News
Coronavirus Government Response Update—Republicans Reach Tentative $1 Trillion Pact
July 23, 2020
Welcome to the Coronavirus Government Response Update. This information is intended to keep ISSA members up to date on fast-moving government affairs related to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as other public policy issues important to the cleaning industry. Today’s update touches on congressional Republicans reaching an agreement with the White House on coronavirus relief, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s call for more direct aid for Americans, Pennsylvania’s hazard pay grant program for essential workers, and more.
Senate GOP, White House Reach Tentative $1 Trillion Pact to Break Coronavirus Aid Gridlock
Senate Republicans announced Wednesday evening that they have “reached a fundamental agreement” with White House negotiators on how to move forward with a coronavirus relief bill. According to CNBC. the tentative framework comes amid tension in the party over how to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. The Republicans intend to release their plan in “a handful of bills now instead of just one bill,” said Sen. Roy Blunt, (MO-R), chair of the Rules Committee. Agreements were reached on the topics of funding for schools, another round of stimulus checks, and testing.
Pelosi Says More Aid Directly to Americans Is Needed to Support Economic Recovery
On Wednesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told CNBC that additional financial aid to Americans is needed to support the U.S. recovery from the coronavirus-induced economic recession. “You can help people stay open, pay the rent, pay the utilities … even pay employees, but if you don’t have people coming in the doors, you’re still having a problem,” the California Democrat said. “So that’s why we want to put money in the pockets of the American people so that they can, in this consumer economy, spend, inject demand into the economy, create jobs.”
Hazard Pay Program to Aid Essential Workers Across Pennsylvania
Front-line workers across Pennsylvania may have the opportunity to receive increased pay through Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 Hazard Pay Grant Program. The program, funded by US$50 million in CARES Act federal stimulus money, will award grants to front-line workers based on exposure risk, prevalence of the virus in the area, and average hourly pay. “These grants will help retain employees, ensure that Pennsylvanians keep working, and avoid disruption of critical goods and services,” Governor Wolf said in a statement. Companies are limited to $3 million in total funding and only 500 employees are able to receive the $1,200 per employee hazard pay at a company location. Applications are open until July 31.
Other links of interest:
- Take Action Now – Urge Your Elected Officials to Support Tax Credit to Reopen Safely
- ISSA Coronavirus Government Response FAQ
- Use ‘Find Politicians’ Tool in ISSA’s Action Center to Contact Your Elected Officials
- SBA Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources
- COVID-19 State Reopening Guide
