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Larson Calls For Action to Address Economic Inequalities in COVID-19 Recovery Efforts

June 18, 2020

Hartford, CT – During today's Ways and Means Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee Hearing on tax relief to support workers and families during COVID-19, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) called for action to address economic inequalities in COVID-19 recovery efforts.

"As we move forward to provide economic relief to workers and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have to remember our nation's health and economy are inextricably linked. The elderly and people of color, especially women, are the most vulnerable to the virus, and have suffered the most hospitalizations and deaths.

"On Tuesday, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell testified in front of the Senate Banking Committee saying:

‘Low-income households have experienced, by far, the sharpest drop in employment, while job losses of African-Americans, Hispanics and women have been greater than that of other groups. If not contained and reversed, the downturn could further widen gaps in economic well-being that the long expansion had made some progress in closing.'

"We cannot leave these communities behind and we cannot pretend economic support is no longer needed. We know what we've done in the CARES Act has worked, it's time to build on those programs. The Senate must take up the Heroes Act that we passed, which includes another round of Economic Impact Payments and expands the eligibility of them to include dependents. We should also provide relief to those most affected by this pandemic, seniors, by expanding Social Security! As Dr. Fauci keeps reminding us, this pandemic is not over. We must continue to provide economic relief and ensure all communities are able to access it."