Every week at All Saints Church we put our faith into action. This week we are asking people to sign a message to their members of Congress calling for immediate action to provide relief from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While our attention has been focused on the elections, the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to devastate the American people. The U.S. has already set all-time records in daily case counts this month, overwhelming hospitals and raising the death toll from the virus to more than 260,000 Americans. Despite a decrease in unemployment according to the 3rd quarter federal jobs report, millions remain out of work and 54 million Americans are facing food insecurity.
The CARES Act, the last economic relief bill, helped stanch some of the bleeding in the economy and prevent a depression by providing financial relief to families and businesses in need. The reality of the pandemic has made it clear that more congressional relief is needed to address the hardship that tens of millions of Americans are enduring.
Please Take Action: Urge Congress to Provide COVID Relief
In a previous action, we urged people to join the Office of Government Relations of the Episcopal Public Policy Network (EPPN) in advocating for legislation that addressed multiple facets of the COVID-19 crisis. We are asking everyone to keep up the pressure!
Congress urgently needs to pass additional stimulus legislation before year end. Congress must increase the maximum Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit by 15 percent to ensure low-income families have adequate access to the food they need; ensure access to testing, treatment, and paid medical and family leave regardless of immigration status; and provide robust emergency funding for state and local governments, which are on the frontline of service provision in every corner of the nation. We also ask for continued funding for international programs, and request $20 billion to fund the global response to COVID-19. The legislation should also appropriate robust funding to assist renters and landlords who are facing eviction and foreclosure due to an inability to pay the rent and/or the mortgage.
Increased Food Assistance
As tens of millions of Americans forgo meals and approach the cusp of hunger, Congress should increase the maximum Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit by 15 percent (1985-A080). This will give food-insecure SNAP recipients peace of mind during a crisis whose conclusion remains elusive.
Protections for Immigrants
Past COVID-19 relief legislation excluded undocumented individuals, increasing their hardship and financial pain. It is imperative that Congress ensures access to testing, treatment, and paid medical and family leave, regardless of immigration status (2018-C009).
State and Local Funding
States and localities are experiencing budget shortfalls not seen since the Great Recession that could amount to be the worst on record. General Convention has long affirmed the importance of the social safety net to the well-being of this country. State and local governments play a vital role in the delivery of safety net services, and Congress should provide support to ensure that the most vulnerable are not left behind (2015-A092).
International Programs
The International Monetary Fund has warned that without substantial assistance, the 2020s could become a “lost decade” for low-income developing countries. The global number of individuals facing extreme poverty is on pace to rise by as many as 150 million people by 2021. We urge Congress to provide $20 billion to support the global response to COVID-19. As a global leader, the U.S. must work with other countries to defeat COVID-19 both here at home and around the world, as our well-being depends on countries working collectively.
Housing Assistance
Millions of beleaguered families are struggling to pay rent as the harmful socioeconomic effects of the virus persist. While the CDC’s eviction moratorium is laudable, it should be extended after its expiration on January 1. Furthermore, Congress should appropriate funds to ensure that renters can remain in their homes and landlords can cover their expenses.
As we approach the end of this year, we wish you an Advent of peace and solace. May we remember these words from Romans 12: 14-15: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another.” May the Lord continue to hold us all in His mighty hands.
Here’s the link again: Please Take Action: Urge Congress to Provide COVID Relief
