The U.S. Senate Republicans’ HEALS Act ignores devastating impact of COVID-19 in Illinois and across the country. Congress and the Trump Administration must do better and fast!
Congress and the Trump Administration must come to an agreement now on enacting into law a COVID-19 relief package that is robust, equitable and utilizes the U.S. House Democrats’ HEROES Act as the base to build from.
Last week, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell unveiled the GOP’s response to the House Democrats’ proposed HEROES Act. The series of bills, titled the HEALS Act, seek to allocate $1 trillion in funding as a response to the economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this proposed legislation does not provide the necessary relief that American residents need, does not address the current economic crisis and prioritizes corporations over public health. As written, the HEALS Act threatens the lifesaving services, resources and programs that are needed most during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Americans deserve a COVID-19 relief package now from Congress that:
- Is robust and comprehensive to adequately address the unprecedented crisis we’re facing;
- Targets substantially more assistance to state governments and people who have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic and recession, including people with low incomes, immigrants and people of color
- Includes aid that lasts as long as needed and does not end prematurely.
AIDS Foundation Chicago implores the Illinois Congressional Delegation to stand for the needs of all our communities. To be effective, the next COVID-related relief package must make a significant investment in Black, Indigenous and Latinx communities with additional funding for Medicaid, SNAP, Unemployment Insurance and for the Ryan White and HOPWA programs, which provide lifesaving services to people living with and vulnerable to HIV.
