Money from the federal stimulus bill known as the CARES Act is starting to show up in Central New York to help a variety of organizations.
Congress Member John Katko says area hospitals finally got some relief, if only temporarily.
“$1.8 billion of the Phase 3 Relief Package came to the support of Central New York hospitals and hospitals across New York state, and I know each hospitals of the 6 hospitals [locally] has received a portion of that. It’s helped them stop the bleeding temporarily, and there’s no question they’re going to need more.”
There’s still $70 billion in federal aid for hospitals and he’d like to see that funding go out based on need, rather than just population formulas.
Syracuse’s Hancock Airport received $13 million to help with lost revenue. Individuals are also starting to receive $1200 stimulus checks from the federal government, though those who rely on mailed checks may need to wait for upwards of a month or more for the stimulus to arrive.
Katko also saw a one of his bills become law that helps veterans.
“Somehow my bill got through, and the President signed it into law allowing veterans to virtually attend claims hearings from home. Veterans across the country are relying on tele-hearings to receive decisions on disability benefits and other services.”
The Republican is also pushing a measure, along with area-Democrat Anthony Brindisi, to have more support for Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis centers. They’re hoping that becomes part of the next economic aid bill in Washington.
Katko also emphasized the need for additional mental health support for rural populations. In recent years, the suicide rate for farmers has skyrocketed.
Meanwhile, Katko criticized President Trump’s announcement that he intends to cease the U.S.’ funding of the World Health Organization, despite some concerns with the international group.
“The World Health Organization refused to issue any sort of travel guidance or travel bans with China when they should have and that led to a lot of problems in Europe, obviously Italy is a great example of that. What I suggested, in the bill I submitted… is that when this is over, we do a 9/11-type commission to see what we did right and what we got wrong and make the changes. I think doing it now is probably premature.”
He adds that the final decision on funding might not rest with the President but rather with Congress, which has ‘the power of the purse.’