When it comes to formulating a coherent, credible response to the Coronavirus outbreak, bitterly divided politicians on both sides of the isle came together Friday and did the right thing according to an editorial in the Washington Post.

Although negotiations between Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Trump’s representative, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, were challenging, said the Post, “both leaders conducted themselves responsibly, in a spirit of compromise, and eventually got to yes.”

Even President Trump agreed.

“People really pulled together. Nice to see!” Mr. Trump tweeted.

The Bill, which passed the House in a 363-40 vote early Saturday morning and awaits likely Senate approval this week, includes the following provisions:

• Free coronavirus testing.
• A 6.2-percentage-point bump in state’s Medicaid payments to help cope with a potential surge in hospital patients.
• Beefed up unemployment insurance
• Suspended work requirements for nutrition assistance
• Paid sick leave specifically tied to coronavirus infections,

While not included in this initial Bill, small businesses can expect federal support in meeting the unexpected cost of paid sick leave.

While the Bill‘s cost remain uncertain and there is still much to be done to support workers and businesses, large and small, facing lost income from the likely economic crunch ahead, it is nice to see bitterly divided political parties and politicians doing the right thing.

Read more about the Washington Post’s summary of the passage of the nation’s initial coronavirus economic relief package by the House here.

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Public Health Notice: To get the latest information and updates regarding COVID-19, visit the Montco COVID-19 Data Hub here. Have questions about the County’s response to the coronavirus? Send your question in an email to COVID19@montcopa.org.

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