**Today, Rep. Kuster was joined by Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess who has endorsed the plan** 

**Comprehensive proposal outlines steps to responsibly respond to and move forward from the COVID-19 health crisis**

Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, is unveiling her “Roadmap to Recovery” proposal to outline critical steps necessary to move forward in the response to the COVID-19 public health crisis. Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess joined Kuster to endorse the plan and highlight his work in Nashua to address the COVID-19 crisis. Kuster’s proposal details the federal, state, and community actions important to ensuring a responsible reopening of the economy in New Hampshire and across the country. As numerous states move forward with steps to reopen the economy, it is critical that thoughtful policies are put in place to prevent a resurgence of the novel coronavirus. In addition to proposals to safely begin reopening the economy, Kuster’s “Roadmap to Recovery” includes legislation to financially support frontline workers including health care workers, firefighters, police, grocers, and postal workers. 

Kuster’s “Roadmap to Recovery” can be found here. This document highlights the need for:

• A comprehensive national testing strategy 
• Robust community contact tracing
• Continued physical distancing 
• Support mechanisms for those who must continue to self-isolate
• The expanded use of the Defense Production Act for the production of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and medical supplies
• Rapid vaccine development
• Expansion of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
• Continued support for unemployed and financially struggling individuals 
• Additional support & funding for state and local governments 
• Supporting for frontline heroes - legislation to provide $25,000 in student loan debt forgiveness or education credits for essential workers and their families

“The COVID-19 public health crisis has tested our communities in New Hampshire and across the country,” said Kuster. “I’ve been heartened by the statewide response to this crisis and the dedication with which Granite Staters have worked to ‘flatten the curve.’ But these efforts to save lives and protect the most vulnerable among us have had their own economic consequences. We need to look at how we responsibly begin to take the next steps forward. What is very clear is that addressing the public health crisis posed by COVID-19 and beginning to reopen our economy go hand-in-hand. The proposal I’ve unveiled today outlines important measures that should be in place to ensure that as we reopen, lives are not put at risk and the threat of COVID-19 is kept in check. These have been difficult times for all of us and it’s critical that as we begin to return to a more normal routine, we do so in a way that does not jeopardize the progress and sacrifices we’ve made” 

“I support Congresswoman Kuster’s Roadmap to Recovery Plan,” said Mayor Donchess. “We need to rely on science and our medical experts and reopen in steps.  That way we can begin to open the economy while continuing to stop the spread of COVID-19.”

Throughout the coronavirus crisis, Rep. Kuster has been advocating for resources for New Hampshire communities, health care professionals, and first responders as well as small businesses and employees in response to the COVID-19 crisis. In advance of the CARES Act, Kuster called on Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader McConnell to act immediately with a robust COVID-19 response package to support New Hampshire's health care system, provide economic relief to small businesses and workers, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely in response to this crisis. New Hampshire has received the first half of the $1.25 billion included in the CARES Act for the state. 

Rep. Kuster supported the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Investment Act which included $484 billion in funding for COVID-19 testing, support for Granite State hospitals and frontline workers, and additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Kuster helped to introduce the Coronavirus Community Relief Act to provide $250 billion in stabilization funds for local communities, cities, and towns across the United States that are struggling amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and called on Speaker Pelosi for a COVID-19 response package that includes funding for smaller communities.

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