Evergreen Reporter

U.S. Representative Kevin Schrier issued the following announcement on March 27

Today Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) joined her colleagues in the House in supporting the third bipartisan coronavirus relief package, the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act” (CARES Act). Rep. Schrier released the following statement about House passage:

“This is a much-needed rescue package for 8th district families, small businesses, and hospitals. We are facing an unprecedented challenge brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. Doctors, nurses, and our first responders are on the frontlines, and have been fighting this virus for a month now in Washington state. They need assistance to continue providing care for Washingtonians.

Schools are closed. Non-essential businesses are closed. We are asking people to not go to work, not go to school, and stay home to protect our communities. We need to make sure that they receive the financial help they need to make it through this uncertain time.

This bill provides:

• a one-time payment of $1200 per adult and $500 per child to help bridge the gap for eligible families while offices and businesses are closed
• emergency grants and loans for small businesses to incentivize them to keep employees on payroll and make it easier for them to open their doors again once the crisis has subsided
• expanded unemployment insurance for those who are laid off, including the self-employed and those working in the gig economy
• additional funding to assist food banks around the country as they see their demand increasing
• assistance to farmers who are experiencing losses due to the pandemic, including specific assistance for fruit growers
• funding for the Indian Health Service to support tribal health care
• funding for schools to ensure students are able to continue learning remotely, and students in need can still access school-based nutrition programs
• assistance to help states prepare for the 2020 election cycle to ensure people can safely and securely vote during a pandemic

I see this as the third of several stages of assistance to help families, small businesses, hospitals, and state and local governments weather the overwhelming financial burden of this crisis. This is going to get worse before it gets better. But if we all stay home and follow the directions of public health officials, we will get through this. Together.”

Original source can be found here.