Dalton—The World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) announced its endorsement of the Problem Solvers Caucus (PSC) COVID-19 stimulus framework. With a focused goal to break the gridlock on the latest COVID-19 relief package, this proposal aims to encourage negotiators back to the table.
The bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus—25 Democrats and 25 Republicans, led by co-chairs Reps. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., and Tom Reed, R-N.Y.—developed the “March to Common Ground” framework after in-district listening sessions with constituents and outreach to stakeholders over the past six weeks.
The $1.5 trillion compromised package addresses critical areas of need, including COVID-19 testing and contact tracing, health care provider support, unemployment insurance, direct stimulus payments, worker and liability protection, small business and non-profit support, food security, schools and child care, housing, student loan relief, election support and state and local aid.
“The World Floor Covering Association strongly supports the effort put forth by the Problem Solvers Caucus to find common ground for another round of pandemic relief and many of the provisions in the proposal, including liability protections for responsible behavior that adheres to OSHA guidelines, additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program to allow for a second draw and simplified forgiveness for certain PPP loans,” said WFCA CEO Scott Humphrey.
“Our members include more than 10,000 local flooring retailers and installers that provide well-paying jobs and support their local communities as Main Street businesses, and the pandemic’s economic consequences are real and ongoing for our industry—especially since the shutdowns this year forced our members to close while allowing big box stores to remain open. As a result, many of our folks continue to struggle to keep the lights on, while many have turned them off for good. The WFCA urges Congress to act without further delay to provide additional relief to businesses using the Problem Solvers Caucus outline as a blueprint for a final package.”
In light of the urgent needs facing millions of Americans, families and small businesses, the framework is designed for a six-month horizon and through the next inauguration, except for state and local funding which extends for a full year.
The full framework can found here.