Sherrill Votes to Pass Second Coronavirus Relief Package, Protect New Jersey Families

Urges Senate to Pass Bipartisan House Package

Washington, DC — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) delivered a strong, bipartisan package for New Jersey’s families tonight to take action and address the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act will give families flexibility to stay home from work when they are sick and food security for their children. Crucially, it will also make the coronavirus test free for everyone who needs one, even the un- or underinsured. This follows the $8.3 billion emergency supplemental funding package to respond to COVID-19 that Representative Sherrill helped pass last week that will provide critical funding for public health efforts, including additional funding to bolster the CDC’s response efforts, and provide disaster loans for small businesses hurt by the spread of the virus.

“Our communities face unprecedented disruptions in their lives. I’m proud of the work the House did to step up and lead during this crisis, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to confront this public health emergency, protect our economy, and make sure New Jersey has the resources it needs,” said Representative Sherrill. “Congress will continue to work to support our country and citizens during this time and I urge the Senate to pass this bipartisan legislation.”

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act takes the following steps to address the impact the COVID-19 public health emergency will have on American families:

• For families’ economic security: we secured paid emergency leave with two weeks of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family and medical leave.  We have also secured enhanced Unemployment Insurance, a step that will extend protections to furloughed workers.
• For families’ food security: we strengthened nutrition security initiatives, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), student meals, seniors’ nutrition and food banks. More than 682,000 New Jersey children rely on SNAP and twenty-two million children across the country rely on free or reduced-price school meals for their food security; we must ensure that they have food to eat.
• For families’ health security: we increased federal funds for Medicaid to support our local, state, tribal and territorial governments and health systems, so that they have the resources necessary to combat this crisis.

The House is expected to take up additional measures to protect American lives. Last week, Representative Sherrill took action to address the coronavirus in New Jersey and across the country. She helped pass the bipartisan emergency supplemental funding package to respond to COVID-19. She convened a call with leaders from major hospital systems and primary care providers in the 11th Congressional District and a call with public health and office of emergency management officials from Essex, Morris, Passaic, and Sussex Counties to hear from them on COVID-19 preparations.

Representative Sherrill is hosting information from the Centers for Disease Control on her website for residents to get the most up-to-date information.

Residents who have questions or concerns should call New Jersey’s COVID-19 hotline at 1-800-222-1222 or 1-800-962-1253 if using an out-of-state phone line.

Additional resources are below:

The Centers for Disease Control provides updates on the virus and safety information for the public and healthcare professionals.

The New Jersey Department of Health provides updates on the disease’s spread within the state, as well as frequently asked questions available here.

The U.S. State Department provides a list of travel advisories for those who are planning to fly outside of the United States.