Stimulus for All, and not just for the unemployed Does Rep Pappas get it?
June 28, 2020
Representative Chris Pappas
Thu, Jun 18, 9:35 AM (10 days ago)
to me
June 18, 2020
Dear Wanda,
Thank you for contacting me regarding emergency universal basic income during the COVID-19 pandemic. I value you taking the time to reach out to me, as it helps me better represent you and New Hampshire’s priorities in Congress.
As your representative in Congress, my foremost responsibility during this outbreak is to help keep our communities healthy and safe by ensuring that our state and federal agencies have access to the health services, information, and resources they need to address this evolving situation. As Congress considers additional measures to address the effects of the pandemic, I agree that we must put Granite Staters, many of whom live paycheck-to-paycheck or on fixed incomes, first.
I have remained in close contact with state and local officials as we work together to safeguard the health and well-being of all Granite Staters. Since the beginning of the outbreak, I have worked with my colleagues to pass a number of coronavirus supplemental appropriations bills that are already providing critical funding for containment and mitigation efforts across the country, including for public health departments, vaccine development, paid family leave, and small business stabilization.
Recently, I supported the third phase package, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was subsequently signed into law by President Trump. The CARES Act provides robust federal investments in our state’s strained health care system and our struggling Main Street economy. To help New Hampshire families weather the current economic downturn, the bill also provides direct payments to many Granite Staters, including seniors and those who experience disabilities.
This direct relief to many Americans is an important step in ensuring that we continue to support the most vulnerable throughout this crisis. For additional information about these economic impact payments, I encourage you to visit the IRS page: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payments-what-you-need-to-know.
As millions face wage loss, the need to care for loved ones, or even their own illness, these direct payments are helping the most vulnerable Granite Staters make it through these uncertain times. Direct payments provide necessary funds to individuals and families to ensure that they are able to pay their bills, access health care, and provide food for themselves and their loved ones. As this crisis carries on, I will continue to support policies that help the most vulnerable Granite Staters, and I will do all that I can to ensure their most basic needs are met. Please know that I will keep your views in mind as Congress considers legislation to provide additional emergency economic impact payments.
If you have further questions or concerns about the coronavirus, its impact in New Hampshire, and precautions you should take - you can call the state’s 24/7 hotline by dialing 2-1-1.
To report suspected coronavirus cases in New Hampshire, please call (603) 271-4496. After hours, you can call (603) 271-5300.
For up to date information and a list of resources available to Granite Staters, please visit the coronavirus page of my website at https://pappas.house.gov/covid-19. This is an urgent and difficult time for all of us. I hope you will not hesitate to reach out to my office if we may be of assistance.
Nothing is more important to me than listening to my constituents and ensuring that every voice in my district is heard. No matter your perspective, your thoughts help me do better as I work to bring Granite State voices to Washington. Each message makes a difference, so I hope you will stay in touch. As always, you can keep up with the work I am doing by signing up for my weekly update at https://pappas.house.gov/contact/newsletter.
Sincerely,
Member of Congress