Councilmember Junie Joseph: “It would be immoral to cut unemployment in the midst of this pandemic”
On Saturday, over 330,000 Coloradans and their families watched the clock run out on the expanded federal unemployment insurance program as Senator Cory Gardner refuses to take any real action to protect them — and even supports slashing this lifeline by $1,600 a month.
John Hickenlooper called on the Senate to act and was joined by elected officials at the state and local level who are fighting for the resources their communities need and regular Coloradans who are fed up with President Trump and Senator Gardner’s failed response to this pandemic.
Last week, John spoke with unemployed workers in Fort Collins and heard about the terrible impact these cuts would have on their families.
Coloradans are calling on Senator Gardner to stop supporting Mitch McConnell and Trump’s plan to gut emergency unemployment.
Read some reactions below:
- Colorado House Democrats: “We also hope to see an extension of critical unemployment insurance benefits, nutrition benefits, housing assistance, small business support, resources for schools and funding to expand COVID-19 testing and contact tracing. We firmly believe that the proposal released this week by the Senate falls short of meeting the needs of our state in this pivotal moment, and we appeal to you to keep working to incorporate these critical components. […] If Congress does not boost the federal pandemic response and renew key programs, such as expanded unemployment insurance, we fear that the consequences borne by hardworking Coloradans will only be exacerbated.”
- State Sen. Chris Hansen: “It’s clear now that the President and the Republican Senate are leaving working families behind when they are at their most vulnerable. I’m supporting @Hickenlooper because when he’s in the Senate, he’ll fight for Colorado families.”
- State Rep. Briana Titone: “Republicans in the Senate haven’t taken action on dozens of bills including ones which will help working families get through this pandemic. Do we want the same inaction? I’m supporting @Hickenlooper because he will fight for Colorado working families.”
- State Rep. Shannon Bird: “I know that the people I represent are counting on the US Senate to do the right thing and renew unemployment benefits to help people through this tough time. Instead, Senate Republicans want to slash unemployment benefits by $1,600/month. Coloradans deserve better. @Hickenlooper”
- Rep. Diana DeGette: “This COVID-response bill by Senate Republicans is wholly inadequate. It cuts unemployment by $1,600 a month, pressures schools to reopen & does nothing to keep renters in their homes. Families are struggling. The Senate needs to work with us to get them the help they need NOW.”
- Rep. Jason Crow: “Workers and families across the country and in Colorado are struggling to make ends meet. Meanwhile, the additional UI benefits and federal eviction moratorium expired. Rent is due. Congress must extend these critical benefits to give Americans the assistance they need.”
- Unemployed worker Sarah Slaton: “We don’t get a break from the pandemic. But our Senate and the GOP took a two week recess.”
- Unemployed worker Bri Long: “I haven’t seen anything from Cory Garnder, not anything. John Hickenlooper is the only person that has inquired, or asked how we’re living, how we feel, what we’re going through even, and tried to make a difference.”
- Councilmember Junie Joseph: “It would be immoral to cut unemployment in the midst of this pandemic.”
