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I want #COVID19 relief passed immediately.
But I also think that Democrats have nothing to apologize for by blocking Mitch McConnell's proposal, because it's literally worse than nothing.
But I also think that Democrats have nothing to apologize for by blocking Mitch McConnell's proposal, because it's literally worse than nothing.
First, McConnell's refusal to offer a penny of debt relief to municipal governments — when their budget shortfall is specifically because businesses that make up the tax base are shut down by COVID — is reprehensible and is explicitly intended to cripple Democratic areas.
Second, McConnell is demanding unconditional reauthorization of PPP, which was a jungle gym of fraud and abuse and funneled billions into corporate executives' pockets while doing little to actually maintain jobs.
But the REAL dealbreaker is his so-called "liability" provisions.
But the REAL dealbreaker is his so-called "liability" provisions.
McConnell wants to make it basically impossible to sue businesses for spreading COVID, even as a result of gross negligence, AND make it easier for businesses to file SLAPP suits against any consumer or employee who criticizes their infection control. https://www.vox.com/2020/7/29/21345228/liability-shield-mitch-mcconnell-republican-safe-to-work-act-gross-negligence
Given dozens of GOP governors are flatly refusing to institute public health restrictions, and SCOTUS seems inclined to rule against those who do, the ONLY thing keeping many businesses behaving responsibly is the possibility they'll be sued for negligence.
If McConnell's bill were to become law, millions of service workers would be forced back into unsafe working environments prematurely under threat of termination, and would have ZERO legal recourse to protect their jobs or health.
Passing nothing is better than passing that.
Passing nothing is better than passing that.
Dems should be willing to compromise on the amount of cash relief, who qualifies, etc. But three things need to be non-negotiable:
1. Municipal relief
2. Major oversight reforms to PPP
3. The "liability" bill needs to be burned with fire
1. Municipal relief
2. Major oversight reforms to PPP
3. The "liability" bill needs to be burned with fire
