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Senators call for Rural COVID-19 Task Force

U.S. Senators concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on rural America say what started out as a health crisis is quickly becoming a financial crisis as well.

On a call with reporters Thursday, Senate Democratic Policy and Communications Committee vice chair Joe Manchin of West Virginia said Americans have to work together to make it through the pandemic.

“Forget about Republicans and Democrats, this should not be about politics or the next election. It should be about saving lives in the next generation.”

Manchin and chairwoman Debbie Stabenow of Michigan discussed a new report that she says focuses on doing everything possible to help small towns and rural communities.

“That means rapid testing to save lives and ultimately to help reopen the economy. It means tackling the digital divide, where we continue to put resources into the budget to deploy high-speed internet.”

Stabenow says that also means protecting food industry workers and advocating for a “hero’s fund” so people on the front lines of the pandemic can be compensated with the premium pay they and their families deserve.

The Democratic Policy and Communications Committee is calling on the Trump Administration to form a Rural COVID-19 Task Force to identify and address the multiple needs and risks for small communities.