Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats), with 160 state legislators nationwide, signed a letter to President Trump and their respective state leaders calling for the reopening of the U.S. economy. About 33.5 million American workers have filed for unemployment, with New York state already paying out roughly $6 billion in unemployment benefits. The letter highlighted the need for tax relief and deregulation to help kick-start the economy.

“Nationwide, workers and employers want to get back to work, but we need our federal and state officials to work in concert to get our economies back up and running,” said Friend, who is the Ranking Minority member on the Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Job Creation, Commerce and Industry. “I know for our region in the Southern Tier that we are closer to being ready than the rest of the state but anything we can do to accelerate reopening in a safe manner must be explored. Regions like ours are very closely interconnected with our neighboring states and their economies. It is imperative we all work together; this is why I am proud to stand with these 160 state legislators, advocating for a safe reopening of our economy.”

The letter additionally advocates for individual liberties to be protected during this time of pandemic response. The legislators ask for protection of the freedom of religious practice and to limit excessive government surveillance of citizens, such as the tracking of geolocation.

A copy of the letter is attached.