Washington, DC – On his second day in office, President Joe Biden took further steps to bolster and strengthen the American response to the coronavirus pandemic. The new executive orders and presidential directives signed today would help protect American workers, boost the production and delivery of Covid-19 testing and vaccines, help kids get back to school sooner, and prioritize racial equity in our national strategy. The president also announced a new approach that emphasizes coordination and collaboration with state and local governments. Welcoming the action, U.S. Conference of Mayors President Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer released the following statement.
“President Biden and his administration are bringing a new urgency and outlook to fighting this pandemic. Coordination between the federal government and cities will be critical to speeding up vaccinations and driving America’s recovery. Local officials know what their communities need, and that’s why we’re grateful that President Biden has made outreach to mayors a priority since the transition. A comprehensive approach recognizes that public health is only one component of this battle, and the steps taken today will have a meaningful impact on American workers, students, and our pursuit of racial equity. We also know that so much more is needed to solve the mounting challenges that cities everywhere are facing. The direct fiscal support that the president has proposed in his pandemic recovery plan is essential for saving jobs, economic recovery, and allowing us to build back better. Mayors are eager to partner with the administration to help implement the president’s new national strategy, which is absolutely necessary, and help deliver an American breakthrough.”