As we collectively attempt to keep ourselves and loved ones safe, healthy, and financially stable during this pandemic it is very, VERY important that we take a moment to let our elected officials know that we, the average worker AND the most vulnerable in society, need massive relief and we need it NOW.

At this very moment congress is likely to pass a third stimulus bill that they argue will address the needs of ordinary citizens during this crisis. However after reading various news reports on the bill's details along with listening to the many heartbreaking stories from family, friends, colleagues and strangers across this country, it is very apparent to me we need further and much bolder action!

I'll share with you how COVID-19 and its consequences have affected my loved ones and I. My fiance has not been able to work as a para professional due to school closures in our state. Meaning she will not receive much needed income for rent, medicine, groceries for at least the next two weeks. I have a twin brother, who is being sent into hospitals in order to repair critical medical equipment, with no N95 masks provided to him nor hazard pay provided by his company!

It is clear to me that we all have similar stories to tell and are worried about how we will all make it through to the other end of this crisis. Therefore in order to ensure we can survive this pandemic and not bear a great cost from which many of us might never recover, I urge you all to please join me in signing this petition so we can make sure the demands listed below are addressed fully by OUR government.

YES, to direct cash payments of $2000 to every adult and $1,000 for every child for those households making collectively less than $100,000 annually, for every month through September 2020

YES, to an immediate freeze on ALL rent and home mortgage obligations for every month through September 2020 for those households making collectively less than $250,000 annually.

YES, to legislation that ensures our first responders as well as essential service workers receive priority access to much needed safety equipment

YES, to free testing and related treatments for COVID-19 for all U.S. citizens, residents and undocumented individuals.

YES, to legislation that ensures hazard pay for ALL employees currently working in services deemed essential by their respective states

YES, to immediate paid sick-leave to ALL employees working in services deemed non-essential by their respective states at %100 percent of their normal wage levels until they are allowed back to work by their employee or their respective state.

YES, to forgivable loans and tax credits to those businesses with 1,000 employees or less to ensure they do not go out of business during the crisis.

NO, to the proposed $500 billion dollar bailout to major business conglomerates such as the airlines, hotels, and casinos without any requirements for them to retain all their workers, increase their wages beyond the current federal minimum, conduct no buy backs of their own stock nor provide bonuses to their C-Suite members or stock dividends to their share holders.

Everyone please be well, stay safe and let us do the best we can to live up to our ideals of compassion and caring for one another.

Love,

Loren Thomas