Over the past three days, have fought relentlessly to strengthen the public health and economic response to #COVID19 as part of a bipartisan negotiation with the administration.
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Senate Republicans’ initial bill didn’t include nearly enough money for our frontline health care workers, hospitals, and supplies & equipment needed to combat this outbreak.
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We fought hard to get $150 billion for our health care system - $55 billion MORE than McConnell’s earlier plan. We also secured a potential 6 month advance on reimbursements so hospitals on the front line can stay open and serve their communities.
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McConnell's plan shockingly did NOTHING to help those unemployed as a result of this crisis.
Dems secured a weekly benefit increase of $600 (on top of regular payment), 13 add'l weeks of benefits, & a program expansion to include gig & contract workers, & the self-employed.
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The initial plan included direct cash payments that helped higher-income Americans more than those most in need AND it left millions of vulnerable Americans out entirely.
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Now, middle- AND low-income Americans will receive the full $1200 per adult and $500 per child – i.e. $3,400 for typical family of four.
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While I pushed for a much more aggressive direct cash payments plan, this is progress and will do a lot of good for a lot of families.
vox.com/future-perfect
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The initial bill included a lot of good, bipartisan work to help small biz, but it lacked immediate relief for businesses that are suffering. The new bill includes an add'l $27 billion of immediate support on top of the $350 billion to support small biz lending/loan forgiveness.
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States and local governments not only have to fight this health crisis, they have to pay teachers, police, and firefighters even as their tax revenues collapse. The initial bill included NOTHING to help them confront these yawning budget caps. It was ridiculous.
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The new bill includes $150 billion for state and local governments, helping them stay afloat.
This won’t fill the gap entirely, but it will go a long way for Colorado and states across the country fighting this outbreak.
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The initial bill did too little for nonprofits that are playing critical roles like providing food assistance and helping people struggling with evictions and homelessness.
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We fought hard to make sure nonprofits of all sizes receive support and that we fund vital frontline social services providers, as they work tirelessly to serve our communities during this national crisis.
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The original plan also included a huge $500 billion slush fund for corporations with zero oversight or transparency. We fought for and secured more transparency, accountability, and oversight to ensure taxpayer money won't be used for executive bonuses or stock buybacks.
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Too many people played politics and peddled misinformation this week.
We fought to keep this plan focused on supercharging our health care response, while providing much-needed support to workers, families, and businesses.
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Now, we need to pass this legislation, work to fight an all-out war against #COVID19, and then help everyone get back on their feet.
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