Bill Cassidy: Fed Support for Essential Services

United States Senator Bill Cassidy talks with 101.7 / 710 KEEL's Robert J Wright and Erin McCarty about his upcoming legislation to fund essential service support to first responders in municipalities across the country. He also addresses the possibility - and gives his opinion - of a second stimulus program and expounds on his thoughts about the best ways to reopen the economy as as "stay-at-home" regulations across the country are expiring."

Cassidy gives details of legislation he plans to introduce - which he terms "bipartisan" - that would give federal funding to cities and towns across the country to maintain the current state of readiness of America's police, fire and other first responders. Shreveport alone, it is pointed out, faces cuts of up to $19 million, financial depletions that could mean reductions in law enforcement and other services.

The senior Senator also talks about the growing discussion of a second stimulus package, saying, "I think it depends on how long this pandemic lasts. If we're able to reopen safely then we won't need a second stimulus. If people are going back to work and spending money, life's going well. If this drages on for a year, it's going to difficult for many businesses to survive. But events will dictate what we do and taking care of the American people, that's my priority."

The doctor also expresses his doubts about the one-size-fits-all approach of many state governors and their emergency declarations. "Now that we've got the facts that are coming in...there are places you know that are have a bigger problem. Now that we have enough data, we can use that information to go out and protect people from getting the infection and if they have it, provide the services they need."