HomeMy WebLinkAboutRaemee Goodman - Undocumented Works - COVID-19 Relief Funds_sanitizedFrom:Raemee Goodman
To:Public Comments
Subject:8/19/2020 530pm Agenda Item: Amendment to Annual 2020-2021 Plan for Allocation of Covid-19 funds
Date:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 2:49:16 PM
To Whom it May Concern:
My name is Raemee Goodman and I am a resident and registered voter here in San
Bernardino County. I am writing to have my public comment included in tomorrow night's
meeting (Weds 8/19 5:30pm) regarding the Covid-19 fund allocation received from the Cares
Act and Emergency Solutions Grant. I ask that undocumented workers be included equally in
the distribution of these Federal Covid-19 relief funds. Undocumented workers make up a
large portion of our population in our county and fill the jobs that our legal residents will not
take, doing so for very little pay. These workers are incredibly hard working, honest and
friendly people that contribute immensely to our county. They provide ESSENTIAL services
such as working in this 100-110 degree heat in the fields to keep food in our stores and on our
tables, they sanitize hospitals and medical centers putting themselves at risk of contracting
Covid, they cook and serve food in the kitchens of these hospitals and medical facilities as
well as providing various other services.
While SB county is not the largest by population, it is however the largest county in
California. Other counties and even states look to us as they implement policy. Therefore we
have a responsibility that extends beyond our county/state to set the right precedents. I ask that
you implement a working oversight committee to ensure these federally allocated funds are
properly managed and make this information known to the public. I further ask that you allow
direct service providers to administer eviction prevention in place of the Housing Authority.
We need to aid these undocumented families in their time of need through these measures as
well as ensuring they receive equitable portions of this relief funding.
The bottom line is that undocumented workers are providing ESSENTIAL services here in
our county which therefore should entitle them to receive equal benefits from the Covid-19
relief funds. It is my hope that you will go further to assist and protect these families in need.
To deny them these benefits is unjust, inhumane, and simply unappreciative of their hard work
and loyalty to this community. Let's show them and California that we are better than that. I
ask that you support them, value them, be proud of them, and set the right precedent here for
other counties to follow. Please approve a FAIR and EQUAL distribution of rent relief and
eviction prevention from the funds our county received for these undocumented workers who
have been previously and unjustly excluded from receiving such benefits. As a community we
owe them much more than this, we are dependent on their services, but this is a great
opportunity to start helping and supporting them, they are the foundation of this county. As a
long time resident with family and friends here in the county who are also registered voters,
we trust you will start this county on the better path to equality by approving this allocation to
vital undocumented members of SB county. Thank you so much for your time and
consideration.
Sincerely,
Raemee Goodman