Pelosi: States, cities seek $1T to avert layoffs

(30 Apr 2020) House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday state and local governments are seeking up to $1 trillion for coronavirus  costs, a stunning benchmark for the next aid package that's certain to run into opposition from Senate Republicans.

Pelosi acknowledged the federal government may not be able to provide that much. But she said a “heroes” fund is needed to prevent layoffs as governors and mayors stare down red ink in their budgets. Many jurisdictions are facing rising costs from the health pandemic and plummeting revenues in the economic shut down. The best way Americans can support local nurses, bus drivers and other front-line community workers, Pelosi said, is to make sure they don't lose their jobs to budget cuts.

“This is something of the highest priority, it honors our heroes,” Pelosi said.

Nurses, transit bus drivers and other workers "are risking their lives to save lives, and now they're going to lose their jobs,” she said.

The $1 trillion request comes after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell shifted his tone suggesting he is “open” to considering additional funds in the next coronavirus  relief bill.

But the eye-popping figure would be on top of nearly $3 trillion  Congress has already approved over the past month to salvage the economy and confront the health crisis.

Congress is partially reopening next week as House committees hold several hearings, and the full Senate gavels into session after being shuttered for more than a month during the pandemic. But Pelosi said she doesn't know the timing of when the House of Representatives would return fully since they are "at the mercy of the virus."

The California Democrat acknowledged Congress may not be able to provide the full amount being sought. Governors have asked for $500 billion, and county and city governments are requesting a similar amount, she said.

“We're not going to be able to cover all of it,” Pelosi said.

But to the extent the federal government can provide funds to prevent widespread layoffs, she said, “that’s our goal.”



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