Two months ago, House Democrats passed the HEROES Act, another round of coronavirus stimulus relief. At $3 trillion, it was proclaimed dead on arrival for Senate Republicans, who crossed their fingers and bided their time, hoping Jared Kushner’s prediction of a “rocking” economy by mid-July would come true.
Instead, thanks to failures in leadership from President Trump to governors across America, the pandemic is stronger than ever in nearly every part of the country.
Relief is still vitally needed. The big priorities remain the same:
Get cash to the states. After having been forced to shut down early to slow the spread, financial relief is essential so public sector workers aren’t added to a jobless tally exceeding 30 million.
Atop that, New York in particular needs $3.9 billion to rescue a subway system pummeled by a bottomless fall in ridership and tax collections. If the MTA goes belly up, the most important regional economy in the nation will be paralyzed.
Get cash to individuals: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is supportive of another round of direct payments to the public. With more states forced to reverse reopenings, such an infusion is imperative.
Unfortunately, Trump and the Republicans are reluctant to renew $600 a week in enhanced unemployment benefits, which expire at month’s end, believing it discourages returning to the workforce. This is still a public health and economic emergency. Industries remain indefinitely closed. The money should continue to flow.
People are hurting. States and cities are hurting. Send help.