This is a 100% volunteer effort brought to you by a handful of progressive Democrats and Independents who share a vision of an informed electorate. We want to offer a big thank you to the Pennsylvania Together and Pennsylvania Statewide Indivisible organizations who host our report and help us share it out to the residents of our Commonwealth!
What action has taken place in Washington this past week has been entirely focused on the coronavirus pandemic. What you’ll find below in this week’s report:
- A legislative recap of H.R. 748: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, the phase three response bill passed and enacted this week.
- The statements made by 20 Pennsylvania Members of Congress in the wake of the passage of the phase three legislation.
We at MoCTrack continue to hope that you and your loved ones are safe and well during this crisis.
Phase Three of Pandemic Response Passes the Senate and House, and is Signed into Law
Senate Vote on H.R. 748: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
House Action on H.R. 748: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
The Phase Three legislative package passed both houses this week and was signed into law by President Trump. This is what the bill contains:
- Direct Payments to Americans – Individuals who make up to $75,000 a year will get $1,200. Married couples who make up to $150,000 a year will get $2,400. Payment to people who make above those amounts will decrease up to a cut off point of $99,000 for individuals and $198,000 for couples. People making above that will not receive a direct payment.
- Increased Unemployment Benefits – $260 billion is set aside for states to supplement their unemployment programs by $600/week four months.
- Assistance to Corporations/Small businesses – $500 billion of loans or investments to businesses, states and municipalities, and $32 billion in grants to the airline industry
- Hospital and Health Provider Assistance – $100 billion to hospitals and health providers and increases Medicare reimbursements for treating coronavirus.
Of all of our Pennsylvania lawmakers, PA-07’s Rep. Susan Wild provided the most detail on the additional provisions in the bill. What follows is an excerpt from her statement:
…More Than $100 Billion in Additional Emergency Appropriations, Including the Following:
- Transit Agencies: Provides $25 billion to transit agencies, which have all seen a drastic drop in revenues as social distancing has been implemented. This funding is to be used to protect the jobs of the employees of the transit agencies, funding their paychecks during this public health emergency. Pennsylvania will receive $1.13 billion under this program.
- HUD Emergency Solution Grants: Provides $2 billion for HUD Emergency Solution Grants to states that will be distributed by formula. These grants are designed to address the impact of the coronavirus among individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and to support additional homeless assistance, prevention, and eviction prevention assistance. Of this $2 billion, Pennsylvania will receive $112 million. In addition, the bill provides an additional $2 billion for these grants that will be allocated by HUD to the most hard-pressed areas.
- Child Care and Development Block Grant: Supports child care and early education by providing $3.5 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant. Pennsylvania will receive $105 million under this emergency appropriation.
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Provides $900 million to help low-income families pay their heating and cooling bills. Pennsylvania will receive $15.3 million for this purpose during this public health emergency.
- Byrne-Justice Assistance Grant Program: Provides $850 million for this program, giving additional support to state and local law enforcement agencies, thereby allowing them, for example, to obtain the personal protective equipment and other medical items they may need during this public health emergency. Pennsylvania will receive $28 million under this appropriation.
- CDC Coronavirus State, Local and Tribal Grants Minimum Awards: Provides about $750 million in CDC State, Local, and . Tribal Grants Minimum Awards to help agencies cope with the public health emergency. The minimum award for Pennsylvania is $18.8 million. In addition, states can apply for additional funds above their minimum award, based on their needs.
- Election Assistance: Provides $400 million for Election Assistance Grants for states to help prepare for the 2020 elections. Coronavirus is already resulting in the postponement of some primaries and this funding can help states make voting safer for individuals. Funding can be used, for example, to increase the ability to vote by mail, expand early voting, and expand online registration. Pennsylvania will receive $14.12 million for these purposes.
The vote in the Senate took place on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. The measure passed 96-0.
The House was set to pass the measure by unanimous consent on Thursday, March 26th, allowing most lawmakers to stay at home and practice social distancing. But Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, refused to allow the unanimous consent motion to go ahead. By his objection he forced at least 218 lawmakers to come to back to Washington to vote in person on Friday, March 27, 2020. All of those lawmakers and their staff were put at risk so that Rep. Massie could get this exchange into the Congressional Record:
Video of the House passage can be found on here, from C-SPAN.
Additional Reading:
- “Trump signs $2 trillion coronavirus relief bill as the US tries to prevent economic devastation,” from CNBC
- “Trump signs historic $2 trillion stimulus after Congress passes it Friday,” from CNN Politics
- “House gives final passage to $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill,” from NBC News
- “Trump says he won’t comply with key transparency measures in the coronavirus stimulus bill,” from Vox
- “Will you get a $1,200 check from the $2 trillion stimulus bill? Depends on how much money you make,” from MarketWatch
Both Senator Casey and Senator Toomey voted YES on the final version of the bill.
The House vote was a voice vote after a quorum call, and the measure passed.
President Trump signed it into law on March 27, 2020.
Lawmaker statements on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
Content was collected from Wednesday, March 25th through Saturday March 28st.
🔵 Senator Bob Casey
From his official website, dated 03/25/20 – “Casey Statement on Agreement on Third Coronavirus Relief Package”
“For days, Senate Democrats have been fighting for a COVID-19 relief bill that helps workers and families, not just special interests. We held firm in our insistence that the health and security of Americans must take precedence over corporate bailouts. The bill that the Senate is now considering provides significant funding to combat this public health emergency, including a $150 billion “Marshall Plan” for hospitals, nursing homes and community health centers, providing them with the resources they desperately need. It includes necessary aid to workers and families like an unprecedented investment in unemployment insurance, and over $377 billion in immediate relief for small businesses and additional resources for medium-sized businesses. I am also pleased that it includes provisions from my bill, the Coronavirus Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities Act, to support seniors at home, including new resources and flexibilities for nutrition services, and to protect nursing home residents from this terrible virus.
Unlike Congressional Republicans, who refused to support the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act when a Democratic President proposed it to rescue the American economy in 2009, Democrats worked with a Republican Administration to help all Americans during this time of national crisis. This agreement could have been even better for Main Street if not for the intransigence of Senate Republicans, who prioritized Wall Street and corporate interests over hardworking Americans. This legislation must be the beginning of Congress’ efforts to address this public health crisis and stabilize our economy, not the end. I will continue to press for additional action and push the Administration to get money out the door quickly and ensure that Americans receive the immediate relief they need.”
🔴 Senator Pat Toomey
From his official website, dated 03/25/20 – “Toomey Statement on Passage of the CARES Act”
“A lethal pathogen has invaded our country, killing hundreds and making tens of thousands ill. In an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus, employers across the country, including in Pennsylvania, have been forced to close. Our economy is shutting down and millions of Americans are unable to work, travel, or simply enjoy common aspects of life.
“For financially-stressed families and workers who are furloughed or laid off, the CARES Act delivers direct payments and expanded unemployment benefits. The CARES Act aims to keep this economic contraction from becoming a full-blown depression through crucial lending programs for businesses – small and large – so they can survive an extended period with little or no revenue.
“This bill will also help America forcefully combat this unprecedented public health crisis. It gives billions of dollars in aid for hospitals treating the sick, researchers developing a vaccine, and healthcare workers and first responders on the front line of this fight.
“The CARES Act is far from perfect. Unfortunately, it contains policies that waste taxpayer money and others that create unhelpful incentives. Nevertheless, this bill will do much more good than harm. This crisis demands this action and the Senate delivered. I hope the House moves quickly to pass it and send it to the President for his signature.”
🔴 PA-01’s Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick
From his Facebook page, dated 03/27/20
“Minutes ago, the House passed Phase 3 of our #COVID19 response, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. This bill will provide much needed relief to our healthcare workers, small businesses, workers, and families.”
🔵 PA-02’s Rep. Brendan Boyle
From his official website, dated 03/27/20 – “Boyle Statement on the Passage of the Third Stimulus Package”
“This is the largest stimulus bill in American history. And yet, it is still not enough to meet the enormous demands we are facing. There are many positives things in this bill. There are also things that I do not support and should have never been included.
“The direct payments of $1,200 per adult and $500 per child will help people who are suffering. The record increase in unemployment aid will also help the millions who are now suddenly out of work. But Congress still must do more.”
“The $150 billion toward our health care system will certainly help. But there is much more to do for our brave health care workers who are on the front lines of fighting this battle. In particular, we must get them the equipment they need – NOW.”
“The aid in this bill to help small businesses is clearly welcome relief. But there is more to do to help small businesses survive, which have been devastated during this crisis and may go under.”
“This bill may now be done, but this is no time to rest. I call on Congress to immediately get to work on our next Coronavirus bill. We don’t have time to waste. I will continue to fight for everyday Americans in Philadelphia, and across the nation, to address their needs so we can overcome this pandemic together.”
🔵 PA-03’s Rep. Dwight Evans
From his official website, dated 03/27/20 – “Evans Votes for Economic Rescue Bill”
“This economic rescue bill isn’t perfect but urgent action is needed to prevent a second Great Depression. People and businesses in Philadelphia and across the country need help now. And this bill includes many critical priorities I and Democratic colleagues fought for.”
“As far as I am concerned, this is far from the last coronavirus bill. Democrats know there are still more needs to take care of because of the virus outbreak, and I fully expect we will be developing more legislation to take care of the American people during this challenging time.”
“I know this is a difficult time. When in doubt, listen to the medical professionals over anyone else. And if we work together – and do basic things like washing hands and maintaining social distancing – we will get through this outbreak.”
🔵 PA-04’s Rep. Madeleine Dean
From her official website, dated 03/27/20 – “Rep. Dean helps pass Historic Families & Workers-First Coronavirus Legislation and the Emergency Relief Sent to Montgomery and Berks Counties and all of Pennsylvania”
“The Coronavirus pandemic is an extraordinary reminder of our common humanity and our interconnectedness, and my district has been particularly hard hit — with hundreds infected and 3 deaths. Today, I rose in support of the CARES Act because it will provide unprecedented support and relief to workers, families, children, business owners, and most especially healthcare and essential workers — and all of Montgomery and Berks counties.”
🔵 PA-05’s Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon
From Medium, dated 03/27/20 – “STATEMENT: Scanlon Votes ‘Yes’ on CARES Act”
“We have an obligation to respond to this unprecedented crisis by securing the necessary resources for individuals and families across the country.
“The final version of the CARES Act passed by the Senate is a dramatic improvement over the partisan slush fund Leader McConnell initially introduced. This is not a perfect bill. But it will deliver desperately needed resources directly to my constituents, establish strong oversight on big companies receiving taxpayer funded grants or loans, and help our health care workers get the protection they need on the front lines of this pandemic.
“This bill package also includes provisions from my bill H.R. 5443, The Isaiah Baker and Margie Harris Austin Act, which expands coverage for Direct Support Professionals who care for individuals with disabilities to be with them during hospital stays and rightly get paid for their work.
“I urge swift signature from the President.
“My faith in the American people has never shaken — we will get through this together.”
🔵 PA-06’s Rep. Chrissy Houlahan
From Twitter, @RepHoulahan, dated 03/27/20:
“We have PASSED the bill.
While this bill is not perfect and should’ve been passed a week ago, I’m glad I was able to vote to pass it today and get it to the President’s desk for signature. Pennsylvanians and our nation need relief, and we need it now.
Health care workers on the front lines of fighting this #coronavirus pandemic are in desperate need of personal protective equipment. Small business owners, the backbone of our economy, need grants and low interest loans to weather this crisis.
Families and individuals need money in their pockets – for food, rent, medicine, and more. This bill, coupled with the previous two relief packages, helps the people who need it most.
There is still work to be done, and I want my community to know I’m here fighting for them every step of the way. “
🔵 PA-07’s Rep. Susan Wild
From her official website, dated 03/27/20, “Rep. Wild Applauds Passage of Historic Families & Workers-First Coronavirus Legislation”
“As I’ve said since the start of this crisis, my top concern is the health, safety, and economic security of working families in PA-07, as well as our health care providers and small businesses. Across my community our nurses, lab technicians, PAs, physicians, and custodial and cafeteria staff have put our most vulnerable ahead of themselves. I am proud to see my bill to support our most at-risk population – our seniors – included in this critical legislation. This crisis demands a fully-funded, government-wide response. Today, we respond to this emergency robustly, and provide immediate, meaningful assistance to our communities’ front-line health care workers, hungry families, and at-risk seniors.”
🔵 PA-08’s Rep. Matt Cartwright
From his official website, dated 03/27/20 – “Cartwright Statement in Support of Third COVID-19 Relief Package Passed by House”
“I deeply regret that I was unable to be present at today’s vote, and so submit this statement for the record in order to officially express my support for the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Had I not been under physician orders to self-quarantine, after coming into contact with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19, I would have proudly cast my vote in favor of this legislation. From the very start of this unprecedented public health and economic emergency, my number-one priority has been to put relief for our nation’s workers, families, and seniors first. After intense negotiation, this historic $2 trillion stimulus now takes a monumental step in that direction.
As the coronavirus continues to gain a foothold in the United States, workers face increasing uncertainty. Last week, the number of unemployment claims filed reached a record high, and those numbers are expected to only grow. The legislation that the House passed today offers much needed stability and peace of mind for American workers, by dramatically expanding our unemployment insurance program. As a result, jobless workers will see an increase of $600 per week in their unemployment benefits for a period of four months, as well as an extension of regular unemployment benefits by 13 weeks. Moreover, for the first time in history, independent contractors, gig workers, and self-employed individuals will be universally eligible to collect unemployment benefits.
As with our public health response, Congress recognizes the centrality of prevention to our nation’s economic response. Blunting the impact of this pandemic and necessary social distancing on workers will require not only that we strengthen the social safety net, but that we also provide robust assistance to America’s economic backbone: small businesses. Over the past week, Democrats have fiercely negotiated for enhanced relief for small businesses, and in the end we were able to secure $377 billion in funding. These loans and grants will help small businesses continue to make payroll and rent payments, and ultimately, keep workers employed.
From day one, we’ve understood that limiting economic fallout from coronavirus requires a multi-pronged approach. The direct payments, under this bill, will quickly inject cash into the pockets of American workers, families, and seniors, so that they can continue to make ends meet. While I would have liked to have seen even more generous payments go to our low- and middle-income Americans, I am nevertheless pleased with this start.
Finally, I am extremely grateful that Democrats and Republicans were able to come together to direct more than $150 billion to our hospitals and health care system. Anything less would have been shortsighted, and would have represented a grave failing on Congress’s part. Now, hospitals will have the resources needed to increase surge capacity. In addition, these funds will go towards supporting COVID-19 medical research and providing frontline health care workers with personal protective equipment, ventilators, and other critically-needed medical supplies. If we hope to slow the spread of this virus, save American lives—including those of our heroic frontline health care workers—, and help restore normalcy to our lives and economy, we must equip our health care system with the resources it needs to operate effectively. Over the coming months, it will be imperative that Congress continues to invest in the health care infrastructure.
Like any compromise, this bill is far from perfect. Still, the investments that the House has made today will go a long way toward delivering swift, meaningful relief to Americans, during this challenging time. Going forward, I will continue to push for further investment in our hard-hit communities. I am under no misconceptions that our work combating this pandemic is done. In the meantime, particularly in this era of sharp partisan division, I hope today’s uniquely bipartisan effort will serve as a comforting reminder to the American people of their government’s ability to come together in times of crisis to put them first.”
🔴 PA-09’s Rep. Dan Meuser
From his official website, dated 03/27/20 – “Meuser Statement on the Passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
“Our nation is fighting an invisible enemy. Thanks to President Trump and the Coronavirus Task Force, we are fighting back to protect the safety and health of the American people. Widespread confinement and social distancing will mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. They also have bought valuable time to ensure our hospitals are not overwhelmed with an influx of new patients. Yet, these necessary efforts have resulted in an economic crisis. This is not a crisis caused by a specific industry or weak economy. It is a voluntary shutdown of our economy in order to save lives. As a result, our government needs to support the families and businesses that are directly feeling the pain of this national emergency.
“Today, the House passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at providing immediate relief to the American people. The CARES Act will buy the needed resources for healthcare providers to fight the virus on the frontlines, including money for medical supplies, research, and therapeutics. It will ensure that hardworking Americans receive income and increased unemployment benefits during this crisis. For employers, the CARES Act will extend emergency loans to small businesses which are forgivable for retaining their employees. Importantly, it will also maintain liquidity in our economy and establish a stabilization fund for stressed businesses.
“This bill is not perfect, but it is necessary in the face of an unprecedented global health threat to strengthen our economy, protect jobs, and ultimately, ameliorate this pandemic.”
[Editor’s note – the bolded emphasis above was added by the Congressman in the original.]
🔴 PA-10’s Rep. Scott Perry
From his official website, dated 03/27/20 – “Perry Responds to Passage of CARES Act”
“Our Nation had a frustrating choice today: help the American People, small businesses, and healthcare workers during an exceptional crisis – and cave to the radical Left’s blatant political games – or sit back and continue to watch People suffer. The outbreak of COVID-19 threatens every American. I’ve been working tirelessly alongside thousands of our constituents over the past few weeks – who’ve shared their joblessness, panic and frustration, and who need immediate assistance in our communities. The CARES Act that passed in the House today is a far cry from perfect, and quite frankly, there’s a lot wrong with it; but it provides desperately needed resources for health care institutions to treat patients, allows Americans to keep food on the table, and enables small businesses to stay afloat and prepare to re-open their doors. While I’m extremely concerned about the $2.2 Trillion cost of the legislation – which includes tens of billions of dollars for agencies and items completely unrelated to this crisis, and have absolutely no place in a pandemic economic relief package – I’m clear-eyed about the immense cost our Country would face if Congress failed to act. Our communities, health care systems, and our economy couldn’t wait any longer.”
🔴 PA-11’s Rep. Lloyd Smucker
From his official website, dated 03/27/20 – “Smucker Statement on CARES Act”
“I am thankful that Congress came together to craft bipartisan legislation to support families and small businesses. Swift financial assistance will be delivered to hard-working families and unemployment insurance will be significantly expanded temporarily. Small businesses will have access to emergency loans to ensure they can continue to make payroll and give them the opportunity to survive this emergency. And critically, it will provide the funding necessary to invest in hospitals, equipment for our heroic healthcare providers and new medicines and vaccines to help beat this virus once and for all. To be clear, this is not perfect legislation, it is bipartisan compromise.’
“This legislation is a tool to be used by the American people, because it is the American people which will rise and have risen to this unprecedented challenge. We still face questions and some uncertainty about how this will continue to impact us all, but we know that we will get through it because of the American people. Our American ingenuity in the face of adversity will see us through to a stronger and more prosperous nation.”
🔴 PA-12’s Rep. Fred Keller
From his official website, dated 03/27/20 – “Congressman Fred Keller secures immediate and significant relief for small businesses and employees in Phase 3 COVID-19 response legislation”
“As an early advocate for substantial small business relief in Phase 3 relief legislation, I was pleased to see many of the provisions in the CARES Act that address small business concerns.
“The significant and immediate relief for small businesses and employees in the CARES Act will help ensure they can weather this crisis and our economy can recover quickly.
“While I believe this bill is not perfect, this legislation will provide much needed relief to our economy, help American families mitigate any economic harm, and provide critical resources to healthcare providers and regional response efforts.”
🔴 PA-13’s Rep. John Joyce
From his official website, dated 03/27/20 – “Dr. Joyce Statement on Coronavirus Relief”
“As our nation fights a war against an invisible enemy, it is more important than ever for Congress to support the American families, workers, small businesses, and frontline health care workers bearing the brunt of this public health crisis. We cannot allow the coronavirus to shut down the American Dream. The CARES Act will deliver compassionate, targeted relief for the American people as we battle coronavirus, as well as safeguard our economy.
“This legislation will provide immediate income for American families in the face of this crisis. It also will sustain small businesses during this unprecedented pause by helping them make payroll and keep their workers employed.
“America’s health care workers are fighting an invisible adversary. By passing the CARES Act, Congress is standing with the doctors, nurses, and all health care workers on the frontlines of this war.
“As a staunch fiscal conservative, I recognize that this legislation is far from perfect. However, it is the only path forward for our nation. Families are hurting, workers are hurting, small businesses are hurting, frontline health care workers are hurting – this is no time for playing political football. This is a time to act.
“Today, the U.S. House of Representatives did our part to come together and deliver tangible relief for Americans in Pennsylvania and throughout the nation. This crisis has reaffirmed what we already know – Americans are resilient and we are stronger when we are united.”
🔴 PA-14’s Rep. Guy Reschenthaler
From his official website, 03/27/20 – “Reschenthaler Votes to Help American Workers, Families, and Small Businesses During COVID-19 Outbreak”
“The CARES Act will provide immediate assistance to hardworking Pennsylvanians who are struggling to put food on the table and keep their small businesses afloat due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This bipartisan legislation includes commonsense relief measures such as sending direct checks to individuals, families, and senior citizens on Social Security, temporarily increasing unemployment insurance payments by $600, and providing forgivable loans to small businesses to stay afloat and keep employees on payroll.
“To support those on the front line of this crisis, the bill also provides desperately needed resources to hospitals, doctors, and other first responders and expands the use of telehealth medicine. Additionally, the CARES Act creates a $150 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund which will be distributed to states to cover costs associated with the COVID-19 outbreak.
“Throughout our nation’s history, we have overcome immense challenges by putting aside our differences. I am proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle today to put our nation first by passing this historic relief bill to help workers, families, and businesses across our nation during this public health crisis.”
🔴 PA-15’s Rep. Glenn W. Thompson
From his official website, dated 03/27/20 – “Thompson Issues Statement on Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act”
“Given the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 global pandemic, Americans need assurances from the federal government. Today we took a giant step toward providing what certainty we can. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act delivers resources to save lives, save jobs, and save the American economy. Together, with the Trump Administration, state and local leaders, the private sector, and most importantly our neighbors and communities, we will continue to support American families during this challenging time and we will prevail.”
🔴 PA-16’s Rep. Mike Kelly
From his official website, dated 03/27/20 – “Kelly: Help is on the Way to American Workers, Businesses, and Health Care Heroes”
“Today, Congress came together to fight COVID-19 by sending President Trump a third relief package that provides immediate assistance to American workers, small businesses, key industries, and health care heroes on the front lines of this pandemic. As our country rallies together to slow the spread of this virus and ultimately defeat it, we must ensure that this public health emergency does not turn into a long-term economic crisis. The CARES Act is a key step toward that goal.”
Note – Rep. Mike Kelly announced on Friday, March 27th that he has tested positive for COVID-19. His statement is available here. As of the time he released that statement he said that he was experiencing “mild” symptoms. We all wish him a speedy recovery.
🔵 PA-17’s Rep. Conor Lamb
From his official website, dated 03/27/20 – “Lamb Votes for Bipartisan Emergency Coronavirus Legislative Package”
“Today, Congress did what the American people always expect and demand of us—both parties worked together and got something done. This bill will give $2 trillion to support working families, people who have been laid off, small businesses struggling to survive, and health care workers, first responders, food service workers and others who desperately need equipment and supplies to keep themselves safe.
“This bill isn’t perfect, but it meets the urgency of the moment. It will keep people alive, it will keep businesses alive, and it will give us a chance to get through this crisis. We will certainly need to do more. Every one of us in Congress has a responsibility to keep working together and stay focused on what matters. The only thing that matters now is saving lives, and we can save a lot of lives if we keep working together.”
🔵 PA-18’s Rep. Mike Doyle
From his official website, dated 03/25/20 – “Congressman Doyle Highlights Coronavirus Relief for PA”
“The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act contains important assistance for individuals, families, and businesses struggling to deal with the disruptions caused by the coronavirus outbreak, as well as the health care providers working on the frontlines to test and treat our friends and neighbors for the coronavirus – but it also includes important help for state and local governments working to protect us all during the coronavirus outbreak.
“The CARES Act included funding to help local governments address emergency needs during the coronavirus outbreak. It provided money to help pay for additional expenses like protective gear for first responders and child care for emergency workers’ families. It included funding to keep public transit systems operating so that people could travel safely on essential trips, and it provided additional funding to prevent evictions during this crisis and provide shelter for members of our community who are experiencing homelessness.
“These are all important activities to protect public health during this pandemic. That’s why I supported the CARES Act. It was by no means a perfect bill, but it was the best that could be negotiated at this time, and it was essential for Congress to enact assistance of this sort – and this magnitude – promptly. The CARES Act will help millions of Americans get through this crisis safely. I was pleased to support this critical assistance for the people of Pennsylvania, especially the people in Allegheny County.”
This report was brought to you by the Pennsylvania MoCTrack team:
- CC
- Elayne Baker
- Gary Garb
- Helen aka @ElastigirlVotes
- Linda Houk
- Kierstyn Piotrowski Zolfo
We are seeking additional assistance. Our Congresspeople are always busy and there is always more for us to cover — tasks big and small to fit any level of time commitment or experience. Can you help us out? Please email KierstynPZ@gmail.com and put “MoCTrack Help” in the subject. Thanks!
