At this moment the U.S. House of Representatives is poised to pass bold emergency legislation, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201), which is designed to protect workers and families hit hardest by the pandemic. The bill’s emergency provisions include paid sick leave, widespread free testing, increased food aid, and extended unemployment insurance.
In the face of this unfolding crisis, these provisions not only address equity concerns, but also are essential to slowing the spread of the virus. The bill is certain to pass the House, according to Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Then it will be up to the Senate, where there is stiff opposition to elements of the bill. Because the president appeared to endorse some of the bill’s provisions in his recent prime time address to the nation, a version of the bill could be considered in the Senate, according to congressional observers.
Action: Ask Senators to support the “Families First” bill
(Due to the senators’ staff now working remotely, the suggestion is to email, rather than call the senators’ offices.)
Senator Patty Murray https://www.murray.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contactme?fbclid=IwAR2RseSZmsD16XoMe4lSu1AADn2LELtzQKfBpqaGiEr-cBkujFKFECxItnI
Senator Maria Cantwell https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/contact/email/form?fbclid=IwAR2OLmdgLXouwe1hlA67LP_yP9a8qvvQBs2skLx2wV1GE8-0i0KVcibx5qk
Sample Script:
Hello. My name is [NAME] and I am from [CITY, ZIP]. I have been increasingly concerned about the rapid spread of the Coronavirus and its impact on the economically more vulnerable segments of our society. I’m calling to thank [Senator _______] for her leadership on this issue and also to urge her to support the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. This bill not only addresses the need for universal access to testing and treatment but also protects workers and families hit hardest economically by the pandemic.
Background:
https://www.newsweek.com/pelosi-says-house-pass-coronavirus-package-free-testing-all-1491887
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Good News: Inslee announces support for workers and businesses impacted by COVID-19.
This week Governor Jay Inslee announced emergency measures to expand unemployment insurance benefits to cover workers whose jobs have been negatively impacted by the Coronavirus outbreak. Employers will also get a break from paying for these emergency benefits. In addition, the new measures offer economic support to workers who do not have paid sick leave and who miss work due to the virus.
