At the end of March, the House of Representatives passed the $2 trillion Coronavirus economic stimulus bill that was unanimously supported by the Senate and promptly signed by President Donald Trump. The purpose of this law has been to stimulate economic growth for the individuals and employers impacted by the public health and state of emergency caused by COVID-19.
“In general the policy creates a more favorable environment that without such aid would cause citizens and small businesses to wither in this pandemic, yet it does not provide adequate resources for the residents of the District of Columbia,”
said Vincent B. Orange, Sr., President and CEO of the District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce.
While the bill would among many things increase unemployment benefits allowing workers who are unemployed to collect up to $600 more per week for up to four additional months; would authorize billions in grants to Health care providers; and would allocate $500 billion to rescue industries impacted by the pandemic; the key provision of concern is that the bill treats the District as a territory not a state for relief funds.
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To not provide the District equity, is a huge offense that hurts not just the residents of the District but the federal workforce that calls the region home and the two-thirds that commute here to work every day."
Says President & CEO Orange. The DC Chamber of Commerce urges Congress to correct this unjustness and along with the broader business community provide the District with the appropriate resources to support its community and revitalize its economy.
