COVID-19 (commonly known as coronavirus) has been classified as a global pandemic. As of March 17th, the CDC has confirmed 3,487 cases nationwide and 68 deaths. Numbers will only rise. While social distancing has proved to be effective in preventing the spread of Covid-19, especially here in West Virginia, several new mandates have had a drastic impact on small businesses and hourly wage workers who must now struggle to make ends meet during this difficult time.

No one has gone completely unaffected from the, even early, effects of COVID-19. This has been and continues to be a very trying time for all of us. For people like me, most people in the country, losing two weeks of pay alone could be devastating. Even if we are allowed to return to work after two weeks, it will be another two weeks before we receive a paycheck. At this point it will be next to impossible for massive amounts of people, families, to play catch up on rent/utilities/mortgage. What happens after that?

In order to protect the health and housing security of our community, we, the undersigned, call on Governor Jim Justice and the West Virginia General Assembly to act now so workers won't lose the right to safe housing and living amenities during this challenging time. Specifically, we call for a suspension of all rent, mortgage, and utility payments for 2 full months to allow people the ability to take care of themselves, their loved ones, and the community without putting public health at risk. 

The legacy of every public official currently serving will be determined in the next few months. It's time to act now, and choose the right side of history. Choose the people.