Last week was another difficult one for the American health care system and our nation’s workers. We saw the number of COVID-19 deaths eclipse 79,000, while the unemployment rate soared to 14.7 percent, the highest number since the Great Depression.
In a world where numbers and percentages are thrown around for a myriad of different topics, it is difficult to overstate just how shocking it is to see the American economy shed over 20 million jobs in a single month and the unemployment rate skyrocket to nearly 15%.
The numbers are simply staggering.
At a time when we’re seeing unprecedented unemployment, we need unprecedented policies to ensure American families can keep food on the table and a roof over their head.
As these numbers demonstrate the sobering reality of the challenges our country faces in the days, months, and years ahead, I will continue pushing Congress and the Administration to be proactive in seeking solutions that will protect our citizens from coronavirus and our workers from perils of joblessness.
The Paycheck Guarantee Act
While the measures passed by Congress so far have been helpful—including over $650 billion in small business lending and direct payments to American families—it’s clear the relief has been too slow and insufficient in matching the scale of this crisis at hand.
As these numbers demonstrate the sobering reality of the challenges our country faces in the days, months, and years ahead, I will continue pushing Congress and the Administration to be proactive in seeking solutions that will protect our citizens from coronavirus and our workers from perils of joblessness.
The Paycheck Guarantee Act
While the measures passed by Congress so far have been helpful—including over $650 billion in small business lending and direct payments to American families—it’s clear the relief has been too slow and insufficient in matching the scale of this crisis at hand.
If we fail to act quickly, too many small businesses will be forced to reopen despite significant public health ramifications or close permanently, leaving workers with nowhere else to go.
However, the Paycheck Guarantee Act is a proposal making its way through Congress that doesn’t force us to choose between public safety and economic security.
This proposal, introduced by Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (Wash.) and a bill I have co-sponsored, would cover 100% of wages for workers earning up to $100,000, keep workers enrolled in employer-sponsored benefits, encourage employers to rehire recently-laid off or furloughed workers, and cover essential businesses expenses like rent.
This proposal, introduced by Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (Wash.) and a bill I have co-sponsored, would cover 100% of wages for workers earning up to $100,000, keep workers enrolled in employer-sponsored benefits, encourage employers to rehire recently-laid off or furloughed workers, and cover essential businesses expenses like rent.
By keeping workers attached to the labor market and businesses ready to reopen, we can speed up the economic recovery, which some economists believe could last years if Congress and the Administration fail to act appropriately.
Missouri Senator Josh Hawley has introduced a similar piece of legislation in the Senate, signaling bipartisan support for the idea. While the Senator’s proposal doesn’t go as far as Congresswoman Jayapal’s in the House, it gives me optimism that an agreement on the specifics of the proposal can be reached and included in the next coronavirus relief package, something I will be pushing for in the days ahead.
Rental Assistance
Before the COVID-19 crisis, a quarter of the nation’s 44 million renters paid more than half of their incomes on housing, putting 11 million Americans one emergency away from eviction. The economic shocks of the current public health emergency have exposed these renters and millions more to the threat of housing instability and homelessness, which is why Congress must act immediately.
This week, I co-sponsored the Emergency Rental Assistance and Rental Market Stability Act of 2020. This bill would establish an Emergency Rental Assistance program, which would provide $100 billion to help families and individuals pay their rent and utility bills to keep a roof over their head; help rental property owners of all sizes continue to cover their costs, including the costs of necessary maintenance to ensure residents’ health and safety; and help the economic recovery by stabilizing the rental housing market, something that contributed to the 2008 financial crisis.
As Congress continues discussions on the next COVID-19 emergency funding package, this is another critical component that I will be pushing to have included.
Missouri Senator Josh Hawley has introduced a similar piece of legislation in the Senate, signaling bipartisan support for the idea. While the Senator’s proposal doesn’t go as far as Congresswoman Jayapal’s in the House, it gives me optimism that an agreement on the specifics of the proposal can be reached and included in the next coronavirus relief package, something I will be pushing for in the days ahead.
Rental Assistance
Before the COVID-19 crisis, a quarter of the nation’s 44 million renters paid more than half of their incomes on housing, putting 11 million Americans one emergency away from eviction. The economic shocks of the current public health emergency have exposed these renters and millions more to the threat of housing instability and homelessness, which is why Congress must act immediately.
This week, I co-sponsored the Emergency Rental Assistance and Rental Market Stability Act of 2020. This bill would establish an Emergency Rental Assistance program, which would provide $100 billion to help families and individuals pay their rent and utility bills to keep a roof over their head; help rental property owners of all sizes continue to cover their costs, including the costs of necessary maintenance to ensure residents’ health and safety; and help the economic recovery by stabilizing the rental housing market, something that contributed to the 2008 financial crisis.
As Congress continues discussions on the next COVID-19 emergency funding package, this is another critical component that I will be pushing to have included.
Missouri Congressional Delegation Virtual Town Hall
To ensure Missourians are aware of the work my colleagues and I are doing to protect our citizens, I participated in a virtual Town Hall with the entire Missouri Congressional Delegation. You can watch a recording of the telecast here.
Coronavirus Update
As of this writing, the United States has over 1.3 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, with more than 79,000 Americans tragically succumbing to the deadly virus.
In Missouri, we currently have over 9,900 confirmed cases, with over 1,500 cases confirmed in the Fifth District of Missouri.
Kansas City began its initial phase of reopening the city this week. For more information on the city’s plan to safely resume activity, please visit their their website.
Resources
Coronavirus Information
Check the status of your Economic Impact Payment
File for unemployment benefits
Small Businesses can apply for emergency disaster loans
Centers For Disease Control (CDC)
Missouri Department of Health
Missouri’s 24-hour COVID-19 Hotline: 877-435-8411
Email me if you’re having coronavirus-related issues
Or call and leave a message at my Kansas City office: 816-842-4545
(We will contact you as soon as possible, and we thank you for your patience)
Stay Safe
If you have the ability to stay home, please do so. However, as Missouri and Kansas City began the initial phase of reopening this week, I want to continue to stress the importance of maintaining proper social distancing and wearing personal protective equipment as you venture out of your homes.
I understand human beings have an instinctual desire for human contact, and wearing a protective mask may not be the most comfortable or trendy thing to do, but, for the sake of others, please continue listening to the advice of our public health experts.
The American spirit is unyielding, undying, and unlike any other. Because of this, I am certain our nation will persevere through the dark days ahead. Together we will get to the light at the end of the tunnel, even if it appears difficult to see in this moment. For now, please continue to look out for your family, friends, and neighbors. Until next time.
The American spirit is unyielding, undying, and unlike any other. Because of this, I am certain our nation will persevere through the dark days ahead. Together we will get to the light at the end of the tunnel, even if it appears difficult to see in this moment. For now, please continue to look out for your family, friends, and neighbors. Until next time.
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