We Need Relief on the Frontlines Now

Statement of Samantha DeRiso, President, Central New York Labor Council

For Immediate Release:

March 25, 2020

Contact: Eric Kopp,ekopp102@gmail.com,

(201) 286-5795

Libby Millitello, libbymilitello@gmail.com,

(315) 601-7561

Note: The U.S. Senate will be voting today on a $2 trillion COVID-19 relief package after days of negotiation between Senate leaders and the White House. This statement is based on available information at the time. 

The COVID-19 relief bill is necessary to dispense vital funds to contain the spread of the virus. However, I stand with Gov. Cuomo— though swift and substantive action must be taken, this bill is not enough for New York.

New York City is now the American epicenter of the pandemic and without adequate funding, the virus will continue to spread and eventually decimate Central New York. Our rural healthcare system currently does not have the capacity and resources to weather the storm on the horizon.

It’s vital that we receive federal aid as soon as possible, so our hospitals and healthcare workers receive the proper protective equipment that they need. While this package only grants the state a fraction of what it requires, it gives our medical and healthcare infrastructure a leg up when responding to the crisis. 

While the bill includes expansions of unemployment insurance, the bill still lacks proper workplace safety protections and adequate healthcare coverage. We call on our Congressional delegation to fight to include these important items in later relief packages. 

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