We need relief now that doesn’t leave people behind
Re: “The 10 virus relief bills Colorado lawmakers just passed,” Dec. 3 news story
Years of structural racism have left the Latinx community more vulnerable to the devastating impacts of the coronavirus crisis. We are far more likely to suffer from chronic illnesses and face barriers to accessing health care, putting them at higher risk for developing serious complications if they contract the coronavirus.
As our state and federal lawmakers debate how to deal with the pandemic, we need more people to mask up and social distance, but we also need real relief that does not leave people behind.
Itap unbelievable to me that the U.S. Senate majority could make time to rush through a Supreme Court justice, but can’t find time to pass the HEROES Act or other comprehensive emergency legislation to ensure that all families have the support they need during these trying times. We need our elected officials to act now — not just for families, but for the health of the nation as well.
Karla Gonzales Garcia, Denver
I’m relieved the Colorado state legislature acted on behalf of small businesses in our state this week. Passing new measures for grant and loan assistance will allow some of us to keep our doors open while COVID-19 cases are on the rise and more public health measures are put in place.
Small retailers like restaurants and me have taken the brunt of revenue losses, as our very business is to be in close contact with customers. But how are we to do that during the busiest season of the year? Not only are we constrained by restrictions in capacity, but we are competing with huge corporations offering month-long sales and deep discounts.
Small businesses are struggling to make any profits and simply can’t compete with these larger businesses. The issues small businesses are currently facing must be addressed with more long-term solutions in mind. I was forced to close my long-time Denver-based brick-and-mortar business to online only to alleviate my large monthly overhead expenses, but I’m still struggling to weather the storm.
While this new state assistance is a good first step, small businesses like mine will need much more help to make it through this crisis. In addition to more state help, we need Congress to act now and pass a comprehensive stimulus package for small businesses, including more grant funding options to help businesses like mine survive these next few crucial months.
Allison Orr, Denver
Editor’s note: Orr owns Dragonfly, an apparel shop.
Correcting themselves and applauding themselves
Re: “House passes landmark bill decriminalizing pot,” Dec. 5 news story
Your headline, “House passes landmark bill decriminalizing pot,” is just one more example of the government creating a problem and later congratulating itself for fixing the problem without mentioning it created the problem in the first place.
Mike Hudson, Pueblo
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