U.S. Rep. Trahan Says Nation Needs Second Federal COVID-19 Help Bill

Congresswoman Lori Trahan says the federal government is likely to provide aid above the recently passed $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act—known as CARES for short.Appearing live over WHAV recently, Trahan said, more financial aid is needed to help people pay for health insurance after they’ve lost their jobs and communities and hospitals meet their obligations.“The idea is to make sure none of our businesses fail and that we’re just getting people through this unprecedented time, frankly,” she said.Trahan called the CARES Act historic and she outlined two ways it helps businesses and employees.“The largest relief package ever passed by Congress and it does many things. It sends direct cash payments to more than 150 million people, it establishes loan and grant programs for our small businesses so that they can maintain payroll and survive the downtown,” she said.The congresswoman explained the act also helps communities and health professionals prepare for a spike in COVID-19 illnesses. “It also gives much needed assistance and cash to our cities and towns who are on the front lines as well as our hospitals who are ramping up to meet a surge that they’ve never seen before.”Yesterday, Gov. Charlie Baker said the surge has arrived, noting 28,000 COVID-19 cases and deaths from the virus approaching 1,000.Trahan said, although working remotely, she and her staff continue to answer calls and questions. Those who need help may call 978-459-0101.Support the show