FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 26, 2020

CONTACT: Logan Smith, [email protected], 202-709-8825

Bend the Arc statement on Senate COVID-19 relief bill

Proposal includes needed concessions, but falls short on health care for immigrants, election protection, and corporate accountability

WASHINGTON, DC -- Bend the Arc: Jewish Action released the following statement on Wednesday in response to the U.S. Senate’s passage of a third coronavirus relief package:

“Our society’s response to this crisis must be judged by how we care for the most vulnerable among us,” said Rabbi Jason Kimelman-Block, Washington Director of Bend the Arc: Jewish Action. “As we pray for a refuah shleima -- a speedy and full recovery for those who are suffering -- we must also recognize how this crisis disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities by exacerbating economic insecurity and health care inequality, as well as increased racism and xenophobia.”

“We are grateful Senate Democrats were able to secure some needed concessions for COVID-19 relief, such as emergency hospital funding, expanded unemployment insurance, and some oversight to loan funds for corporations (though a great deal more oversight is necessary).”

“The bill, which intends to provides much-needed relief for millions across the country suffering from the economic consequences of the current crisis, is a start -- but much more needs to be done. It falls short by continuing to exempt people from necessary access to health care and economic relief based on their immigration status, it does not provide needed protection for front-line health care workers, it does not meaningfully fund measures to ensures a safe, inclusive, and fair voting process, and it leaves out worker-centered industry aid that places strong conditions on businesses receiving taxpayer dollars.”

“The only way to stop this crisis is by coming together and confronting it head-on. After this relief package passes, we hope that future recovery packages will follow the lead of House Democrats’ proposal which fixes these glaring oversights, giving everyone in our country the medical and financial relief they need while strengthening our democracy."

###

Bend the Arc: Jewish Action is uniting a movement of tens of thousands of progressive Jews across the country who are fighting for justice and equality for all. We are the only national Jewish organization focused exclusively on social change in the United States.