What’s Happening:

A bipartisan group of 50 House members have a plan to reopen the U.S. economy, and it might go public very soon.

It’s called the “Problem Solvers Caucus” plan and it includes guidelines for economic recovery, as well as public health and long-term stimulus plans.

As Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) told Fox News:

The bottom line is people I think are eager for a checklist. They want to understand what we think it takes to get everything moving again.

Why It’s Important:

This plan will be critical to get the American economy rolling again. Employers and employees will be especially interested in the “Back to Work” checklist.

The House’s goal was simple — they wanted to put aside politics and produce a plan that features “some common ground” and “makes a lot of good common sense.”

First on that list will be a ton of new COVID-19 testing throughout the country.

In fact, testing could be five times greater than where it currently sits now, and the checklist also calls for a federal contact tracing database (like how they track measles).

Next, lawmakers focused on the supply chain for protective gear. They want all essential workers in schools and food service industries to have the protective items they require.

Speaking of which, reopening schools are a top priority in this plan. But D.C. wants to be sure everyone involved is safe.

In terms of business, the Problem Solvers Caucus says the U.S. must establish new supply chains for manufactured goods, and bring overseas manufacturers back to America.

They’re also proposing more help for businesses, including low-interest loans and tax incentives.

Furthermore, to placate the calls from Democrats, the Problem Solvers want “nationwide help for mortgage and rent payments.” As the checklist states:

We must find a way to afford relief, either through long-term loans, rental relief, forgiveness, or temporary forbearance for renters and homeowners, while, at the same time, ensuring liquidity of related lenders and landlords.

Lastly, the plan calls for real-time reporting mechanisms. This will supposedly help medical professionals get the data they need, and it’ll increase resupply rates.

We’ll have to see how this checklist goes over with the American public. But for now, D.C. appears to be focused on reopening the country, which is a promising step.

Key Takeaways:

• Lawmakers are close to releasing a bipartisan “Reopen America” plan, a checklist for citizens and businesses.
• The plan calls for dramatically increased testing — as much as 5 times what it is now
• A call for protective gear for everyone in essential industries, like food service and schools.
• Establishment of new supply chains, and bringing back manufacturers from overseas.
• Nationwide assistance for mortgage and rent payments.
• Real-time reporting mechanisms for the medical community.

Source: Fox News