Suozzi On Coronavirus: 'Be Prepared, Not Scared'

HUNTINGTON, NY — Congressman Tom Suozzi released a statement Tuesday urging the Administration to nationally mobilize in an effort to protect both the health and economic stability of people, families, small businesses and economy as a whole while the nation faces the spread of the new coronavirus.

There are three coronavirus-related deaths and 97 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Suffolk County as of Tuesday afternoon, officials said. Nassau County saw its first two coronavirus deaths Tuesday, both elderly men, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said.

"All hands-on deck," Suozzi said. "We all need to be prepared, not scared, and develop a comprehensive plan. That means urgently taking swift action such as:

• Beginning emergency production of ventilators, testing kits and reagents, and personal protective equipment (PPE) including respirators, gowns, and gloves.
• Expanding the scope of eligibility of family and medical leave.
• Offering refundable tax credits to provide support for self-employed workers, workers in the gig economy or other workers with non-traditional employment.
• Enhancing childcare options and regulatory relief to provide childcare coverage during term of crisis.
• Providing low or no interest loans for small businesses across the United States.
• Investing in massive infrastructure reform, which would spur investment and provide good-paying jobs in countless American communities.

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Suozzi commended the "incredible leadership" of Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

"[His] team has worked quickly and affirmatively to address this crisis head-on," Suozzi said. "We are in a better position today because of his efforts. We must continue to ‘flatten the curve,’ and protect the safety our communities. America is capable of anything and if we work together, we can come out of this stronger than ever before."

Suozzi’s call to action is a part of a multi-phased plan to tackle the coronavirus outbreak, his office said in a news release. Phase one included passage of the $8.3 billion supplemental, which Suozzi voted for March 4, and was signed into law.

For the second phase, the House passed the bi-partisan Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which is awaiting a Senate vote. The legislation would provide free testing for all who need it, paid leave to more than 80 million Americans, enhanced employment insurance, strengthen Medicaid funding, and more.

President Donald Trump expressed his support for the Families First Coronavirus Response Act on Twitter.

"This Bill will follow my direction for free CoronaVirus tests, and paid sick leave for our impacted American workers," Trump tweeted Friday night. "I have directed the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Labor to issue regulations that will provide flexibility so that in no way will Small Businesses be hurt. I encourage all Republicans and Democrats to come together and VOTE YES! I will always put the health and well-being of American families FIRST. Look forward to signing the final Bill, ASAP!"

Suozzi said he believes while the legislation is a positive step forward, much more needs to be done in phase three and beyond, including what he laid out in his statement.

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