Tell Congress: Stop mass unemployment and save jobs!
Petition to Congress:
Unemployment is at the worst levels in nearly a century. Mass unemployment is a catastrophe, but it doesn't have to continue. Pass the Paycheck Guarantee Act and have the government cover the payroll of struggling businesses as well as help those who are already unemployed. This helps workers and small businesses survive the crisis and will help speed up economic recovery.
The unemployment stats continue to be horrific. More than 30 million people have lost their jobs, and the country's official unemployment rate is higher than any time since the Great Depression.
But it doesn't have to be this way. Rep. Pramila Jayapal has a proposal that would prevent mass unemployment by doing what many European countries have already done: have the government cover the payrolls of struggling businesses and help those who are still unemployed.1
The boost in unemployment aid is scheduled to run out for millions next month.2 Congress needs to act, but they won't if we remain silent. Will you speak up now?
Sign the petition and tell Congress: Pass the Paycheck Guarantee Act!
Right now many small businesses are struggling to cover both rent and payroll. Even as stay home orders are being lifted, perhaps prematurely, many customers are understandably still reluctant to go out until they know the coronavirus has truly been contained.
As a result, small businesses -- especially in the leisure and hospitality industries -- are very slow to rehire their laid off workers. Others continue to add new layoffs or close outright. Service workers make up one of the largest segments of the newly unemployed. And because they've been laid off, there's no assurance they can get their job back even if and when their employer reopens.
This is where the Paycheck Guarantee Act comes in. It provides urgent relief to businesses and workers, whether employed or unemployed, while also helping make it easier for the economy to recover once public health has improved.
European countries like Denmark have adopted similar plans, and have seen less unemployment, and less human suffering. Instead, thanks to Donald Trump, the United States is facing a catastrophe.
There's a lot we need to do to recover. The Paycheck Guarantee Act is one essential part. Can you help?
Add your name: Tell Congress to stop mass unemployment and pass the Paycheck Guarantee Act!
Sources:
1. Vox, "Pramila Jayapal's ambitious plan to get every worker their paycheck during coronavirus, explained," April 10, 2020.
2. Forbes, "The $600 Federal Unemployment Boost Is Set To End July 31. Here’s What Happens Next," June 8, 2020.