Lt. Gov. urges bolder state action on coronavirus
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| Fairfax |
Virginia is not doing enough to curb the spread of the coronavirus
pandemic, Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax charges.
Fairfax urges Gov. Ralph Northam to “implement much bolder and
swifter measures to flatten the curve and combat this unprecedented health and,
consequently, economic threat.”
swifter measures to flatten the curve and combat this unprecedented health and,
consequently, economic threat.”
Here are Fairfax’s recommendations:
- Join Maryland and the District of Columbia and mandate a ban on all
public mass gatherings at least through April 15. - Join
Maryland and the District of Columbia and mandate the closure of bars, restaurants,
gyms, and theaters to guests at least through April 15, while allowing
restaurants to maintain approved carryout, delivery services, and to-go alcohol
sales.
- Close
all K-12 schools, universities, and community colleges through the end of the
current academic term while continuing online education as available. That shouldn’t
prevent students on track to graduate to do so. All standardized
tests should be waived or suspended. - Create a large-scale state-level small business fund and grant program
to make cash grants and long-term, no-interest loans to ensure Virginia’s small
businesses can maintain cash flow and solvency for at least the next 120 days. - Refund
or waive the 2020 Business, Professional, and Occupational License tax to all
small businesses. - Suspend
all state and local tax payments for 120 days. - Increase
maximum weekly unemployment payments to displaced workers from $378 to $800 per
week for at least the next 120 days.
- Negotiate
with lenders and landlords to suspend all rent payments, mortgage, student
loan, and burdensome consumer loans for the next 120 days. In addition,
approach credit rating agencies to freeze all derogatory credit marks for
consumers and small businesses for unpaid bills for the next 120 days. - Create
a relief fund for faith-based and other community and non-profit institutions
that are severely impacted by mandates prohibiting mass gatherings. - Call
a special session of the General Assembly as necessary before the April 22 veto
session in order to implement these and any other emergency measures to address
the COVID-19 health crisis and provide direct and substantial economic relief
to our small business owners, employees, and families throughout Virginia.
Related story: Coronavirus will devastate regional economy
Updated, 3:20 p.m.: During a conference call with the public
on March 20, Fairfax said he is working on a policy to allow a moratorium on mortgages
and rent payments for 90 to 120 days. That would apply to businesses, as well
as residences.
on March 20, Fairfax said he is working on a policy to allow a moratorium on mortgages
and rent payments for 90 to 120 days. That would apply to businesses, as well
as residences.
Fairfax also said the state is considering raising the
maximum unemployment benefit from $378 to $800 a week.
maximum unemployment benefit from $378 to $800 a week.
