Suozzi: Coronavirus, “Be Prepared Not Scared” All Hands-on Deck for Comprehensive Plan!

Today, Congressman Suozzi issued the following statement urging the Administration to nationally mobilize to protect both the health and economic stability of individuals, families, small businesses and economy as a whole:

“All hands on deck! We all need to be prepared, not scared and develop a comprehensive plan. That means urgently taking swift action such as:

• Beginning emergency production of ventilators, testing kits and reagents, and personal protective equipment (PPE) including respirators, gowns, and gloves;
• Expanding the scope of eligibility of family and medical leave; 
• Offering refundable tax credits to provide support for self-employed workers, workers in the gig economy or other workers with non-traditional employment;
• Enhancing childcare options and regulatory relief to provide childcare coverage during the term of crisis;
• Providing low or no-interest loans for small businesses across the United States; and
• Investing in massive infrastructure reform, which would spur investment and provide good-paying jobs in countless American communities.

I want to commend the incredible leadership of our Governor Andrew Cuomo, whose team has worked quickly and affirmatively to address this crisis head-on. We are in a better position today because of his efforts.  

We must continue to ‘flatten the curve,’ and protect the safety of our communities. America is capable of anything and if we work together, we can come out of this stronger than ever before.”

Suozzi’s call to action is a part of a multi-phased plan to tackle the coronavirus outbreak. Phase one included passage of the $8.3 billion supplemental which Suozzi voted for on March 4th and has been signed into law.

In phase two, Suozzi voted for, and the House passed the bipartisan Families First Coronavirus Response Act. This legislation, which is awaiting action in the Senate, would provide free testing for all who need it, paid leave to more than 80 million Americans, enhanced employment insurance, strengthen Medicaid funding, and more. Suozzi believes that while this legislation is a positive step forward, much more needs to be done in phase three and beyond, such as the actions which are laid out in Suozzi’s statement above.