As Democrats use the coronavirus as an opportunity to slam President Trump’s handling of the matter, they think they have the solution. The Associated Press released details of the “ambitious measure” House Democrats have put forth. In a nutshell, the plan includes “paid sick leave and strengthened unemployment insurance as a response to the worsening outbreak’s economic impact.”
Democrats really do think money grows on trees. Legislation will be voted on today in the Democratic-controlled House of representatives. Despite the World Health Organization’s declaration that people with mild illness from coronavirus “recover in about two weeks” and of the more than 80,000 people diagnosed in mainland China, “more than 58,000 already have recovered” Democrats want to turn to government aid.
Democrats’ proposed legislation include the following: free coronavirus testing, “unprecedented – but temporary – federal sick leave benefit paid through the Social Security program,” $1.3 billion in “emergency food aid for low-income pregnant women and their young children, senior citizens and food banks” and unemployment benefits for workers laid off because of the virus outbreak. While those laid off are already eligible for unemployment, this bill will provide “$1 billion for additional caseloads and administrative costs to encourage temporarily furloughed workers to obtain unemployment benefits.”
The Associated Press reminds us that “amid all the fears, quarantines and stockpiling of food…for most of those affected, coronavirus creates only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, with the vast majority recovering from the virus.” It is mostly older adults with existing health problems who are at risk.
Announced just moments ago, “Congress will close the Capitol along with House and Senate office buildings to the public until April 1” due to the coronavirus. The House and Senate sergeants at arms announced closures will begin today at 5 PM Eastern Time.
