This is not going to cut it
Dear Friend,
Although we have thankfully seen the number of Covid-19 cases in New Mexico drop in recent weeks, we are still squarely in the middle of this pandemic and experiencing a prolonged economic crisis. Everyone is rightly worried about whether our schools, our child care centers, and our small businesses can acquire the resources and equipment they need to reopen safely. Without more relief, many families in New Mexico will face desperate choices between paying their bills, keeping a roof over their heads, or putting food on the table.
That's why I am so appalled with the cynical partisan games and completely inadequate proposals that Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans are putting forward. Today, the Senate was asked to vote on a bill that fell far, far short of what our nation needs to respond to this crisis. The vote failed because the bill did not meet the needs of the families and communities we represent.
The Republican bill limited resources for schools only to districts that are opening up for in-person instruction, leaving parents and teachers who are scrambling to navigate online instruction out in the cold. There was no direct relief funding for local and tribal governments who have taken on enormous costs to keep their communities safe during the pandemic. These governments will be forced to lay off police officers, firefighters, and other frontline workers if they don't receive help soon.
And that's just the start of what was wrong with this bill.
I am fully aware that without more relief from Congress, thousands of New Mexicans will continue to face deep uncertainty and anxiety in the months ahead. It's clear that we urgently need to go back to the negotiation table to do right by workers and families.
Despite these frustrating roadblocks, I want you to know that I am continuing to do everything in my power to create a productive path forward. I will never stop fighting for the support New Mexicans need, the science-based public health response necessary to save lives, and economic investments to rebuild our communities. As always, if there is any way that I can assist you or your family during this time, please don't hesitate to contact my office.
Be well and stay healthy.
Sincerely,
MARTIN HEINRICH
United States Senator
United States Senator
