Council President Scott Encourages Federal Representatives To Pass Stimulus That Helps Baltimore’s Residents

By BJLife Newsroom
Posted on 03/25/20

 Scott’s Letter To Baltimore City Federal Delegation Includes Requests For Direct Financial Support for Residents, As Well As Small Business Aid

BALTIMORE, MD (March 25, 2020) — Council President Brandon M. Scott sent a letter this  afternoon to the members of Congress who represent Baltimore, including Maryland’s U.S. Senators. The letter  encourages them to pass a fiscal stimulus that is adequate to meet the grave public health and economic needs created by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“Now, more than ever, we must step up and ensure that our constituents are taken care of and supported by their government in this time of deep uncertainty. Thank you for the great work you have done and continue to do in Congress on behalf of all Marylanders. Given both the health and economic impacts of COVID-19, a federal stimulus is necessary to save lives and maintain financial security,” writes the Council President.

The letter requests that any stimulus contain the following characteristics:

1.  
   1. Direct Financial Support to Residents: Any stimulus package needs to include direct payments to residents as they are the hardest hurt by this economic downturn.
   2. Direct Support to Municipalities: It is critical that the federal government provide these jurisdictions with the financial support needed to fight both the health and economic crises. 
   3. Support for Workers: Workers whose jobs were impacted by COVID-19 should be provided 100% unemployment insurance, and paid family and sick leave should be extended.
   4. Support for Small Businesses: Any stimulus provides extensive support to ensure that small businesses have access to funds that allow them to stay financially viable and support their employees. 
   5. Support for Healthcare: Support is needed for the hospitals and healthcare workers who are on the frontline of combating this pandemic. 
   6. Protections for Government Bailouts: Any bailouts to large corporations should include protections for the taxpayers to guarantee that our money is going to save jobs, not enrich executives.. 

The Council President concludes, “We are at a critical time in our country right now and how we respond will impact all Americans. As Congress works on a stimulus package, I urge you to put people over profits and not to rush through any bill that betrays the American people.”

U.S. Senate leadership reached a deal last night on the federal stimulus package, but the legislation must still be passed in both chambers of Congress.

Read the Council President’s letter to Baltimore’s federal delegation here.