Statement from Congressman Pappas on House COVID-19 Relief Package
Legislation would provide an estimated $1.5 billion to New Hampshire cities, towns and counties to sustain essential services, and $3.5 billion to the state government. It also includes nearly $30 million for planning, preparation, and resilience of state elections.
Click here to watch Congressman Pappas's remarks on the House floor this morning
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) released the following statement prior to voting on the House's proposed COVID-19 response package:
"I am supporting the Heroes Act today because our frontline workers, first responders, and community members are rising to the occasion and so must Congress," said Congressman Pappas. "No bill is perfect, but we are living through an unprecedented crisis and if we fail to redouble and refine our efforts, the public health threat will grow, more jobs will be permanently lost, additional small businesses will throw in the towel, and cities and towns will go bust. I'm not willing to let that happen. This is the first step in a process and with bipartisan cooperation in the coming days, I hope we can deliver meaningful results for the American people."
"I fought for a number of provisions in this bill that are important to Granite Staters, including significant support for cities, towns, and counties to sustain essential services. The Heroes Act contains an estimated $446,863,152 toward this effort. Unless Congress acts to support our local communities, we could see widespread layoffs, cuts to critical services, and increased taxes to make up the difference. I've had hours of conversations with our local police chiefs, fire chiefs, teachers, and health care workers - all of whom are putting their lives on the line while facing the prospect of losing their jobs. They've had our backs, now we need to step up to have theirs."
The Heroes Act would bring an estimated $1.5 billion to cities, towns and counties, and $3.5 billion to the state government. Manchester is estimated to receive $127,617,663; Londonderry would receive $12,985,284; Conway would receive $5,068,319, Rochester would receive $18,256,663; and Laconia would receive $8,142,092.
"The package also includes several other bills I authored for free coronavirus treatment and vaccines for low-income individuals; expanded tax credits for small businesses to keep workers on the job; and giving our veterans a reprieve from VA debt collection. The conversations I have every day with my constituents—mayors and hospital officials, small business owners and essential workers—underscore the importance of these elements of the legislation."
"The Heroes Act would also ensure that essential workers who have risked their lives working during the pandemic receive hazard pay, and supports testing, tracing and treatment - so every American can access free coronavirus treatment, and supporting hospitals and providers. To cushion the economic blow of the coronavirus crisis, this bill also would give additional direct payments to individuals and families. The Heroes Act also includes nearly $30 million in funding for our local election officials so they have the resources they need to run safe, accessible, and secure elections this fall. These are crucial provisions that will help safeguard Americans' lives and livelihoods."
"We must meet this moment responsibly, ensure our communities are equipped to overcome this virus, and allow our economy to safely get back on its feet. Each vote I take as a member of the House of Representatives is a choice, and today, as always, I am choosing to put the voices of First District families, small business owners, fire fighters, teachers, and nurses first."