DEAR EDITOR:

COVID-19 is a public health crisis, but as it has unfolded, it has rippled out into an economic crisis, too. The stock market has been volatile, businesses are closing their doors and millions are staying home to limit the spread of the virus. In our community, we’ve seen a large number of people filing for unemployment in the past several weeks and many small businesses struggling to stay afloat. All of this means we in the Mahoning Valley, and people across America are feeling unprecedented economic pain.

To help, Congress passed an emergency relief package giving direct payments of $1,200 to most adults and $500 to most children. Before they chose that particular path forward, members of the Republican-led Senate, the Democratic-controlled House and the Trump administration all put forth ideas.

In early stages, there were no fewer than nine proposals for direct cash payments. We’re encouraged to see the agreement made during this crisis. It helps to put cash in people’s pockets and let them spend it how they see fit.

When Congress turns attention to climate change, another looming crisis, it should not forget this lesson: Direct cash payments are a simple, transparent and fair way to support Americans when economic winds shift.

Climate change demands that we stop emitting greenhouse gases trapping excess heat in our atmosphere and upsetting our planet’s delicate balance. America needs to move from a fossil fuel-based economy to a clean-energy economy. That will be a major change, but it should not be an acute crisis like we’re in now. By planning to give cash payments to Americans, we can ensure a healthy economy while making a gentle transition to a clean energy future.

Congress could put a price on carbon pollution, and it could rebate that money as an equal cash payment to all Americans monthly.

Cash payments empower Americans to decide how to spend it. This is especially important for low- and middle-income Americans who might otherwise struggle with cost increases as we shift to a clean-energy economy. When dividends are given to everyone, low- and middle-income Americans benefit dramatically.

Cash dividends are transparent and easy to track, unlike tax offsets. That visibility helps people and our elected officials stay focused on problems at hand.

The IRS started depositing the one-time payments to U.S. households. Should more help be needed, we hope cash payments will be extended through the duration of the crisis.

It’s clear that money in Americans’ hands helps keep our economy running. That’s why Congress and the president are using this tool in the current crisis. When we’ve dealt with COVID-19, let’s use that same tool to combat climate change.

MARK REYNOLDS

Executive Director

Citizens’ Climate Lobby

ALEXIS SMITH, D.O.

Youngstown

Mahoning Valley chapter