Democrats Plan to Unveil Proposals Following Coronavirus Concerns

Democrats plan to unveil a “spending package designed to soften the blow of the coronavirus and its effects on the economy, marking the latest step in a race to contain an outbreak that has sickened more than 1,000 in the US,” as reported by Business Insider.

Expectations on the bill include the expansion of paid sick leave, unemployment insurance, and food stamps as COVID-19 increasingly disrupts business activity. There could also be reimbursements for non-covered healthcare costs related to the illness.

According to Business Insider, a vote in the House could come as soon as Thursday.

“We don't want people to panic, but we do have to be prepared,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. “And we think that listening to the concerns over the past period of time and putting together what some possibilities are based on what we did from Katrina, based on what we did in the depression time following the 2008 downturn in our economy. We have some examples that were useful then that we can apply now.”

The total cost of the package is not clear yet – but things are “coming together,” said a House Democratic aide.

“Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Wednesday that the upper chamber would also push for sweeping stimulus measures amid COVID-19, including six months forbearance on federal student loans and mortgages. It could also pursue assistance on rent payments and transit, Small Business Administration loans and disaster grants,” reported Business Insider.