GLEN ROCK, NJ – On Monday, March 31, 2020, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) hosted a live Telephone Town Hall, along with North Jersey health officials and local leaders, to answer questions from Fifth District residents and discuss steps being taken to combat the spread of the coronavirus, its impacts on the North Jersey community, and to help keep North Jersey safe.

Gottheimer outlined resources available to those impacted by the coronavirus outbreak in North Jersey, including direct rescue investment for individuals and families; new federally-backed loans for small businesses to maintain the existing workforce and help pay for expenses like rent, mortgage, and utilities; significantly expanded unemployment benefits and compensation for residents who have been furloughed or laid off; food security programs for children, school students, seniors, and food banks; and coordination with the Governor and the Administration to access more medical supplies and equipment for front-line health care workers and first responders.

“My Telephone Town Hall this week allowed me to connect with thousands of Fifth District constituents to address their concerns about the coronavirus and what I’m doing to combat this outbreak, to help our local businesses maintain their workforce and pay their bills, to help those who’ve been laid off, and to help ensure our North Jersey hospitals have the resources they need,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “I want to thank our front-line health care workers and first responders who are keeping us safe and healthy during this time. We are all coming together like never before because we all know that we are facing this together, and that gives me great hope.”

Gottheimer was joined on his Telephone Town Hall by Reverend Dr. Marilyn Monroe Harris of First Baptist Church of Teaneck; Dr. Simon Tsiouris, the Subspecialty Director Infectious Disease at Valley Health; Tom Bracken, President of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce; and Vernon Township Mayor Howard Burrell.

For more information on federal, state, and local resources for families, local businesses, and workers impacted by the coronavirus outbreak, visit gottheimer.house.gov/coronavirus.

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