Congress has passed three coronavirus packages – but with more than 12,000 dead and 10 million out of work, the scale of this tragedy demands we do much more, much faster to save lives and our economy. Here is what Congress must do in the next package: nytimes.com/2020/04/08/opi…
Containing the health crisis must be our top priority. I've outlined steps to rapidly boost testing, and we also need to stand up public manufacturing options of tests, drugs, & medical equipment & provide free health care for those who don't have it. medium.com/@SenWarren/con…
We must extend economic relief to families beyond cash payments. That means suspending consumer debt collection, a universal moratorium on evictions & foreclosures, no utility shut-offs, student debt cancellation, keeping child care providers afloat, & boosting Social Security.
Frontline workers are putting their lives on the line to keep America functioning. Congress must embrace an Essential Workers Bill of Rights including paid leave, guaranteed safety protections, hazard pay, & protected collective bargaining rights for essential workers.
Sustaining our economy also means taking steps to keep workers on payroll even if they need to stay home. Congress has already provided payroll support grants to the airlines. As big businesses seek federal help, we must condition funding on companies keeping workers employed.
To protect struggling families, we need new federal price gouging laws and strict enforcement. To protect small businesses now & during recovery, we need to hit pause on exploitive corporate takeovers & private equity activity that guts Main Street while the rich get richer.
Congress must pass stronger rules on relief money so taxpayer dollars go to workers, states, municipalities & tribal governments first – not corporations who don't need it. That includes strong conflict-of-interest rules, bans on lobbying & political spending, & real oversight.
Finally, if Americans are forced to choose between voting this November or staying safe from the virus, our democracy will be lost. Adopting, enforcing, and funding mandatory reforms to make sure everyone can vote safely is not optional. medium.com/@SenWarren/pro…
Reagan was wrong: "I’m from the government & I’m here to help" aren't the most terrifying words in the English language. "We're in a crisis & the government has no plan" are. Government can save lives & rescue our economy. Congress should end its recess and get to work now.
