AFSCME President Lee Saunders on Senate’s failure to provide relief for America’s communities

“With the COVID-19 death toll approaching 200,000 and the economy in a state of collapse, with states and localities facing a devastating fiscal crisis, Mitch McConnell and his caucus are still stuck on the pause button.

 

“This bill failed to pass the Senate because it falls unconscionably short of the kind of relief package we need to help working families get back on their feet and revitalize the economy. The bill snubs the unemployed and deserts workers on the front lines, while shielding big corporations from liability. It fails to provide any new flexible aid to states, cities, towns and schools, at a moment when essential public services are threatened and public service workers are getting pink slips.

 

“This Senate vote wasn’t about helping or empowering vulnerable families; it was all about providing cover to politically vulnerable senators. But voters are smarter than that. They know a phony half-measure when they see one. Come November’s election, they will punish those politicians who ignored their suffering and hardship, who walked away in this hour of urgent need for our families and communities.”