Representatives García, Shalala and 47 Others Demand More COVID Resources in Spanish and Other Languages

Chicago, IL - Representatives Jesús "Chuy' García (IL-04) and Donna Shalala (FL-27), along with 62 Members of Congress sent a letter today to President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence urging the administration and federal agencies distribute coronavirus related public safety guidance, benefit eligibility requirements, and application materials in Spanish and other languages.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, vital informational materials related to health care or assistance for individuals, businesses or nonprofits have been made available mostly in English preventing millions of people from accessing vital resources and life-saving information amidst the coronavirus crisis.

"English-language proficiency should not be a barrier to obtain or distribute vital information from the Federal government about health care or economic relief for those financially affected by this emergency. Yet, most informational materials are being distributed in only English. There are at least five additional languages commonly spoken in my city of Chicago. If this pandemic had happened when my family immigrated from Mexico, we would not have had access to life-saving resources. The same is true for many families in my district. This global emergency requires us to be inclusive. The virus does not discriminate, and neither should we," said Rep. García.

"Informing the public is key to effectively combating the national emergency created by the coronavirus," said Rep. Shalala. "This means not only giving people guidance on how and where to access the help they need, but also providing it to them in a language they can understand. As the representative of a majority-minority community, I recognize the importance of communicating in the language of my constituents, and I will proudly champion any effort to provide Spanish and multi-language resources to them during this crisis."

The text of the letter is below, and a signed copy can be found here.

Dear President Trump and Vice President Pence:

We write to urge the Administration and all underlying agencies to produce, distribute, and make publicly available materials and resources related to the COVID-19 health emergency and the implementation of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act in Spanish and other languages spoken throughout the country. As a matter of public health and safety for all, English-language proficiency should not serve as a barrier to obtain or distribute vital information from the Federal government.

To meet the tremendous needs during this unprecedented crisis, the federal government has expanded health and testing options, provided grants and loans to big and small businesses to keep their workforce, and bolstered federal assistance programs like unemployment insurance and nutrition assistance.

Unfortunately, much of the public safety guidance, benefit eligibility requirements, and application materials are being distributed in only English. We understand that federal agencies are working hard to implement guidance and programs as quickly as practicable, but many of those most in need may not understand guidance and miss out on life-saving guidance for these benefits because English is not their first language. Failing to immediately provide guidance in Spanish and other languages will jeopardize the health, safety, and economic stability of millions across this country, including small businesses, the workers they employ, and the families they support, as well as everyone else they reach by extension.

Immediately, the following agencies need to provide explanatory information, guidance, and other resources in Spanish and other languages for the following topics and programs:

• Health Care - guidance from the White House Coronavirus Task Force, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) about the availability and protocols for testing and medical treatment, including payment.
• Economic Relief - guidance from the Department of the Treasury, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the Social Security Administration (SSA) about eligibility and delivery of direct assistance payments.
• Unemployment Relief - guidance from the Department of Labor (DOL) about leave and unemployment entitlements, particularly since state unemployment agencies are currently overwhelmed.
• Business and Non-Profit Organization Relief - guidance from the Small Business Administration (SBA) about the Emergency Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), respectively.

English is not the first language or primary language at home for millions of Americans, but rather Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, French, or Arabic. During this challenging and disruptive time, the White House and federal agencies must establish and maintain content in Spanish and other languages on all official websites with COVID-19 and CARES Act benefit information. Agency representatives must also be available to answer questions in Spanish and other languages. This will ensure that everyone has the option of accessing up-to-date information.

Given the complexities of responding to the COVID-19 health emergency and its tremendous economic impacts, all of our constituents must be able to receive clear and understandable information from the federal government. We look forward to your quick response and to working together on this important matter.

Sincerely,

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