ACT NOW: Free COVID-19 testing and economic relief

The coronavirus (COVID-19) will impact millions of people in this country and around the world. The $8 billion package recently passed by Congress is a first step to address the outbreak but is insufficient in addressing the needs of people, especially those who are low-income and vulnerable. Legislators are drafting another bill, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, to stimulate the economy and assist those affected by the outbreak.  Take Action This legislation focuses on those whose jobs and situations do not provide the resources or flexibility to meet the recommended self-quarantining measures, caregiving responsibilities, and economic impact of the disease. It is still being negotiated, and we believe it should include: Free coronavirus testing for everyone who needs a test, including the uninsured. Paid emergency leave with both 14 days of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family and medical leave. Enhanced Unemployment Insurance Strengthened food security initiatives, including SNAP, student meals, seniors’ nutrition, and food banks. Increased federal funds for Medicaid to help states deal with increased costs. Congress and the president must act quickly to ensure that everyone is protected from both the disease itself and from the seemingly inevitable economic impact and fallout. Contact your Congress members and urge them to act quickly in offering aid to those at risk of losing income, health care, or food security. In I Corinthians 12 the Apostle Paul casts a vision of the church as functioning as a human body, and “when one part suffers, all parts suffer with it.” Therefore, it is both a moral and pragmatic imperative to take this outbreak seriously and play our part to protect ourselves and others, particularly those most in harm’s way. Though this legislation is an important next step, we expect that more actions and legislation will be required in the coming days, weeks, and months in response to the coronavirus. In faith, Rev. Adam Taylor Executive Director

Unsubscribe or update email preferences Copyright © 2020 Sojourners, All rights reserved. Sojourners | 408 C St. NE | Washington, DC 20002 Email: sojourners@sojo.net | Tel.: 202.328.8842