effect of President-Elect Biden’s Economic Relief Proposal: Relief Package Could Cut Child Poverty in Half," Columbia University, Jan. 14, 2021