Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) welcomed the release of $4.9 million in funding to support New Hampshire’s response to COVID-19, the novel coronavirus. Last week, Kuster voted to approve the bipartisan coronavirus response package that provides $8.3 billion in federal funding to support state and federal efforts to prepare for and combat the virus. Kuster has also backed legislation that would provide paid sick days to workers affected by the coronavirus outbreak and future public health emergencies. Last night, Kuster along with Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) held a telephone town hall with Dr. Benjamin Chan, State Epidemiologist for New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (NH-DHHS); and Beth Daly, Chief of the Bureau of Infectious Disease Control at NH-DHHS to answer questions and provide New Hampshire residents with update on the state response – more than 10,000 Granite Staters were able to join.

“The funds that were released today are important to supporting the state of New Hampshire’s response to coronavirus,” said Kuster. “We must work together at all levels to stem the spread of COVID-19 and I’m hopeful that these resources will reach communities on the frontlines swiftly. I’m glad that we were able to work together across the aisle to get this much needed funding out to the states. I will continue to work with my colleagues to advance policy proposals, such as paid leave, that will support families and workers impacted by this public health crisis.”

After repeated conversations with New Hampshire health officials, education administrators, and public health experts, Kuster spoke directly with House leadership about the importance of immediately advancing legislation to support local efforts to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Kuster underscored the importance to House leaders of ensuring swift distribution of funds to New Hampshire and the need for the State to be reimbursed for resources already expended on addressing the coronavirus.

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