Congressman Anthony Brown Convenes Labor and Business Roundtables on COVID-19 Response

Statement

Congressman Anthony G. Brown (MD-04) convened labor and business leaders for digital roundtable discussions on the ongoing federal, state and local response to the coronavirus pandemic. After passing into law 2 bipartisan packages to safeguard public health and cushion the economic toll on families, Congress is working toward a third piece of legislation providing additional economic assistance to families and to businesses, large and small, and workers.

"Congress is taking urgent action to combat this pandemic and support the business communities and working families during these uncertain economic times. My conversations with business, labor and community leaders will help inform the decisions I make as we take bold action to ensure businesses survive, workers don't lose a paycheck and no family falls into financial ruin," said Congressman Anthony Brown. "My top priority moving forward is getting money in the pockets of working families and helping the business community get back on its feet."
As part of emergency legislation passed into law this week, workers at small and medium-sized businesses now have access to two weeks of paid sick leave and 10 weeks of paid family leave. This benefit is expected to help nearly 87 million workers.

Additionally, Congress strengthened and expanded state unemployment programs for workers who are laid off or furloughed during this crisis and provided funding for programs fighting food insecurity.

"We appreciate Congressman Brown's leadership during this public health crisis and his focus ensuring workers have all that they need to stay safe, healthy and financially cared for," said Samuel Epps, Political Director for UNITE Here Local 25 and resident of Maryland's Fourth Congressional District - whose membership includes workers in the hotel, food service, laundry, warehouse and casino gaming industries. "So many families are worried about making ends meet during this time of uncertainty, working closely with our elected leaders we'll help them get through this."

"Congressman Brown committed to seeing resources going to front line staff and essential service providers; this is what Maryland needs in this time of crisis," said Patrick Moran, President of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 3.

As part of the federal response to this pandemic, Congress authorized $7 billion in low-interest, long-term loans. All Maryland small businesses can now apply for these emergency loans to help weather this crisis.
"Supporting the needs of small businesses is especially critical during this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic," said Antonio Doss, Regional Small Business Administration Director. "SBA is eager to provide funding through our Economic Injury Disaster Loan program to help businesses successfully navigate through the current operating environment."

"Prince George's County businesses, big and small, are facing an unprecedented challenge as our country aggressively responds to the coronavirus," said David Harrington, President and CEO at Prince George's Chamber of Commerce. "I am confident that with the support of leaders like Congressman Brown, we can get through this crisis, protect our employees and get back to business."

Congressman Brown will continue to prioritize expanding paid sick, family and medical leave; strengthening unemployment benefits; protecting collective-bargaining agreements; putting money directly into the hands who need it most; and championing local businesses and industries in the weeks and months ahead.

Source