States Need Direct Cash Assistance From Washington to Prevent a Spike in Unemployment and to Keep First Responders and Educators on the Job
By Governor Phil Murphy
We are in the middle of a historic pandemic and New Jersey, among other hotbeds across the country, is at the forefront of this crisis. While our challenges are many, our objective is simple: save as many lives as possible. To do this, we depend on the work of a group of tireless, courageous, and extraordinarily skilled frontline health care workers and first responders, as well as the support and cooperation of the public. Their combined efforts are an example of exceptional teamwork across a wide scope of industries and organizations, and they require a functional and appropriately funded state government.
Without our first responders, EMS, and all of our frontline health care workers, our reality would look much more like the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic, which decimated the population. Likewise, without the dedication and resourcefulness of our public school educators doing whatever it takes to keep our kids on track (at the drop of a hat, I’d like to add), our students – particularly our youngest learners – would suffer serious academic losses.
In times of emergency, expenses skyrocket. That is the reality with any disaster, be it a hurricane, a war, or a pandemic. And right now is no exception. We are grateful for the partnership of the federal government and recognize their pivotal role in assisting our coronavirus response. But, the alarming truth is that New Jersey cannot respond without substantial and flexible federal funds. Early estimates from Moody’s predict that between now and next June, New Jersey’s revenues will fall by billions. Nationwide, state governments could soon face over $500 billion in revenue shortfalls.
The $2.4 billion we have received from the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund is a good start, but it is not sufficient. Although we appreciate the U.S. Treasury’s efforts to permit spending on health care and social services, we will need billions more from Washington to make up for lost revenue. Otherwise, my state will be forced to make enormous cuts to our schools and health care facilities. In addition to gutting programs, we will also be forced to lay off thousands of public sector employees despite their desperately needed services. Decreasing services while increasing unemployment is a one-two punch that we do not need.
Right now, we are doing everything we can to help our residents who have lost their jobs, or are in the hospital, or have had to shutter their small business. We need additional, flexible federal funding to make sure we can support necessary economic development and health care costs. We need more tests. We need sufficient PPE for our frontline health care workers. We need our first responders and our educators. These, among many others, are the expenses of this crisis.
And, the American people understand this. In the Data for Progress coronavirus tracking poll conducted by Tufts University, aid to states has consistently been a top priority for voters, with 71 percent in support of aid to states and only 16 percent opposed in a poll conducted last week. That includes 85 percent support from Democrats and 57 percent from Republicans. The data show that voters overwhelmingly support more money for education and Medicaid.
The American people also understand that despite the very real economic consequences, continuing social distancing guidelines and closing non-essential businesses are both critical parts of our strategy to save lives. In a recent Data for Progress poll, 74 percent of Americans, including 66 percent of Republicans said we should maintain social distancing as long as needed to curb the spread of coronavirus. Only 13 percent said we should stop it in an attempt to stimulate the economy.
Over the last few months, I have reminded the people of New Jersey repeatedly that we will get through this crisis together as one New Jersey family, but the bigger truth is that our nation will get through it together. Our strategy depends on the partnership and trust of a great number of people. From the first responders, EMS, and health care workers on the front lines, to the educators keeping our kids’ education going, to the people doing everything they can to flatten the curve, all the way through to our elected representatives in the federal government who we are counting on to help us pay for it.
There is no denying we are living in a time of great adversity, but adversity brings out the best in Americans, and hopefully, the best in its government, too.
Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) is the Governor of New Jersey.
Question wording:
“Would you support or oppose the following provisions in a future legislative package to address the coronavirus pandemic: Aid to states and cities to fund education, Medicaid and other state programs.”
“Support”
“Oppose”
“Don’t know”
“Even if neither is exactly correct, which of the following comes closest to your opinion?”
“Americans should continue to social distance for as long as is needed to curb the spread of the coronavirus even if it means continued damage to the economy.”
“Americans should stop social distancing to stimulate the economy even if means increasing the spread of the coronavirus.”