Update – 232pm – Statement From Congressman Reed:
Today, Tom was joined by a group of New York state officials, including State Senators O’Mara, Borrello, and Ortt, as well as Assemblymen Palmesano and Friend, to discuss the gradual reopening of upstate New York.
“As evidenced by the call, we all care about protecting the physical and economic health of our constituents and communities. Working together at every level of government, and in coordination with the private sector, we can slowly and safely begin bringing our region back online,” said Reed.
Noting their constant contact with local health providers and professionals, the group also pushed back against the idea that a staggered, nuanced approach to reopening the economy isn’t feasible.
“We understand the situation downstate is dire, but the Governor can’t just ignore the economic and geographic realities of the rest of the state. Every day he delays pursuing innovative testing solutions or sector-specific reopenings, he is placing New Yorkers’ livelihoods in jeopardy,” continued Reed.
Yesterday, Tom and the rest of the Problem Solvers Caucus put forward a detailed economic and health care checklist that regions like western New York can leverage to guide how a gradual reopening should proceed. The bipartisan plan also notes several critical steps the federal government can take to facilitate long-term economic recovery and invest in our nation’s future.
Last week, Assemblyman Goodell and Senator Borrello also released a plan regarding restarting New York. The plan, which can be found here, gives additional context to how a regional, industry-specific approach to reopening portions of New York should look.
Tom also raised the need for Congress to stop the partisan games and pass the relief American businesses across the country desperately need. The federal Paycheck Protection Program, which provides businesses with payroll support, recently ran out of funding.
