Ever since the pandemic and economic crisis took hold in March, some politicians have seemed more interested in figuring out who to exclude than how to help. The federal government has intentionally excluded undocumented workers from all federal relief programs. And now some in Congress want to let the additional $600 unemployment benefit expire, even though workers need this support as much as ever.
While the federal government stalls, Seattle has a chance to move in a different direction: we can meet the scale of this crisis and actually provide relief to people who need it.
That’s why we’re supporting the Jumpstart Seattle recovery plan. This proposal would require Seattle’s biggest corporations to pay a modest tax on the salaries of their highest-earning employees, money that will go directly to support struggling workers and families. Join us in support and tell Seattle City Council and the Mayor to Jumpstart Seattle!
The Jumpstart plan would provide immediate, much-needed relief in this crisis, with the funds coming from a small tax on the highest salaries paid by large companies. The plan provides funding for:
Rental assistance and immediate housing assistance for homeless families.
Direct support to immigrants who were intentionally cut out of the Federal CARES Act and are excluded from receiving unemployment benefits
Grocery vouchers to help put food on the table
Grants to small businesses so they can cover payroll and other expenses
The way the plan works, only the largest companies in Seattle will pay any tax at all, and only the highest salaries are covered. The very biggest companies paying the very highest salaries will contribute more, and the plan would generate millions of dollars each year — money that will be reinvested into immediate relief.
Seattle City Council voted Wednesday to advance this plan out of committee — and it’s up for a full vote next week. We need your help to get it over the top and signed into law:
Click here to send a message to the Council and Mayor and tell them to Jumpstart Seattle!