Earlier this week, the Republican-led Senate and Administration put forth a weak stimulus bill that would protect large corporations, give more money to the super rich, but leave regular people like you and me to struggle on our own during this pandemic. They did this despite knowing that millions of people need unemployment assistance, millions of people are facing evictions, and families are struggling to make ends meet.

Because there are only a few weeks left to either pass the next COVID-19 relief package, we need the Republicans to stop playing games and support the Democratic lead Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act) H.R. 6800, or HEROES Act. The stimulus bill would do the following:

1. Increase the federal matching rate for Medicaid (FMAP) to states to 14%, with no maintenance of effort” opt-outs for any state, or other changes that put Medicaid eligibility and access at risk.
2. Guarantee food security by expanding eligibility for and increased funding to SNAP and other community-based food assistance programs.
3. Continue the current $600/week to unemployed people through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, and provide subsidies to unemployed workers so they can afford COBRA coverage.
4. Assure that any general cash payments are available to all regardless of their life circumstances, including immigration status.
5. Provides $200 Billion in Heroes fund to ensure that essential workers receive hazard pay
6. Cushion the economic blow of the virus with a second round of stimulus payments. $1200 per person and up to $6000 per household.