Pittsburgh Asks Trump For Coronavirus Financial Relief

PITTSBURGH, PA - Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto has urged President Trump to provide $250 billion in emergency funding for Pittsburgh and other cities that are financially struggling because of the coronavirus outbreak.

In a letter to the president Monday, Peduto noted that the outbreak has had a devastating impact on cities across the country, leading to massive losses in revenue.

"Despite almost no revenue from vital sources such as parking tax, amusement tax, parking revenue, facility usage fees, and deed transfer tax, the city of Pittsburgh continues to incur increased financial costs associated with managing the emergency and public health response, continuing to provide essential services, obtaining critical protective equipment for our front-line workers, and working to provide emergency support to vulnerable residents," Peduto wrote.

“Despite years of sound fiscal management, the scale of this crisis has simply been overwhelming – it is only a matter of time before we will face cash flow issues affecting our ability to pay first responders and essential workers. we need relief and we need it now."

You can read the entire letter here.

The city estimates it will suffer a 21 percent cut in projected revenues this year, going from $608 milli0n to $481 million - a $127 million loss. Over a five-year period through 2024, the city expects to lose a total of $239 million.