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Dear Mr. President, Governors, Senators, Representatives and all Public Officials –

I am writing this on behalf of the many citizens of the wonderful state of Virginia and American citizens as a whole.

As you are aware, a lot of Americans are facing turmoil with the COVID-19 virus and Americans are panicking more with each passing day. Perhaps the panic and uncertainty is even greater for the more underprivileged. Individuals who receive social security disability income; individuals who did not earn enough to file an income tax return and disabled veterans. Will people in these categories, who perhaps need it the most, not be included in receiving the proposed stimulus package? Are their problems less important?

I personally know a lot of individuals who already face a very hard time making ends meet on a day- to-day basis that are not hoarding, but trying to obtain needed household staples to help get them through. Are their lives less important?

I understand that it’s a less tedious process by obtaining all taxpayer information, but should the easier path be taken and exclude many Americans outside of this realm? Our disabled citizens and lower-income families typically do not have any savings to fall back on.

The mainstream public may assume that because someone is disabled that they qualify for SNAP benefits or free healthcare, however, this is not always the case.

Finally, this may help our country to better control this virus. For example, for the individuals who earn minimum wage this can be an incentive to stay at home, not because they are lazy, but to do their part in helping control the spread of this virus while being able to provide for their families.

I urge you to please do what you can to fight for all citizens and to ensure that we are all treated fairly. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.

Jacqueline James Hamlette

Cumberland County