New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday called on President Donald Trump to get his city a bailout similar to the one received by the airline industry worth more than $50 billion, Politico reports.
New York City has lost half a million jobs so far due to the coronavirus outbreak, along with $7.4 billion in expected tax revenue. The city's Metropolitan Transit Authority on Thursday requested a further $3.9 billion in federal aid to stay running.
De Blasio told reporters Thursday he spoke with Trump and Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday and argued that New York needs a similar cash infusion to the one given to the airline industry.
"How about bailing out the nation's largest city? How about bailing out the epicenter of this crisis, where people have been suffering?" de Blasio said during a press briefing. "That is what our federal government should do."
He added, "If we can't provide the basics for our people, then you can kiss your recovery goodbye. The only way you can have a recovery is if places like New York City in particular — the great economic leader and engine of this nation — if we're strong, our nation can be strong. If we are not strong, if our people are not safe, then this nation can't recover."
De Blasio said the money should be included in the next stimulus bill that goes through Congress. In the previous package, the city received just $1.4 billion.
"President Trump, here's my appeal to you: Help us back on our feet," the mayor said. "If you lead, the Senate will follow. If you are silent, they will not. It's on you, Mr. President."
Theodore Bunker ✉
Theodore Bunker, a Newsmax writer, has more than a decade covering news, media, and politics.
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