Families in Maine and across the country are in serious hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The choices Congress makes will determine the severity and length of the economic harm. Right now, they need to do much more.

Congress must provide immediate funding to help state and local governments maintain jobs, health care, and services as it combats the pandemic and deals with the recession.

States are facing revenue shortfalls of more than $650 million, far more than the federal relief funds covered so far. Without more aid from the federal government, Maine will have no choice but to layoff teachers and other workers, cut health care, and reduce economy-boosting investments right when they are needed most.

Inaction is out of the question. Tell our Congressional delegation: It is time to get help to the people and communities who need it most. Send additional state fiscal relief to help all of us make it through the outbreak of this virus and the economic downturn.