FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 24, 2020

CONTACT: Kathy Melley, 617-791-0708

(BOSTON, MA) – Last night, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the House Democrats released the Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act, their approach to an economic stimulus package to address the impact of COVID-19 (the Coronavirus). It is the third legislative proposal to respond to the national public health crisis and its economic impact.

Statement of Emily Stewart, executive director of Community Catalyst:

“We applaud the House version of the stimulus, which provides a clear roadmap to national recovery by addressing the root cause of the economic crisis – public health. The House bill would help those who are being hardest hit, particularly low-wage workers, people living in rural areas and people of color, who already face unjust and discriminatory barriers to health and economic security. Specifically, the package invests in Medicaid, the program most able to scale up and cover people in a time of crisis. Further, the bill clearly protects consumers by eliminating cost-sharing for testing and treatment of COVID-19, regardless of insurance status. Coupled with support to health care systems and the health care workforce, the House approach makes a substantial investment in workers and families. It also provides resources for paid sick leave and assistance for low-income people, protecting them from eviction and increasing access to food.

“The House stimulus package is aligned with what families need now. We encourage Senate negotiators to draw from it extensively as they craft their bill.”

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About Community Catalyst
Community Catalyst is a national, non-profit consumer advocacy organization founded in 1998 with the belief that affordable quality health care should be accessible to everyone. We work in partnership with national, state and local organizations, policymakers and philanthropic foundations to ensure consumer interests are represented wherever important decisions about health and the health system are made: in communities, statehouses and on Capitol Hill. For more information, visit www.communitycatalyst.org. Follow us on Twitter @HealthPolicyHub.