Bellone says COVID-19 made existing problems worse as he pleads for gov’t assistance
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone is calling for federal disaster relief to counties devastated by the coronavirus pandemic.
•
Aug 6, 2020, 3:54 PM
•
Updated 1,622 days ago
Share:
Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone is calling for federal disaster relief to counties devastated by the coronavirus pandemic.
"COVID-19 has only made the problems that existed before the virus even worse, the challenges even greater – and it is the counties that are at the forefront of those challenges," he said.
He joined the county executive of Erie County during his briefing Thursday to outline the dire state of each county's finances.
They say without federal assistance, county employees and local taxpayers will suffer. They are asking Congress to help with the loss of revenue and increased costs caused by the pandemic.
The stimulus deal deadlock continues on Capitol Hill with negotiations for a new coronavirus relief bill stalled. It appears increasingly likely that President Donald Trump will take matters into his own hands.
The president said he may use his executive powers to bring back the eviction moratorium, boost unemployment benefits and suspend the payroll tax.
It remains unclear is if he has the legal authority to do so unilaterally.
White House officials are trying to determine whether leftover money from an earlier stimulus bill could be used for other purposes, including temporary unemployment benefits.
More from News 12
1:27
Suffolk officials: At least two dozen people displaced after fire tears through Central Islip apartment
1:34
More windy weather ahead before some relief by Friday
1:47
Parents challenge Long Beach School District over potential elementary school closure
0:32
West Babylon Schools considers closing Forest Avenue Elementary School
2:08
Gov. Hochul focuses on making child care affordable in State of the State address
1:59
