Demand the Federal Government Enact a Universal Basic Income During COVID-19 Health Crisis Now

The US Federal government has ignored the emerging threat of the novel coronavirus to a large extent. The response in comparison to other countries has been dismal. With countries such as Germany taking added precautions and creating social isolation quickly they were more equipped to deal with the virus. The US, however, is not equipped for the virus as it is lacking in supplies, tests, infrastructure, and adequate stimulus packages to protect the American worker. With many businesses beginning to shut down in states across the US, millions of US workers have lost their job and have no means to pay for their bills and basic necessities. As the literature suggests, infectious diseases caused by viruses spread more quickly when people live in poverty and do not have access to basic necessities. Thus, a universal basic income MUST be passed in order to ensure that:
1. The virus does not spread more quickly
2. American workers can get compensation for not being allowed to work
3. Workers and the American people have access to the basic necessities to survive and weather this health crisis