Im keeping this brief and to the point. Local leaders have been sounding at definite alarm for months about the need for direct fiscal assistance from washington as the virus rages in our city. Our budgets are under extreme stress. Arts fences are skyrocketing. Our essential lifesaving services are strained. The need for public assistance is through the roof. This has been going on since the beginning of the pandemic since march of last year. Today, only 38 cities have received direct relief yet mayors everywhere continue to do what we do everyday. We get it done. We run our cities with a balanced budget which we are required to do by law. So what does that mean . How do we possibly do that in the face of this tremendous crisis . It means the cut jobs. It means eliminating services and staff at the same time. Our First Responders have been on the job since day one of this pandemic transporting those with covid to hospitals with Public Health initiatives keeping social and family order
I want to thank her for an sent the National League of cities in the National Association of counties for their sheer dedication to this issue on badly needed federal assistance as we continue to fight the covid19 pandemic. A quick note for members of the press joining us today, we will take questions after brief opening remarks. If you have a question, please put your name and media outlet in the chat and well call on you. Im keeping this brief and to the point. Im keeping this brief and to the point. Local leaders have been sounding at definite alarm for months about the need for direct fiscal assistance from washington as the virus rages in our city. Fences are skyrocketing. Our essential lifesaving services are strained. The need for public assistance is through the roof. This has been going on since the beginning of the pandemic since march of last year. Today, only 38 cities have received direct relief yet mayors everywhere continue to do what we do everyday. We get it done. We r
Cleanup. We have special rigging that we carry that will contain oil spills until an environmental unit can come out. This is a job for us, but it is also a way of life and a lifestyle. Were proud to serve our community. And were willing to help people in any way we can. Divet. It is now 1 13 p. M. Sorry for the delay. My name is miguel bustos, and this is the regular meeting on committee on Community Investment and infrastructure, january 19, 2021. Following the guidelines set forth by local and state officials during this health emergency, the members of this commission are meeting remotely to ensure the safety of everyone, including members of public. Thank you all for joining us. Madam secretary, please call the first item. Clerk thank you, mr. Chair. The first order is business is item 1, roll call. Commission members, please respond when i call your name. [roll call] clerk all members of the commission are present. The next order is business is item 2, announcements. The next reg
Day. We ask your blessing upon those throughout our country who are suffering so much more each day. Keep safe the firefighters out west. Keep safe those who are responding to the destruction of Hurricane Sally on the gulf coast. Listen to the cries of those who have lost so much as a result of these natural covid rs even as the pandemic weeks its havoc in our communities. Here in the capitol impel with your spirit the members of congress who, more than any others, have the opportunity to address our nations needs. Give them the wisdom and ourage to do so working as a united force for good in these times. Lord, have mercy. May all that is done this day be for your greater honor and glory. Men. The speaker thank you, father. Pursuant to section 4a of House Resolution 967, the journal of the last days proceedings is approved. The pledge of allegiance will be led by the gentlewoman from michigan, ms. Slotkin. Ms. Slotkin i pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of america and