‘Too late’ and ‘too little': Why some say more needs to be done as coronavirus relief package set to pass

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MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) – While a coronavirus relief package from Congress means much-needed help is on the way for Americans struggling economically because of the pandemic, some say more work needs to be done.

“This is coming way too late and it’s doing too little,” Rep. Ron Kind (D – Wisconsin) told reporters in a virtual press conference Monday. “I hope that it going to do some good.”

Kind said he is glad Congress was able to come together to pass a bipartisan bill, but also admitted the country needs more help to recover from the pandemic.

“It’s short-term relief in order to buy us some time, until we can safely and effectively deploy the coronavirus vaccine,” Kind said.

Others echoed the need for more action.

“This is at bare minimum a down payment there’s still going to be a need for relief come January,” Francesca Hong told CBS 58 in an interview.

Hong is a restaurant owner in Madison and a newly-elected member of the state Assembly. While Hong said there are good things in the relief package, industries like hers need more help.

“We really are struggling not only in terms of back rents to pay, but the fact that restaurants are suppliers to so many other small businesses in the community,” Hong said.

Economists believe the relief package should be considered a bridge to allow Congress more time to come up with additional long-term solutions for the economy.

“This is a good first step it would’ve been a disaster if this didn’t pass but I hope Congress sees the wisdom to come back,” Andrew Reschovsky, a Professor-emeritus of public affairs and applied economics at UW-Madison told CBS 58.

Reschovsky said the relief package is essential but only carries some programs and policies until the spring, even though it is predicted that it will take well into 2021 to vaccinate enough Americans for the economy to regain its strength.

“To say by mid-March or even early April that the problem will be behind us is naïve,” Reschovsky said.

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