Today, John Hickenlooper highlighted the need for the Senate to pass critical legislation to fund public services including for firefighters and schools whose budgets have been hit hard by the coronavirus crisis.
“Almost eight weeks ago, Senator Cory Gardner claimed he was standing up for local governments who desperately need funding for struggling schools and other essential services,” said Hickenlooper. “But once again, Senator Gardner said one thing and did another. Instead of backing his words up with action, he went on vacation. It’s time for Senator Gardner and the rest of the Senate to get back to work.”
Senator Cory Gardner has ignored bipartisan calls from Colorado leaders begging him to stand up to Mitch McConnell and go further on coronavirus aid. Earlier this year, Aurora’s Republican Mayor Mike Coffman and Democratic Congressman Jason Crow teamed up to demand Congress address the crisis in local communities, writing “Our cities can’t wait any longer. The road to recovery is long and it won’t be easy, but it will require a whole of government response.”
Last week, John called on both Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to end the scheduled two-week recess and return to work to pass urgent relief for Colorado families, small businesses, and medical workers. Among the urgent issues the Senate must end its two week vacation to address are:
- Extending the unemployment benefits that are set to expire in two weeks
- Getting medical workers the protective gear they need
- Pass rental relief for the struggling homeowners and renters
- Standing up to Trump’s refusal to adhere to CDC guidelines for schools
- Addressing funding for testing amid a nationwide shortage
