Legislation would help us return to normal

Congresswoman Lauren Underwood will co-sponsor the Health Force, Resilience Force and Jobs to Fight COVID-19 Act, legislation that would create jobs and protect families from COVID-19. Passing this bill would mean increased capacity for our inundated local public health systems. Last summer, I had to wait six weeks for a surgery that was time sensitive because our hospitals were dealing with COVID.

The Health Force Act would also help us fight COVID by expanding vaccine distribution. All of us are eager to get the virus under control so life can become more normal and the economy can begin its long overdue recovery.

Selfishly, we would like to be able to see our family without a computer screen, to go for walks with friends, to feel safe at the gym and to support local businesses by eating out and shopping. Our friends who are health care workers, teachers and other front-line workers need to be safe and to feel safe. As a retired educator, I am keenly aware of the limitations of online learning for students, teachers and families. All of these situations could improve under this legislation. It will fund 100,000 public health workers and help us stop the spread of the coronavirus even as it provides employment for many who have lost their jobs.

Passing the Health Force Act means returning to normal and opening back up safely.

We are grateful to Congresswoman Underwood and her co-sponsors for their leadership. Her background in public health is a true asset to Illinois District 14.

Donovan and Ellen Ljung

Geneva