Debbie Mucarsel-Powell: “Miami-Dade County has its first two confirmed cases of COVID-19, and we are all very concerned. Across the country…”

“Miami-Dade County has its first two confirmed cases of COVID-19, and we are all very concerned. Across the country, events are canceled and store shelves are empty. With anxieties high, we are receiving mixed messages when what we need right now is coherent direction. It is discouraging to see countries like South Korea respond much more effectively than we are. While they screen tens of thousands, we have sick patients and frustrated doctors who cannot access testing. This is not right. We must make tests available and accessible to everyone. We must strengthen our healthcare system so we have the beds, the masks, the respirators, and the supplies to respond to a surge in cases. We must provide relief to our working families and local businesses struggling to cope with this virus. Madam Speaker, I believe we have it within us to fulfill these needs, but we all must come together for a comprehensive response to meet this moment. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. ____________________”