Maloney Anniversary Roundtable with County Executives on Fight Against COVID-19

County leadership first met on the health crisis one year ago 

 Rep. Maloney: “This isn't about the two parties. This is about where the need is and who's delivering the services.”

Today, Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) hosted a virtual roundtable with Hudson Valley County Executives and Health Commissioners on the ongoing health and economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One year ago this week, Rep. Maloney brought together the County Executives and local health leaders to discuss the emerging threat of the virus and readiness measures at the federal, state, and local levels. 

Watch the roundtable discussion on Facebook

The leaders discussed the current state of COVID-19 in the Hudson Valley and their path to defeating the virus with the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act, which will bolster vaccine development and distribution, help reopen schools, and provide critical resources to New York state and local governments. 

“One year ago today, I sat down with local County Executives and health experts to discuss our response to coronavirus just days before the first case of COVID-19 was reported in my district. Today, we came back together to commemorate this very difficult anniversary, but also to celebrate the hope that the future can be better,” said Rep. Maloney. “I don't think any of us knew what was to come, but from day one of this pandemic, we’ve worked together across party lines and layers of government to crush this virus. I’m proud of our partnership. We’ve come so far, and more help is on the way.”

Last week, Rep. Maloney helped pass the American Rescue Plan Act, which provides New York state and local governments – who are on the frontlines of this health and economic crisis – with critically-needed funding to cover revenue losses caused by the coronavirus. This bill will bolster state and municipal budgets, and ensure New York’s health care workers, police, fire, transportation, EMS, teachers, and other vital workers can continue to be paid. 

The American Rescue Plan is estimated to bring $23.5 billion to New York’s state and local governments, including an estimated:

• $75 million for Orange County
• $57 million for Dutchess County
• $19 million for Putnam County
• $188 million for Westchester County

Additionally, cities and municipalities within New York’s 18^th Congressional District will receive dedicated funding, including an estimated:

• $22 million for Newburgh
• $21 million for Poughkeepsie 
• $12 million for Middletown

Ahead of the vote, Rep. Maloney also hosted a virtual press conference with local County Executives, Mayors and Town Supervisors on the dedicated state and local funding included in the American Rescue Plan Act. The press conference was streamed live on Facebook and can be found here. County Executives in New York’s Hudson Valley expressed their support of the critical state and local funding in a release, which can be found here.

The American Rescue Plan Act also includes a wide array of provisions to help Americans through this health and economic crisis, including dedicated funding for a national vaccine rollout, schools, small businesses, and farmers. The bill also includes additional direct cash payments for working families, expands unemployment benefits, and more. A breakdown of the bill can be found here.

Since the pandemic began, over 1.6 million New Yorkers have tested positive for the coronavirus, and over 38,000 have died. Nationwide, 28.7 million cases have been reported, and over 515,000 Americans have died.