The nation’s governors called on the U.S. Senate to pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to aid their efforts to prevent the spread of the virus, provide medical treatment for those who need it, and offer assistance to families suffering economic losses and financial insecurity.
The act passed the House in a bipartisan vote March 14. It would ensure paid leave for people affected by the novel coronavirus and free testing for COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, among other measures. It also includes critical federal Medicaid funding for states and territories as governors work around the clock to ensure that the healthcare system provides lifesaving treatment to those who need it.
By raising the federal Medicaid matching rate, the bill would provide $35 billion in vital funding for states and territories to aid their responses to the pandemic.
Governors around the country have been taking decisive actions to safeguard their residents during the pandemic. Every governor has declared a state of emergency, while many have limited public gatherings, closed schools and some businesses, and enhanced assistance to affected workers.
The National Governors Association has been assisting governors and coordinating best practices for dealing with the emergency in their states and territories, as well as advocacy with Congress and the Administration to ensure a comprehensive federal-state-local approach to promoting public health.
A summary of gubernatorial actions, as well as federal guidance and other resources, can be found on NGA’s coronavirus resource site.
