Listening to Voices of the Unemployed via Video Conference
Urging Parliament to Pass Economic Stimulus Plan
Mentioning Wearing Masks as a 'Patriotic Act'
[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] President-elect Joe Biden urged Congress on the 2nd (local time) to pass an economic stimulus package while consoling workers and small business owners hit hard by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
On that day, Biden held a video conference with small business owners and workers in Wilmington, Delaware. At the meeting, participants expressed their difficulties to Biden.
A worker at Comerica Park, a baseball stadium located in Detroit, Michigan, said, "I have not been able to work since March 8 due to lockdown measures," adding, "It is really painful as all employees are struggling to pay the incoming bills."
He continued, "I am afraid the company will not rehire me even if the stadium reopens," and added, "I feel desperate and uncertain about what will happen tomorrow or where help might come from."
Biden asked why he was worried about not being rehired and promised, "While it would be difficult for companies not to rehire existing staff once they start hiring again, the situation could be different, so I will look into it."
Earlier last month, Biden also held a video conference with nurses, caregivers, and firefighters to hear their opinions on issues such as the shortage of protective equipment. At that meeting, a nurse shed tears while sharing moments of holding the hands of dying patients and caring for colleagues infected with COVID-19.
Biden said, "I believe fundamental change is possible with the right policies," and added, "I hope we can provide help soon, but that depends on Democratic and Republican lawmakers."
He expressed support for a $908 billion (approximately 1,001 trillion won) relief bill proposed by a bipartisan group of lawmakers and urged Congress to pass the stimulus package immediately.
Earlier, a bipartisan group of lawmakers led by Senator Mark Warner (Democrat, Virginia) introduced a $908 billion package bill that includes an extension of special unemployment benefits.
Biden also emphasized that the stimulus package would serve as a "down payment" for a more comprehensive bill to be introduced after his inauguration.
However, he predicted that the bipartisan bill was unlikely to pass while President Trump remains in office.
On that day, Biden described wearing masks as a "patriotic act" and referenced the sacrifices of Korean War and World War veterans.
He stressed that masks must be worn in public places to protect not only oneself but also others' safety and lives, saying, "If someone says wearing a mask 'greatly infringes on my freedom,' go tell that to the veterans who risked their lives in the Korean War or World War."
Biden added, "Wearing a mask is about helping others," and said, "We need to change our mindset a bit."
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