covid-19

The disastrous leadership of the Trump administration and the members of the GOP that enabled it has cost us thousands of American lives. The American people deserve better, because it didn’t need to be this way.

This is about crisis management and making tough decisions on what is important and of utmost urgency (what constituents need right now), and the systemic issues that brought us here that must be fixed so this doesn’t happen again.

We need to approve national waivers for the red tape to federal feeding programs so Food Banks can operate to the best of their ability during this time. Extending federal funding for the National Guard who are assisting with crisis COVID-19 related management, especially with now overburdened nonprofits and social services.

I will work alongside fellow Congress members to implement and fund programs like TEFAP and waiving requirements. And increasing the maximum SNAP benefit. Extend the increased unemployment benefits to those facing unemployment in this time of crisis. Provide another round of direct stimulus payments to Americans. More payroll protection for small and medium sized businesses. A fund for essential workers who are continuously risking their health and safety during this pandemic. We must be doing MORE testing and MORE tracing. Create a special enrollment period in the ACA, and protect the ACA.

We must ensure that no American pays for COVID related medical expenses. Quickly push for measures that assist students, teachers, families and parents during COVID, through childcare and education, as found in the Coronavirus Child Care and Education Relief Act that was introduced in the Senate. Delay evictions and provide renters assistance.

In short, I would do absolutely everything possible to ease the burden of constituents and their families during a time of turmoil that, from the onset, has been poorly handled. I would, with urgency, push for, and be involved in, any legislation that provided direct and quick support to our constituents, help them get back to work, get to work, and receive the necessities and dignity they deserve as hard-working Ohioans. I would be present in my district, advocating for the people here, advocating for the nonprofits and organizations helping those most impacted.

