Republicans should join Democrats in approving Covid-19 relief package

Editor:

Democrats passed a $3 trillion coronavirus relief package in May 2020. Republicans refused to take up the bill.

Republicans refused to negotiate with Democrats on any bill that would offer relief for hospitals, cities and states, so the Democrats tried to negotiate directly with the administration, talking directly with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin.

Democrats came down to $2 trillion relief package, but Republicans refused to accept any compromise. So now we have the $906 billion relief bill that is not ideal and will not meet the needs of those suffering from forced unemployment but it is better than nothing so Democrats will support this bill but Republicans still reject it.

Republicans want a blanket exemption of businesses from any liabilities related to exposing their workers to Covid-19 risks and object to aid for States and Cities that have had to bear the brunt of the financial burden.

Meanwhile without government aid, layoffs and unemployment will increase as businesses close. Main Street will become a ghost street. Democrats continue to offer solutions while Republicans continue to be indifferent to the suffering, the hunger, and homelessness of their citizens.

It is not that Republicans are worried about the debt or deficit as they have no problem giving billions to their donors and large corporations, adding almost $4 trillion in new debt (MarketWatch 9/9/20).

It is not that Republicans are worried about the common workers as they are working to take away health care and any liability for exposure to the virus. What Republicans are doing is destroying our economy as they work to destroy our democracy with frivolous lawsuits to disenfranchise millions of voters.

The callousness of Republicans is on full display. Voters should remember this next election.

William Fine

Brockport