Washington (AFP) – US lawmakers on Monday approved a $900 billion relief package for the world’s biggest economy that will provide a long-sought boost for millions of Americans and businesses battered by the coronavirus pandemic. Overwhelming approval in the Senate and House of Representatives clears the way for the legislation to be sent to President Donald Trump to be signed into law. “The American people can rest assured that more help is on the way, immediately,” Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell said on Twitter. As the Covid-19 death count rises amid a massive resurgence of the vir…
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(NEW YORK) In response to passage of a COVID relief package, Ann Toback CEO of the Workers Circle, issued the following statement:
“The Workers Circle welcomes the passage of a COVID-19 relief package. It is an important first step in providing funds to meet the staggering economic needs resulting from the pandemic. While it increases food assistance, extends the eviction moratorium by one month, offers some jobless benefits and stimulus money, more relief is needed as families struggle to meet basic needs. Cities and states — left out of this latest relief bill — bear much of the brunt of the economic fall-out from COVID. Furthermore, while we are pleased that US citizens in mixed-status families will now be eligible for relief, most immigrants are excluded, many of whom are still on the front lines providing essential services to our communities.
“The Workers Circle has tirelessly advocated to ensure that immigrants were included in the package and that cities and states received the aid they needed. Through calls, emails, and virtual visits with members of Congress, Workers Circle activists pushed for a stronger bill. We will continue our efforts and call on the incoming Biden Administration and the 117th Congress to move quickly on a comprehensive, inclusive relief package that provides significant and meaningful assistance to all families and to cities and states.”
In response to Congress passing the long-awaited COVID-19 relief package, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria today said:
“I’m encouraged that Congress took a step to provide much-needed relief for families, renters, healthcare providers and small businesses, but I remain deeply troubled by the lack of fiscal support for local and state governments. While I am grateful for our local delegation’s leadership today, we need Congress and the incoming administration to take immediate action so we can continue to keep neighborhoods safe and clean, pave streets, and provide the critical services San Diegans rely on. I will continue to fight alongside my fellow mayors to get the direct assistance we need to jump start our local economies and begin to build back better for all of us.”