Senate to vote on economic relief package
MADISON, Wis. (WKBT) – A bill that overwhelmingly passed in the House and has support from President Trump is going to the Senate on Monday night.
It’s called the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which would provide economic relief to those affected by coronavirus/COVID-19.
If it passes in the Senate it would require businesses to provide two weeks of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family and medical leave.
It would also give aid to small and medium-sized businesses so they can be reimbursed for the paid leave, and expand unemployment compensation.
The bill also includes:
- Free testing to anyone, whether you have insurance or not.
- Extra support for food assistance programs, including seniors, students, and food banks.
- Increase Medicaid funding for local, state, tribal and territorial governments and health systems.
Lawmakers say people shouldn’t have to choose between their health or a paycheck.
“Time is of the essence. If people feel like they can’t isolate, even if they’re feeling under the weather because they can’t afford to miss a paycheck, we will see people spread this infection, and we can’t afford to see that,” U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin said.
Lawmakers are already thinking about the next steps, including measures for emergency childcare.
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