Biden releases plan to boost economy amid coronavirus pandemic

Former Vice President Joe Biden on Thursday released his plan for bolstering an economy that's been ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic.

The proposal outlines how the front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination would implement the Senate-passed $2 trillion rescue package that's designed to help workers and businesses of all sizes.

“The United States Senate just reached a deal on a major economic relief package. It’s a very important step and includes support for families and small businesses, the very things I’ve been calling for for a while now,” Biden said in a video. “And when it passes, the key will be its execution.”

One component of Biden's plan would use “all available authorities,” including the Defense Production Act, to curb the spread of COVID-19. Biden also said he would increase testing capacity and the ability to trace contacts if someone tests positive, in addition to making critical equipment like ventilators and personal protective equipment more available to sites of new outbreaks.

On the economic front, Biden said he would accelerate aid to businesses that vow to keep their workers employed, expedite the delivery of unemployment insurance, pressure banks to provide loans to small businesses and lean on large companies seeking taxpayer assistance to emphasize “that they need to make hard commitments that the assistance will go toward their workers.”



https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/489623-biden-releases-plan-to-boost-economy-amid-coronavirus-pandemic