Tell Congress: The next stimulus must prioritize young people.
The HEALS Act, the latest coronavirus stimulus bill introduced by Republican legislators, offers very little assistance to relieve young people struggling with the economic fallout from the growing pandemic. Included in the bill was $680 million for fighter jets, another large sum to reconstruct FBI headquarters, and immunity liability excusing corporations from having to impose strict COVID-19 standards. Lacking in the bill was student debt relief, adequate higher ed funding, and rental assistance. Basically, corporations and the military were prioritized over people (again!).
The bill has received criticism from both sides of the aisle, and is unlikely to pass as is. Over the next few days, there will be extensive discussion on the Hill to revise the stimulus bill. NOW is the time to make our voices heard.
Send a letter (using the tool to the right) asking Congress to include the following priorities in the revised version of the stimulus bill:
- Cancel student debt
- Defund the police and reinvest in youth workforce development programs
- Direct cash payments for ALL Americans, including college students who qualify as dependents
Full text of letter here.
It is urgent that we speak up! The stimulus bill is meant to stimulate the people, not corporations and the military.
TL;DR?
The HEALS Act does not go far enough to help young people struggling with the economic fallout from coronavirus. Tell your reps to prioritize young people and our needs!