By Laura Walling, Senior Director of Government Relations, Goodwill Industries International
Congress has a number of pressing issues before them including: funding the government before the fiscal year ends on September 30; providing disaster relief to those areas that have been impacted by fires, floods and storms; addressing the vacancy left on the Supreme Court with the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg; advancing racial equity and justice; and, of course, preparing for the looming election.
One issue that appears to have overwhelming agreement from both sides of the aisle and the Administration is that additional COVID-19 relief is needed. Yet, how much relief and when to provide it continue to be sticking points in negotiations — which appear to be at a standstill.
Goodwill Industries International President and CEO Steven C. Preston joined the leaders of some of the nation’s largest charitable nonprofits in a letter to congressional leaders urging lawmakers not to return home until they pass a COVID-19 relief measure to avert further job losses and economic damage.
You can help amplify our efforts by visiting our Legislative Action Center and asking Congress to act now to provide much needed #Relief4Charities now.
Urgent action is needed. The pandemic has impacted the economy, the workforce, and the education and healthcare industries, among others. More and more people are struggling to make ends meet, care for their families, pay their rents or mortgages, and put food on the table for their families. Those who are young, those who are less educated and workers of color have incurred the most job losses. Charitable nonprofits have continued to be there for individuals and communities in need, and they will play an important role as the nation recovers. Now is no time for Congress to abandon nonprofits.
