Laura Lombard: In the era of the coronavirus, we need a Renewed Deal

During the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt understood that public policy must be crafted for the good of the people. He lived his life under the creed “to whom much is given, much is required.” He understood that financial gain should be distributed across all levels of society and developed programs to ensure Americans could live with dignity, even prosperity.

In today’s coronavirus era, our country is once again facing significant financial hardship. We need leaders with the foresight, compassion, and vision of FDR to ensure we get ahead of the looming financial crisis. We need a Renewed Deal.

First, affordable healthcare must be guaranteed for all Americans. The economic downturn has left many losing their employer-based health insurance as employees are laid off — at just the time when access to healthcare is needed most. At minimum, we must decouple health insurance from employers, create a public option, ensure pharmaceuticals are reasonably priced, and create a preventative-care-focused healthcare system. Ideally, we create a universal healthcare system covering non-elective medical costs, including dental.

As one of only two countries in the world that does not provide paid parental leave, we should provide paid leave for 12 weeks after birth to both parents and in situations like the current pandemic when parents must be home with their children. Parents should not have to choose between their family’s health or economic well-being.

Until the coronavirus is under control, our teachers must teach their students through virtual classrooms. In our digital age, we cannot let students without access to a computer or the internet fall behind. We need nationwide broadband access in rural communities and impoverished urban areas. We also need a program providing computers to students in need.

Small businesses such as family-owned restaurants, hair salons, clothing boutiques, and specialty stores need real relief. These businesses are the engine of the American economy, and we must ensure funds in future relief packages reach them more effectively to maintain their payroll and operational expenses. In addition, we should help small businesses fund paid family and sick leave of their employees while the coronavirus threatens our health.

Once the health crisis is over, we must launch ourselves into a renewed, prosperous era. We need to rebuild our roads and bridges and invest in 21st Century clean energy infrastructure. These programs will generate jobs across the nation.

Universal pre-K is an investment that will pay dividends to both the individual and society for decades to come. In the 4th District, our rural and low-income communities lack access to pre-K for their children. We must ensure all children have the start in life they need to thrive.

These are only a few examples of investments that could be made to create a more equitable and prosperous America. FDR created an engine of economic growth that led the U.S. into the strongest, middle-class driven economy this world has ever seen. As they did then, we need to fight for a bright future for our country now.