NYAPRS Note: Given the critical need for prompt passage of another and possibly final COVID relief package, especially as regards funding for the states that could offset Cuomo Administration proposals to withhold if not 20-30% of funding for mental health and addiction recovery agencies, NYAPRS will continue to provide regular revisions on where negotiating positions among the Senate, House and White House appear to be, based on a regular review of daily news reports.
Here’re some an overview based in part on a recent Politico article entitled “Pelosi And McConnell Hurtling Toward Coronavirus Relief Showdown”
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/07/15/coronavirus-relief-showdown-congress-364173
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Senate Republicans are expected to unveil their own roughly $1 trillion proposal next week that will incorporate the White House’s views. With 111 days until the election, Senate Leader Mitch McConnell must govern a divided caucus, with a number of Senate Republicans shunning additional government spending while vulnerable members up in 2020 are pleading to get something done before the August recess.
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His Senate Democratic counterpart, minority leader Chuck Schumer pressed for prompt negotiations charging that “Senator McConnell ought to be working across the aisle to prevent mass evictions, a new hunger crisis, and the layoff of more essential state and local government employees — all things that will happen if Republicans continue to delay action or act stingily.” Senate Democrats are complaining that “there’s been zero outreach from McConnell and are apparently insisting that House Democrats be ‘in the room” during negotiations to speed a 3 way agreement.
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Congressional leaders from both parties privately believe they’ll reach a deal at some point: the stakes are too high for the nation’s health and economic well-being, not to mention Election Day is quickly approaching. But it may take several weeks of difficult negotiations — and public posturing — to strike an accord.
NYAPRS Assessment of Negotiating Positions as of July 17, 2020
Total Cost of the COVID 4 package
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Senate GOP: $1.3 trillion
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House Democrats: $3.1 trillion
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White House: unclear
Funding for State and Local Governments
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Senate GOP: mixed support, some backing for a lower amount
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House Democrats: $1 trillion
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White House: willing to consider if states re-open schools
Extending Unemployment Insurance Benefits
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Senate GOP: mixed support for a smaller amount; support for a return-to-work stipend for workers to get back on the job
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House Democrats: strong support for extending $600/month unemployment insurance provisions beyond July
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White House: generally opposed
Another Round of Payments to Individuals
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Senate GOP: generally supportive; lower amount than the House
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House Democrats: strong support
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White House: strong support
Return to Work Assistance
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Senate GOP: new tax breaks for companies that reconfigure offices and workspaces to protect returning employees from the coronavirus.
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House Democrats: unclear
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White House: unclear
Liability Protections
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Senate GOP: Lawsuit protections for doctors, nurses, first responders, schools and businesses covering the period from December 2019 to December 2024. schools will need more money, especially as they reduce class sizes for social distancing and potentially stagger classroom shifts.
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House Democrats: Against ‘removing all responsibility’; seek a regulation under the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration aimed at protecting workers at risk of exposure from the virus;
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White House: same as Senate
Aid to Schools
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Senate GOP: Schools will need more money, especially as they reduce class sizes for social distancing and potentially stagger classroom shifts.
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House Democrats: Strong support for a $430 billion package
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White House: General support for aid for re-opening schools
Payroll Tax and Capital Gains Tax Holidays
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Senate GOP: unclear
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House Democrats: unclear
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White House: a must have
Help for Restaurants, Hotels and Airlines
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Senate GOP: unclear
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House Democrats: unclear
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White House: support
More Virus Testing
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Senate GOP: more funding for testing and PPEs
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House Democrats: $75 billion
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White House: supportive