Dear John, 

As Congress debates the next COVID-19 relief package, it’s critical that we urge elected officials to take bold action to meet the real needs of communities across the U.S.—and protect the health and well-being of all as we face more difficult months ahead. ​​​​​​​

Tell Congress: Take bold action in the next COVID-19 relief package! [link removed]

Previous relief packages have fallen short of the aid our communities truly need, particularly for immigrants, low-income Black and Brown communities, and people who are incarcerated. It’s time for Congress to address the public health and economic challenges facing the country by: 

— Ensuring that all taxpayers are eligible for stimulus payments and health care benefits, regardless of immigration status.

— Providing aid to state and local governments to respond to the pandemic and overcome budget shortfalls created by the health crisis and economic shutdowns.

— Including vaccinations and personal protective equipment (PPE) for people who are incarcerated, while also prioritizing their release.

— Raising the federal minimum wage. The pandemic has been especially hard on people who were already struggling to make ends meet, and this long-overdue increase to the minimum wage will mitigate widening income inequality in the U.S. 

— Creating a roadmap to citizenship for undocumented essential workers, people with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protect Status (TPS), and all other undocumented immigrants in the U.S.

Without additional relief, the public health and economic crisis will only worsen for many in our communities. Congress must make big changes now to keep our communities healthy and well and on a secure path to recovery. 

In solidarity, 

Tori Bateman
Policy Advocacy Coordinator

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American Friends Service Committee
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