Western governors pen letter asking senate for $1 trillion in coronavirus aid

As states begin to reopen their economies, the impact of the coronavirus is more apparent than ever. In order to combat the struggles faced by businesses and people in five Pacific states have banded together to ask the federal government for further relief.

The “Western State Pact” began when the governors of California, Washington, and Oregon convened to stand together in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This agreement commits to working together and promoting cooperative action among the different state governments.

Now, with the inclusion of Colorado and Nevada leaders, five states have worked together to pen a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Representative Kevin McCarthy.

• See also:
  • Oregon reveals phased plan for reopening the state
  • Washington State is moving forward into phase two of reopening its economy
  • Washington, Oregon, and California band together in coronavirus pact

“Without federal support, states and cities will be forced to make impossible decisions,” reads the Western State Pact. “Without further assistance, the very programs that will help people get back to work … will be forced up on the chopping block.”

“That’s why we are respectfully, and urgently, requesting $1 trillion in direct and flexible relief to states and local governments,” continues the document. “We urge you to take swift action to help states and local governments provide core government services for American families.”

The Western State Pact was signed by the following: Gavin Newsome (Governor of California), Jared Polis (Governor of Colorado), Kate Brown (Governor of Oregon), Steve Sisolak (Governor of Nevada), and Jay Inslee (Governor of Washington), along with many of their constituents.

“It’s clear that COVID-19 will be with us for the foreseeable future,” wrote Oregon Gov. Brown in a tweet.

It’s clear that COVID-19 will be with us for the foreseeable future — and without federal support, states and cities will be forced to make impossible decisions. That’s why our Western States Pact is urgently requesting $1 trillion in relief to states & local governments. pic.twitter.com/nWkqiR5i7M

— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) May 11, 2020