Rep. Susie Lee, Problem Solvers Caucus Unveil ‘March to Common Ground’ COVID-19 Stimulus Framework
Washington, D.C. - Today, the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus (PSC)--which includes 25 Democrats and 25 Republicans, including U.S. Rep. Susie Lee (Nev.-03)--unveiled its "March to Common Ground" framework to help break the gridlock on the latest COVID-19 relief package and encourage negotiators to get back to the table.
The 50-member bipartisan Caucus, led by Co-Chairs Democratic Rep. Josh Gottheimer (N.J.-05) and Republican Rep. Tom Reed (N.Y.-23), developed and came together in support of the framework after extensive listening to constituents and outreach to stakeholders over the past six weeks.
Rep. Lee released the following statement to mark the unveiling of the ‘March to Common Ground' COVID-19 Stimulus Framework:
"There's never been a more critical moment for Congress to put party and politics aside and do what's right for the American people than during this pandemic. At its peak, Nevada's unemployment rate reached 30 percent, and the additional $600 per week in unemployment assistance expired over six weeks ago, leaving $1.5 billion of benefits on the table. The House passed the Heroes Act four months ago, and the Senate has not made a serious attempt to reach a compromise. One thing is for sure: my constituents don't have the luxury of waiting. That's why I'm proud to join my Problem Solvers Caucus colleagues in unveiling our ‘March to Common Ground' COVID-19 Framework as an objective, bipartisan guideline to get leaders to return to the table, and get a deal done. I cannot repeat this enough: American families, small businesses, and communities cannot wait until 2021 for action."
BACKGROUND: The full framework can found here.
The package addresses key areas of need, including COVID-19 testing, unemployment insurance, direct stimulus, worker and liability protection, small business and non-profit support, food security, schools and child care, housing, election support, and state and local aid.
In light of the urgent needs facing millions of Americans, families, and small businesses, the framework is designed for a six-month horizon and through the next inauguration, except for state and local funding, which extends for a full year.
Depending on the severity of the pandemic and if a successful vaccination program is adopted by March 2021, a system of automatic "boosters" is designed to incrementally increase the amount of relief to individuals and families. Conversely, a system of "reducers" will decrease the total cost of the package.
The framework calls for both new stimulus money and the reallocation of previously appropriated CARES Act funding, and allocates resources to the following key categories:
- Testing & Healthcare ($100B)
- Direct Assistance to Individuals & Families ($316B)
- Unemployment Assistance ($120B)
- Small Business & Non-profit Support ($290B)
- School & Child Care ($145B)
- State & Local Aid ($500.3B)
- Election Support ($400B)
- Broadband, Agriculture, USPS, & Census ($52B)
- Worker & Liability Protections
- Automatic Boosters & Reducers
- The full framework can found here.
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