“The HEROES Act is without question a step in the right direction. It would expand and strengthen the social safety net, put more money in the pockets of essential workers and everyday people, and make it safer and easier for Americans to vote. It repeals a $135 billion tax giveaway to the rich that Republicans included in the CARES Act, and makes sure that everyone who pays taxes — not just those with Social Security numbers — are able to receive the direct cash assistance available under this plan.

But, the bill still falls short on a few key ‘Dos and Don’ts.’ Specifically, it lifts the cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions — a clear giveaway to the rich — and it lacks substantial oversight of Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin’s $500 billion corporate slush fund.

To transform this bill from a small step to a giant leap in the right direction, the House should get to work immediately, removing the SALT provision, and adding in an essential workers’ bill of rights, an ongoing paycheck guarantee, and more oversight and measures to rein in big corporations.

We face twin crises of pandemic and economic collapses, crises that will require the federal government to use every tool in its toolbox and then some to fix. Now is the time to deliver relief that matches, if not surpasses, the scale of this pandemic and centers the American people.”