NEMWI Signs on to Key Principles for Coronavirus Relief

The Northeast-Midwest Institute (NEMWI) has signed on to four essential principles to address public policy in the response to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Developed by the U.S. Water Alliance, these principles seek to address American's access to clean, affordable, and safe water in wake of the public health emergency. The principles are intended to prioritize key areas to address through the recovery and stimulus process that federal, state, and local policymakers and governments will be developing over the coming months. The four principles include the following:

Phase Four of Coronavirus Response Continues to be Drafted by Congress

Congress continues to craft additional legislation to respond to the current COVID-19 pandemic that has shut down the majority of the nation and brought the American economy to a halt. Last month, Congress passed the "Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act" or the " CARES Act ," the third phase of legislation aimed at providing more resources for health care workers to deal with the coronavirus epidemic and economic stimulus to help the American economy from continuing to plummet into a recession.

While Congress crafts a fourth phase in its response, there has been speculation that it might include a large piece devoted to American infrastructure funding. However, late last week, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said that the House will likely focus on the expansion of the massive $2 trillion "CARES Act" package, by providing more money to aid states, cities and small businesses, expand unemployment benefits and another round of direct cash payments for Americans. It remains unclear as to when Congress might release a new bill, but could reconvene as early as the week of April 20 th to consider such legislation.