Richie Neal endorsed by AFSCME Council 93
Contact: Kate Norton, 617-838-6083, press@nealforcongress.com
SPRINGFIELD – AFSCME Council 93 has endorsed Congressman Richie Neal for re-election, citing his leadership in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and his ongoing work on behalf of working families everywhere.
Mark Bernard, Executive Director of AFSCME Council 93, said:
“Throughout his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Neal has consistently delivered for his district. In his capacity as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, he is delivering for our entire nation during the global pandemic. Through his leadership and advocacy, people have received the help they need to keep a roof over their heads and feed their families; hospitals have received the resources needed to adequately respond; and critical federal aid has been provided to ensure AFSCME members on the front lines can continue to deliver essential government services. Most recently, Congressman Neal spearheaded the crafting and house passage of the HEROES Act, which seeks to deliver more than a trillion dollars in additional federal relief to states and municipalities, as well as more badly-needed financial assistance to individuals and families. We’re proud to support his re-election and look forward to continuing to work with him during these unprecedented times and beyond.”
In Congress, Richie has led the effort to pass a series of stimulus efforts to directly help residents, businesses, and state and local governments with practical, on-the-ground solutions for COVID-19 relief. He has negotiated each facet of these bills with colleagues on both sides of the aisle, securing the passage of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act, and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act, in part, provides for an additional $5 million for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, including over $4.75 million in funds for communities within the district.
The House-passed Heroes Act would continue critical, emergency federal unemployment benefits through January 31, 2021, to ensure that basic economic support is available until workers are able to return to their jobs safely. The measure is just one in a series of efforts led by Congressman Neal and House leadership to protect the health and well-being of Americans during a time of unprecedented economic crisis.
AFSCME Council 93 represents more than 45,000 state, county and municipal employees in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. Working within a diverse array of fields ranging from correctional officers to school cafeteria workers, Council 93 members are a vital component of the essential public services that keep states, municipalities and public facilities safe, clean, and running smoothly.