Congressman Brindisi discusses coronavirus stimulus
(Submitted Photo)
NEW YORK - Congressman Anthony Brindisi held a second teleconference last week, inviting members of the public to hear up to date information from medical professionals and community leaders.
On Thursday Brindisi’s teleconference covered a number of topics, including the coronavirus stimulus check, statewide hospital usage, and continued impacts on local communities.
“Now is the time for diligence, and while health officials do their jobs, we all have a duty to do our part,” said Brindisi. “Even those who are young and healthy need to consider the elderly and people with underlying conditions.”
“We are a community and rely on everyone to do their part.”
One of the topics discussed during the conference was the concept of individuals infected with coronavirus from New York City being transported for treatment to hospitals in other parts of the state.
“My understanding right now is that the City of New York is working very hard to increase hospital capacity, as I mentioned the Army Corp of Engineers is working diligently to try and address any overflow by looking at sites in the City like the Jacob Javits Convention Center” said Brindisi. “Obviously if you can keep people close to home, and treated closer to home that would be ideal.”
“Hopefully there isn’t a need for folks to come to other parts of the state, but I know all of the health systems are preparing in the event that something like that might happen.”
Brindisi said he recognizes local businesses and individuals have been financially impacted by social distancing guidelines and quarantines related to the coronavirus. He said that’s why he voted to approve the third coronavirus stimulus act, which passed on Friday.
“This legislation does a number of things, it's a two trillion dollar package which helps fight coronavirus,” said Brindisi. “There is a two hundred billion dollar investment in hospitals, health systems, as well as health research.”
“There’s also 150 billion dollars for state and local governments to give them the resources they desperately need during this emergency.”
Brindisi said right now one of the biggest issues healthcare providers are seeing throughout New York State is a shortage of personal protective equipment.
“This is something we’ve been hearing about in Upstate New York, and unfortunately it’s been happening around the country,” he said. “We’ve reported the need to the state department of health, and it’s up to the state to decide where those supplies will be distributed.”
“I would say long term, this is an issue that we need to address better as a country.”
He added that for the short term, there is an additional 16 billion dollars allocated in the most recent coronavirus stimulus act for the national strategic stockpile to help pay for more masks, gloves, and gowns for organizations who need them.
He said additionally there is a 260 billion dollar investment in unemployment insurance, there’s 13 weeks of federally funded benefits to be made immediately, and direct cash payments to citizens.
“There will be $1,200 payments for individuals who are earning below $75,000, $2,400 for couples who are married filing jointly, and in addition there are $500 cash payments for each child,” he added. “My understanding is that they are looking at 2018, 2019 if you filed already, adjusted gross income if you’re eligible.”
“For our small businesses, there are 377 billion dollars that are going to be infused to help businesses cover expenses while they are closed down.”
Brindisi said there would also be 30 billion dollars going into education.
“I want you to know that we are working very hard, the coronavirus knows no political party, and it's something that we need to work together to address,” said Brindisi.
Rural Health Network of South Central New York Executive Director Jack Salo said another way the government is working with citizens is by highlighting opportunities available to to elderly through local Area Agency on Aging departments.
“I was invited to today’s town hall to provide information on resources that help with basic needs and services,” said Salo. “With restrictions on travel and orders to stay at home, many residents, especially older residents, have questions and concerns about how to get food and prescription medication they need.”
“If you or someone else in your household is 60 years of age or older, you can contact your county agency on aging for assistance.”
Salo cited Chenango County’s office as one of the agencies that have agreed to remain open via phone call for those in need.
On Thursday Brindisi’s teleconference covered a number of topics, including the coronavirus stimulus check, statewide hospital usage, and continued impacts on local communities.
“Now is the time for diligence, and while health officials do their jobs, we all have a duty to do our part,” said Brindisi. “Even those who are young and healthy need to consider the elderly and people with underlying conditions.”
“We are a community and rely on everyone to do their part.”
One of the topics discussed during the conference was the concept of individuals infected with coronavirus from New York City being transported for treatment to hospitals in other parts of the state.
“My understanding right now is that the City of New York is working very hard to increase hospital capacity, as I mentioned the Army Corp of Engineers is working diligently to try and address any overflow by looking at sites in the City like the Jacob Javits Convention Center” said Brindisi. “Obviously if you can keep people close to home, and treated closer to home that would be ideal.”
“Hopefully there isn’t a need for folks to come to other parts of the state, but I know all of the health systems are preparing in the event that something like that might happen.”
Brindisi said he recognizes local businesses and individuals have been financially impacted by social distancing guidelines and quarantines related to the coronavirus. He said that’s why he voted to approve the third coronavirus stimulus act, which passed on Friday.
“This legislation does a number of things, it's a two trillion dollar package which helps fight coronavirus,” said Brindisi. “There is a two hundred billion dollar investment in hospitals, health systems, as well as health research.”
“There’s also 150 billion dollars for state and local governments to give them the resources they desperately need during this emergency.”
Brindisi said right now one of the biggest issues healthcare providers are seeing throughout New York State is a shortage of personal protective equipment.
“This is something we’ve been hearing about in Upstate New York, and unfortunately it’s been happening around the country,” he said. “We’ve reported the need to the state department of health, and it’s up to the state to decide where those supplies will be distributed.”
“I would say long term, this is an issue that we need to address better as a country.”
He added that for the short term, there is an additional 16 billion dollars allocated in the most recent coronavirus stimulus act for the national strategic stockpile to help pay for more masks, gloves, and gowns for organizations who need them.
He said additionally there is a 260 billion dollar investment in unemployment insurance, there’s 13 weeks of federally funded benefits to be made immediately, and direct cash payments to citizens.
“There will be $1,200 payments for individuals who are earning below $75,000, $2,400 for couples who are married filing jointly, and in addition there are $500 cash payments for each child,” he added. “My understanding is that they are looking at 2018, 2019 if you filed already, adjusted gross income if you’re eligible.”
“For our small businesses, there are 377 billion dollars that are going to be infused to help businesses cover expenses while they are closed down.”
Brindisi said there would also be 30 billion dollars going into education.
“I want you to know that we are working very hard, the coronavirus knows no political party, and it's something that we need to work together to address,” said Brindisi.
Rural Health Network of South Central New York Executive Director Jack Salo said another way the government is working with citizens is by highlighting opportunities available to to elderly through local Area Agency on Aging departments.
“I was invited to today’s town hall to provide information on resources that help with basic needs and services,” said Salo. “With restrictions on travel and orders to stay at home, many residents, especially older residents, have questions and concerns about how to get food and prescription medication they need.”
“If you or someone else in your household is 60 years of age or older, you can contact your county agency on aging for assistance.”
Salo cited Chenango County’s office as one of the agencies that have agreed to remain open via phone call for those in need.
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