CLICK BELOW TO HEAR JACK HALL’S TWO-PART INTERVIEW WITH REP. BERGMAN
Upper Peninsula Congressman Jack Bergman says they’re working in Washington to get financial relief to people and small businesses who need help in the wake of the coronavirus. The Watersmeet Republican tells the Radio Results Network that the details are still being worked out, and that the help should be targeted.
“Let’s be realistic. Not everybody needs a check,” Bergman told RRN News Thursday afternoon. “But some people do. We need to focus the response here, when it comes to financial support for businesses and individuals, so that those who need it, get it.”
Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin told Fox Business Network Thursday that the Trump administration is pushing for direct payments to adults of $1,000 for adults, and $500 for kids.
The $500 billion proposal would be divided into two tranches in April and May.
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the administration’s plan will not be enough for people who are being laid off. Schumer thinks it would be much better to significantly beef-up unemployment compensation.
Bergman says this is not a Christmas wish list, adding that “we’re all in this together” as the effects of the virus on the economy continue.
“Any one of my colleagues, I don’t care whether they’re in the House or the Senate, who try to make this a political issue, as opposed to a national safety or security issue, shame on them,” Bergman said. “They should either retire or not be re-elected. I’ll let the voters of their districts decide based upon the comments coming out of their mouths.”
Bergman was on conference calls Thursday with the leaders of all of the Native American tribes in northern Michigan, as well as taking part in conversations with the leaders of the region’s health care facilities.
“We’re all in this together,” Bergman said. “The personal integrity, the moral behavior, and the taking care of others, is what’s going to carry the day here. In the end, the financial packages that come out of the federal government, I believe it’s the right thing to do at the right time to help those individuals and small businesses who are at risk. This will pass. We will get through it. Businesses will re-open.”
Bergman suggests that small businesses call their banker or credit union and ask for help rather than waiting for government assistance.
“If you’re in need, reach out to someone,” Bergman said. “Don’t sit and just wait for someone from the government to show up with a check for you. That’s not being proactive.”
And he says that people who see this as a chance to make a quick buck should think again.
“Anybody who starts gaming the system for their own personal well-being is the no different than, if you will, taking vaccines or tests from someone who needs it, because they are symptomatic, and someone who gets the testing just because they THINK they might be it,” Bergman said.
He urged people to listen to their local officials, and follow all of the guidelines for staying healthy. And…beware of social media.
“Some people, unfortunately, will put things on social media just because they’re being a wise guy,” Bergman said. “And some people will do it maliciously. And I can tell you, both of those need to stop. And those who do it maliciously, they will pay a price in the long term because it’s morally wrong.”
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