Editor’s note: A coalition of 176 government, labor, policy and business groups wrote to the U.S. Senate this week, urgently seeking unrestricted aid for states, cities and towns. AFSCME was one of the groups signing the letter. The following is an excerpt of a story in the American Independent about the letter. To read the full story, go here.
“At least 176 groups representing state and local government officials sent a letter to Senate leaders on Monday demanding federal assistance to cope with budget shortfalls created by the coronavirus crisis.
“‘If the Senate does nothing,’ the groups wrote, ‘our nation’s recovery from the pandemic-induced recession will suffer and millions of Americans will needlessly be harmed.’
“The letter was spearheaded by the National Governors Association and addressed to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
“Previous congressional relief efforts provided some targeted help for state and local governments, but more assistance is needed ‘to both rebuild the economy and maintain essential services in education, health care, emergency operations, public safety and more,’ groups wrote.”