COVID-19 Relief Stalled Again, Despite Ongoing Pain
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) urges the Senate to pass legislation immediately that will provide true relief to the millions of Americans who are struggling to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The “skinny” stimulus bill put forth this week by Senate Republicans as predicted failed because it fell far short of what is needed to help millions of Americans stay afloat financially. The Senate plan did not include sufficient unemployment insurance and no funding for desperately needed nutrition and hunger programs, state and local governments, paid family leave, eviction protection, Medicaid, rental assistance or vote-by-mail programs.
The Senate must act now to keep our nation on the road to recovery by passing legislation that includes all elements of the $3.5-trillion HEROES Act relief package passed by the U.S. House of Representatives nearly four months ago especially:
- Federal $600 unemployment insurance
- A second round of direct aid to families through stimulus checks
- Funding to the U.S. Postal Service to support the upcoming elections
- Measures to slow evictions
- Aid for schools and small businesses
- Support for expedited vaccine development
- Funding for local governments
More than 190,000 Americans have lost their lives in the pandemic, and spikes in fatalities are expected in the coming months. Hopefully, a vaccine will be available soon to address this public health crisis. But no vaccine will fix the pandemic’s massive economic fallout. That is up to Congress. The House has done its part – it is now time for the Senate to step up.
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers. It promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy.
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