Crist admonishes bailed out companies’ plans to furlough workers
March 30, 2020 - Rep. Charlie Crist released a statement Monday, following reports that companies that had received federal assistance through the CARES Act, like United Airlines, were planning to layoff or furlough employees anyway. The CARES Act, which would provide $50 billion to the airline industry and trillions more to employers and employees throughout the country, requires that bailed-out companies not involuntarily furlough employees through Sept. 30, 2020. “The American people expect that companies accepting taxpayer assistance are not putting those same Americans out of work,” Rep. Crist said. “The loans, grants, and appropriations included in the CARES Act are specifically intended to help employers make payroll, keep their businesses afloat, and keep their employees working. Companies and organizations availing themselves of this assistance should follow Congressional intent. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I take seriously our oversight responsibility and would welcome any bailed-out executive to testify about why they would accept taxpayer dollars and then put Americans out of work.”