Congress has passed a short-term federal funding measure of approximately $900 billion in COVID-19 relief. This far-reaching package includes much needed relief for small businesses, continued rental assistance and enhanced unemployment benefits. This latest funding measure includes direct payments of $600 for each adult and child in a family, with incomes under $75,000 ($150,000 for married filing jointly), and a phase-out of benefit for higher income earners. However, President Trump has since called for an increase in direct payments to $2000 per eligible adult, a measure that has earned significant bi-partisan support in Congress. As the nation continues to grapple with the devastating impacts of the pandemic, I strongly support this proposal for increased direct payments and urge Congress to act quickly and favorably.  

Additionally, the package restores supplemental unemployment insurance (UI) payments until March 14, 2021, providing a $300 weekly benefit in addition to other federal and state unemployment programs. $25 billion in emergency assistance for the payment of rent and utilities was also included, as was an extension of the federal eviction moratorium until January 21, 2021.

To aid our small businesses that have been hit hardest by the pandemic, the relief package includes: $284 million for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and expands eligibility for the program, $20 billion for Economic Injury Disaster Loans program, $15 billion for venues and cultural institutions, and extends the refundable Employee Retention Tax Credit.

Our schools have continued to endure throughout the COVID-19 crisis, with our teachers and faculty providing a most valuable service in our communities. The federal package provides $82 billion in flexible education funding, including aid for elementary, secondary schools and institutions of higher education.

I appreciate the action of our Congressional delegation to secure vital funding through this latest relief effort. However, more work must be done. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, state and local governments have been on the front lines assuming the tremendous cost of combatting the virus. As a result, local governments here on Long Island and across New York State are reeling from the financial devastation of the virus, and are experiencing severe losses in revenue. Local governments remain responsible for providing vital programs and services that we depend on, especially during this time of crisis, from public safety to senior support to garbage removal. Not providing aid to municipalities means that the government is neglecting to aid our first responders, police, fire services, and teachers, and is risking widespread layoffs and the halting of these critical services. Assistance from the federal government is absolutely vital to maintaining essential programs and ensuring that New Yorkers can return to their everyday lives.

Proportionate aid for New York’s local governments and the costs incurred by the state through combatting the virus, as a direct result of federal negligence, must be passed. Without it, the state is facing catastrophic budget cuts and an imminent loss of essential services.

We have reached the critical point. I, once again, implore Congress and our New York delegation to provide fair and adequate funding for state and local governments among their highest priorities. The time to act is now. We must ensure that local governments are equipped with the necessary resources to continue to combat COVID-19, mitigate its long-term impacts, and protect the health and safety of our citizens. Most importantly, we must avoid the catastrophic budget cuts that will inevitably occur without federal funding. As the Chair of the Assembly Local Governments Committee, I will continue to fight on behalf of our local governments to that end.