Stephanie Meyer, a democrat representing Florida's 7th Congressional District, shares that Congress needs to do more for the American people, arguing that political compromise waters down relief efforts. Instead, "Big, bold action is required." In her op-ed, she brings up two perceptive points that was not included in the $2.2 trillion legislation: paid family/medical leave and an employee retention tax credit.
- "As we crafted the second Covid-19 package, I fought to include a bill I had filed to give millions of American workers access to up to 10 weeks of paid family and medical leave during the pandemic. I wasn't just trying to be altruistic, but rather to promote public safety. Sick people without paid leave are more likely to report to work and infect others -- not because they don't care about their fellow Americans, but because staying home could mean economic ruin."
- "Likewise, I was the first member of Congress to propose that an "employee retention tax credit" be included in the CARES Act, similar to provisions we have enacted in the wake of hurricanes and other natural disasters. The purpose of this credit is to encourage businesses to keep their workers on payroll, so they can continue to receive health coverage and at least some portion of their previous salary or wages. Although we managed to get my proposal into the bill, Republicans -- again -- shaved down the provision until it was a shadow of its former self. The low value of the wage subsidy -- a maximum of $5,000 per worker -- is disconnected from the reality so many Americans are facing."
Some representatives fail to grasp the gravity of the entire situation, leading to more death and economic ruin. Entire political legacies will be defined from their action—or lack thereof. Unprecedented times calls for unprecedented action.
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