Pass rescue plan

Editor, Gettysburg Times,

Every economist I’ve read or listened to on public radio or a Zoom session recently has indicated that our government must aim “high” in providing a COVID-19 relief bill such as Biden’s American Rescue Plan. According to these economists (who include some of conservative bent), it would be far more dangerous to the people AND the economy in the long run to skimp in spending. Worry about the surging deficit, in this dire situation, must be cast aside, the economists are saying. If Congress provides more than is needed, the adverse consequences will be minimal compared to if it does not provide enough. Their words, not mine.

Congress must prioritize support for the vulnerable and marginalized communities who need help the most. The critical relief package must do the following:

• Provide food, basic income, and housing for the most vulnerable by expanding and extending food assistance, unemployment assistance, and broader worker support around paid leave, and investing in public housing,

• Expand support for state and local budgets to keep essential programs and agencies afloat,

• Protect vulnerable communities from having water and energy utility services cut off during this crisis,

• Expand funding for aid programs for small businesses, including those in one of the fastest-growing sectors like clean energy.

Finally, Congress must begin thinking about long-term economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis. That means building a just, equitable economy that works for all people, prioritizing sustainable infrastructure, and providing the clean energy jobs of the future that will move us to a 100% clean energy economy.

Now is the time to call Senators Toomey and Casey, and Reps. Joyce and even Perry (our former Congressman) to urge them to pass the American Rescue Plan without watering it down.

Jeanne Duffy,
Gettysburg