For Immediate Release: April 21, 2020
Contact: Traci Gleason
Statement from Amy Blouin, President & CEO of Missouri Budget Project
While the interim coronavirus relief package announced by Congressional leaders provides critical aid to small businesses and hospitals, it falls far short of what Congress must do to address the economic and health consequences of the pandemic. The sharp economic decline will likely be severe and long-lasting, and additional state fiscal relief is urgently needed to help Missouri and other states address their looming budget crises.
President Trump and some Congressional leaders have indicated that state aid will be considered in another package. This aid is vital – if they do not provide substantial additional relief, states will be forced to lay off teachers or other workers, cut important services like health care or education, or take other actions that would only prolong the recession and make it more painful.
We urge federal policymakers to come back to the table to approve flexible fiscal relief to states that continues until the economy fully recovers.
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The Missouri Budget Project is a nonprofit public policy analysis organization that analyzes state budget, tax, and economic issues.
