Coronavirus

This week, Missouri Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) joined a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers in sending a letter urging U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue to provide immediate assistance to cattle producers by using the resources provided in the recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stabilization (CARES) Act, including the replenishment of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and additional emergency funding. The resources would facilitate the stabilization of farm and ranch income for producers who are facing market volatility in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic fallout.

Today U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced an amendment to the Senate’s phase three coronavirus economic package to ensure that low-income families, including those without federal tax liabilities, are not excluded from receiving the direct relief they need during the coronavirus pandemic. Senator Hawley’s amendment would guarantee that low-income individuals and families get the full benefit. In the current draft of the legislation, the direct cash assistance for families penalizes lower income families. The bill “phases in” benefits only after recipients reach a minimum income threshold. Low-income Americans should not receive less relief than middle-income Americans.

After reports that the White House Coronavirus plan may include $2,000 to many Americans and industry bailouts, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) is calling for families to be prioritized in the relief process.

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) unveiled the Emergency Family Relief Act of 2020 to provide families facing uncertainty during the coronavirus outbreak a guarantee of financial relief from looming economic hardship. The bill’s introduction comes in advance of Senate consideration of the House-passed Families First Coronavirus Response Act, a proposal requiring employers with fewer than 500 employees to guarantee workers paid sick and family leave.

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) issued the following statement on the first confirmed case of Coronavirus in Missouri: Appreciate Governor Parson’s quick response and the excellent work of medical professionals in St Louis County and across the state. Gov. Parson and I are in regular contact, and am also working closely with MO health officials.