US Conference of Mayors requests $250B in localized aid to fight coronavirus

The U.S. Conference of Mayors on Wednesday wrote to congressional leadership requesting $250 billion in assistance as the coronavirus pandemic has forced life in much of the country to a near standstill.

“Without significant federal assistance, we soon will be faced with having to make decisions that could include laying off employees, cutting budgets, and reducing or eliminating critically needed services,” the group, which represents 1,400 American cities, wrote in their letter.

The letter included a long list of potential uses for the $250 billion, including coronavirus treatment and prevention as well as enabling city governments to fully cover employee benefits such as paid sick leave.

President Trump has already signed two federal coronavirus stimulus packages totaling more than $100 billion. A third legislative package that could cost upward of $1 trillion would is currently being hashed out by GOP senators.

Business and industry groups are also pressing leaders in Washington for aid packages. Earlier in the week, United Airlines’s CEO wrote them, saying that the impact the coronavirus has had on the airline industry is worse than the one from the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Many states around the country have moved to shutter restaurants, bars and other leisure spots such as movie theaters and museums, as the number of confirmed cases continues to rise.

As of Wednesday afternoon, there have been more than 7,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the U.S. with at least 115 deaths.