Southwest Missouri Democrats cancel activities, suggest calls to Billy Long to support House bill dealing with Co-vid 19

(From Southwest Missouri Democrats)

Democrats trust science and in line with this ideal, given the developments in our state and nation surrounding the COVID-19 situation, Southwest Missouri Democrats is following the CDC's recommendations on social distancing. We will update as to when we can resume normal #SWMODems activities as details are available.

From the Center for Disease Control... https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.html

Americans should be prepared for the possibility of a COVID-19 outbreak in their community. The community can take measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Currently a vaccine or drug is not available for COVID-19. Community-based interventions such as school dismissals, event cancellations, social distancing, and creating employee plans to work remotely can help slow the spread of COVID-19. Individuals can practice everyday prevention measures like frequent hand washing, staying home when sick, and covering coughs and sneezes.

Decisions about the implementation of community measures will be made by local and state officials, in consultation with federal officials as appropriate, and based on the scope of the outbreak and the severity of illness. Implementation will require extensive community engagement, with ongoing and transparent public health communications.

We will NOT hold a March Town Hall on Wed. March 18th and will let you know about April's third Wed. meeting as the situation develops.

Please Speak Out and Call Your Legislators on this issue.

Call Rep. Billy Long's office at (417) 883-3387 and urge him to support the #FamiliesFirst bill.

Everything included in the bill is *directly* tailored to this crisis:

-Free #coronavirus testing for everyone who needs a test
-Paid emergency leave for workers
-Enhanced unemployment insurance
-Strengthened food security initiatives
-Clear protections for front-line workers
-Increased federal funds for Medicaid

Read full details at https://www.npr.org/2020/03/12/814873931/pelosi-negotiates-changes-to-coronavirus-bill-as-congress-scrambles-to-respond

Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said the House will vote Thursday on a package of measures to address the corona virus despite push back from the top House Republican that the bill "comes up short."

"It's about putting families first," Pelosi told reporters Thursday.