Unions, liberal groups list demands for next relief bill in letter to Schumer, Pelosi

Several powerful labor unions and progressive groups told top Democrats on Tuesday that the next coronavirus relief bill must include at least $1 trillion in state and local aid, including $100 billion for public schools.

The coalition outlined their demands in a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) ahead of negotiations on the next COVID-19 relief bill, which could begin as early as next week.

The liberal groups — which also called for enhanced workplace protections and access to relief for immigrants — include the American Federation of Teachers, Service Employees International Union, MoveOn, United We Dream and Greenpeace.

In the letter, they urged Pelosi and Schumer to attempt to preserve as much as possible of the $3 trillion HEROES Act, which House Democrats passed in May.

Democrats are certain to have to part with some of the provisions in that package. Fault lines with Republicans — who have indicated the final bill will cost under $1 trillion — include state and local aid, stimulus checks, and extensions of enhanced unemployment insurance and the Paycheck Protection Program.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Monday that a GOP proposal would be shared with the rest of his conference next week, with negotiations across the aisle “coming to a head” within three weeks.

Leaders on both sides have vowed to reach a deal before the next recess in August.

McConnell has conditioned any additional state and local funding on a liability shield for employers. Tuesday’s letter to Pelosi and Schumer did not address liability protections, which have been strongly criticized by unions. The coalition instead asked Pelosi and Schumer to maintain provisions for essential workers such as hazard pay, paid sick leave, child care, workplace safety regulations and personal protective equipment.

Top Republicans, including President Trump, indicated last week they support increasing education funding to allow schools to reopen safely this fall, a priority for the Trump administration.

The letter also calls for Democrats to preserve what the groups termed “modest but essential” immigration provisions in the HEROES Act, which would provide health and economic relief regardless of legal status.

Because previous relief bills provided COVID-19 testing and treatment under Medicaid, immigrants without legal status, as well as certain green card holders and visa holders, could not access it.

“These measures are essential for our economy to recover, avoid mass layoffs and protect millions of workers,” the coalition wrote. “They must be retained in final relief legislation.”