Call to Action: Request Members of Congress Expedite a Bipartisan Economic Stimulus Bill Before Christmas
Americans do not agree on everything. But “[o]verwhelming majorities of more than 90% [of Americans] say the federal government should play a major or minor role in . . . responding to natural disasters (98%) . . . and strengthening the economy (95%).” During this time of natural disaster (in the form of a pandemic) and the pandemic-induced economic recession, then, it makes sense that there is bipartisan support for a coronavirus stimulus bill before Congress closes for the season.
Mormon Women for Ethical Government encourages members of Congress to recognize the need for government involvement in combating the coronavirus and to find common ground for a relief package. The current bipartisan plan is, to our minds, a good starting place. We feel it is particularly important that state and local governments and small businesses receive relief in order to keep people in jobs and able to support the economy.
There are those on both sides of the political debate who are not satisfied with the bipartisan stimulus plan, but we feel consensus can be reached amongst many in both parties. In order for this bipartisan plan to gain traction, it is important for us to put pressure on both Democrat and Republican members of Congress to support a bipartisan compromise bill that addresses the needs of suffering Americans.
To do:
Contact your members of Congress and request that they support a bipartisan economic stimulus plan. In less than five minutes, you can submit a letter to all of your elected representatives at once via our website. You can write and submit your own letter by going HERE.
Background:
Americans do not see eye to eye on all things political. However, “[o]verwhelming majorities of more than 90% [of Americans] say the federal government should play a major or minor role in . . . responding to natural disasters (98%) . . . and strengthening the economy (95%).”
During this time of natural disaster (in the form of a pandemic) and the pandemic-induced economic recession, then, it makes sense that there is bipartisan support for a coronavirus stimulus bill before Congress closes for the season. Although the bipartisan talks have not yet finalized the details in an actual bill, according to the Washington Post the bill would “devote close to $300 billion in another round of small business aid; $160 billion for state and local governments; fund federal unemployment benefits at $300 per week; and devote tens of billions of dollars to other priorities, such as childcare, hunger, and vaccine distribution. It also includes a temporary liability shield to insulate firms and other entities from coronavirus-related lawsuits.” It would not include a new round of stimulus checks. More details are available here and here.
A new bill is needed because the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act expires on December 31. The act protects and provides for: Paycheck Protection Program loans for small businesses; job preservation grants in affected industries; direct stimulus payments; expanded unemployment benefits; assistance for state, local, and tribal communities (everything from testing supplies and personal protective equipment to grants for hiring traveling nurses and setting up overflow facilities); rental assistance; eviction moratorium; and student loan moratorium.
As the Federal Reserve System (the central bank of the U.S.) noted this past September, “the extraordinary governmental measures in response to the pandemic seemed to have eased families’ financial strain…. Nevertheless, the results highlight financial concerns that remained for some families. Although financial assistance programs have buffered families from economic hardships, many still remained out of work. Additionally, some of those who received assistance with housing bills expressed concerns about resuming their regular monthly payments when this payment relief ends. Some working parents also indicated that they expected to face challenges balancing work and childcare responsibilities in the fall if schools do not have in-person classes.”
Let’s look at a few of these areas of need. It is estimated that 19 to 40 million people may be without housing once the rental assistance and eviction moratorium end. The homeless are already a particularly vulnerable group for the coronavirus; adding to their numbers just before “the long darkness before dawn” or “horrible winter” expected in the next few months will be deadly and disastrous.
In addition, funds for small businesses and for state and local communities could go a long way to maintain the 23.2 million essential workers — teachers, firefighters, social workers, construction workers, and more — employed by state and local governments. “Employment by state and local governments represents about 13 percent of total employment in the U.S. — more than the federal government.” Moreover, unlike the federal government, state and local governments must balance their operating budgets and cannot borrow to finance large deficits. Supporting local governance is important in helping support our economy throughout the pandemic.
Mormon Women for Ethical Government encourages members of Congress to recognize the need for government involvement in combating the coronavirus and to find common ground to relieve its effects. Even though the unemployment rate has fallen to 6.9%, the U.S. labor force is 2.2% smaller than in February, a loss of 3.7 million workers. The recession appears to have sped up some baby boomers’ retirements, forced some parents of young children — especially women — to reduce their hours or leave the workforce completely, and particularly affected low-wage workers. Overall, the COVID-19 recession has been the most unequal in modern U.S. history.
The current bipartisan bill is a starting place to address the concerns of the pandemic and the recession. We feel it is particularly important that state and local governments and small businesses receive relief in order to keep people in jobs and able to support the economy. Moreover, as stated in our Principles of Ethical Government, we have “moral responsibilities to provide succor and relief to [our] fellow human beings” and should act to prevent further economic and social inequity [which] damages the moral fabric of societies and weakens democratic governments.” A bill is needed which acts to sustain Americans during this pandemic.
There are those on both sides of the political debate who are not satisfied with the bipartisan stimulus plan, but we feel consensus can be reached amongst many in both parties. In order for this bipartisan plan to gain traction, it is important for us to put pressure on both Democrat and Republican members of Congress to support a bipartisan compromise bill that addresses the needs of suffering Americans.
