Dear Editor:

The “Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Solution Act” (HEROES Act) was introduced in the House on May 12, 2020, as HR6800. It responds to the high costs incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This act provides immediate emergency supplemental funding to government health care agencies. It provides funding and establishes requirements for COVID-19 testing and contact tracing and eliminates cash sharing for COVID-19 treatments. In this bill Democrats included almost $1 trillion for state and local governments.

It gives direct support to employers; $75 billion for testing; subsidies for laid-off workers to pay for health insurance; an employee retention tax credit; $200 billion in “hazard pay” for essential workers. It expands the Paycheck Protection Program with loans and grants to small businesses and nonprofit groups. It establishes a fund to award grants for employees to provide pandemic premium pay for essential workers. Several tax credits and deductions would also be expanded. Our much-needed pension and retirement plans would be protected. In addition, the HEROES Act requires employers to develop and start infectious disease exposure plans.

There is another round of $1,200 direct cash aid to people with a $6,000 maximum per household. It would launch a $175 billion housing assistance fund to help with rent/mortgages. Other vital programs such as paid sick days, family and medical leave, unemployment benefits, nutrition and food assistance programs, housing assistance and payments to farmers are each expanded. It extends and expands certain moratoriums on evictions and foreclosures. Student loans and financial aid would be protected. Medicare, Medicaid, health insurance, broadband service, medical supplies, immigration and the federal workforce would be expanded or modified.

Every person who suffers an impact from COVID-19 somehow benefits. This is how we help and protect Americans.

On May 15, Congressman Dan Meuser voted against all this relief for his constituents. He was elected by the people but is not working for the people.

Gary Wegman understands the importance of the HEROES Act and will vote to support it once he is elected. Gary Wegman cares about all Americans.

Thank you.

Colleen Kucirka

Andreas