FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Monday, July 28, 2020

Republican Willful Disregard Will Deepen Long Lasting Economic Recession

On Monday, July 27, 2020, the Republican-led Senate proposed a COVID-19 relief bill that slashes the unemployment benefits from the CARES Act and fails to include immigrants in relief measures. In response, Community Change Action President Lorella Praeli said:

“The pandemic relief Congress has delivered so far has been too little, too short, and too narrow from the outset. An unprecedented number of people have lost their jobs, risk losing their homes, and have lost loved ones during this pandemic–and yet, Senate Republicans are more concerned about lining the pockets of the wealthy than doing their job to protect the health and lives of millions of people. Their negligence will cause a long lasting economic recession and risk the health and wellbeing of us all.

This crisis has made clear that our communities, including immigrant families, need an economic foundation–a home, direct cash payments, health care, child care, and other services to safely weather the long lasting impacts of this pandemic.

The HEROES Act passed by the House is a good first step that would bring relief to many workers and families previously excluded. Expanded unemployment benefits and cash payments, unrestricted paid leave and sick time, mortgage and rent relief, a financial cushion for the states and expanded Medicaid to all, are key as families try to physical distance to diminish the threat of this virus.

Now more than ever, our fates are dependent on each other, and the Senate needs to grow a spine and come together to bring this critical, lifesaving legislation into reality. If they don’t, come November those who are suffering will make sure the Senators lose their jobs, too.”

Steve Choi, FIRM Action co-chair and executive director of NYIC Action said: 

“The most recent Republican COVID relief proposal falls far short of what families need to weather this pandemic once again. Immigrant families continue to be forgotten as Republicans introduce relief packages, even though immigrants are at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19 and are disproportionately impacted by the effects of this pandemic.

The Republican HEALS Act is a failure. The House passed HEROES Act is the down payment on the kind of COVID-19 relief we really need and the Senate needs to go further to fight for full inclusion of immigrants in economic and health measures to ensure everyone has better footing to navigate this pandemic. Continuing to exclude immigrants is unconscionable and will only continue to deepen the disparities that are harming immigrants and communities of color across the country. It’s time for Congress to step up and pass a full recovery package that includes everyone.”

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