Sens. Schumer, Gillibrand secure $43M for COVID-19 expenses in New York City

U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced that approximately $43 million in funding will be made available for New York City’s Office of Management and Budget to cover COVID-19 related expenses.

Specifically, this funding covers the cost of enhanced protective measures that have been deployed throughout New York State, including personal protective equipment (PPE), medical equipment, and disinfectant services for public buildings. New York City was at the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak when it first hit and is still battling its effects.

“While these funds are critical to New York City’s COVID-19 response and recovery, we must deliver more state and local assistance,” Schumer said. “New York needs a bill that meets the moment and current need, like the House-passed Heroes Act, which passed more than five months ago and has not been taken up by the Senate under McConnell’s leadership. As the pandemic continues to impact New York and the entire country, local governments and the American people need the help of Congress. I will continue to fight for federal funding and meaningful legislation that benefits New Yorkers and the American people in the ongoing battle against coronavirus and will not accept inadequate Republican proposals.”

This Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding is authorized via the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

“New York City has been on the frontline of combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, and this essential funding will give state and city officials the resources needed to mitigate the risk of further spread,” Gillibrand said. “As the pandemic continues into the winter months, this funding will equip our public officials and frontline workers with the resources needed to do their jobs efficiently and to safely rebuild our economy and communities.”