Schumer and AOC call for FEMA to give funeral funding to families of coronavirus victims
by Madison Dibble
| April 14, 2020 04:08 PM
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez asked Federal Emergency Management Agency to consider giving federal aid to families conducting funerals because of coronavirus deaths.
The two New York Democrats wrote a letter to Peter Gaynor, FEMA's administrator, and thanked him for the administration's efforts in the state. Schumer and Ocasio-Cortez noted that the significant death toll hit at a time when many lost their jobs because of coronavirus-related shutdowns. The lawmakers explained that many families are struggling to pay for funerals during the pandemic.
"As the tragic number of deaths from COVID-19 continues to rise in New York, individuals who are facing incredible loss are also being saddled with an additional financial burden," the two wrote, later adding, "Disaster Funeral Assistance would help individuals and households unexpected and uninsured expenses associated with the death of an immediate family member."
They explained that federal assistance could help families afford caskets, mortuary services, death certificates, and cremation or interment. Beyond direct funeral expenses, Schumer and Ocasio-Cortez asked FEMA to consider funding to help families with insurance co-pays, hospital bills, and child care services.
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https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/schumer-and-aoc-call-for-fema-to-give-funeral-funding-to-families-of-coronavirus-victims
