Congresswoman Watson Coleman Votes for Coronavirus Package to Protect Families

WASHINGTON – (March 14, 2020) Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, voted to pass H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, to provide stability and security for families dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of Friday morning, New Jersey has 29 presumptive positive cases, though there are likely many more undiagnosed. Mitigating the outbreak is of utmost importance. H.R. 6201 will help get people tested, provide medical treatment and soften the economic impact of social distancing and mitigation of the virus. The bill includes:

• Free coronavirus testing for everyone who needs a test, including the uninsured. Watson Coleman insisted that the uninsured be covered because everyone, no matter their coverage status, is susceptible to coronavirus and can spread the disease.
• Paid emergency leave, with both 14 days of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family and medical leave.
• Enhanced Unemployment Insurance, a first step that will extend protections to furloughed workers, and those laid off as a result of the virus.
• Strengthened food security initiatives, including SNAP, student meals, seniors’ nutrition and food banks.  SNAP work requirements will be paused for the duration of the public health crisis.
• Increased federal funds for Medicaid, as states face increased costs.

“Experts on infectious diseases are telling us the only way to prevent increased spread of the coronavirus and to save lives is expanded testing, quick medical attention, and social distancing,” said Watson Coleman. “These actions will put enormous stress on our healthcare and economic systems. I want people to begin to stay home when possible – take advantage of telework, avoid large gatherings, and minimize time in public spaces. This bill is about making sure families and employees aren’t hurt by those important public health directives.

“The Families First Coronavirus Response Act will mitigate some of those effects and I will continue to work with my colleagues to provide whatever resources are necessary to fight this pandemic and support working families.”

Congresswoman Watson Coleman is working with leaders in Congress and the Statehouse to give people the most accurate, up to date information. Things everyone can do include:

• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throw it away. If one is not available cough into your sleeve, NOT your hands
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning spray or wipe
• Taking advantage of teleworking, and other opportunities to reduce public interactions

For more information and updates visit the New Jersey Department of Health’s COVID-19 website: https://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml or the CDC’s COVID-19 website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.