Local leaders ask for more federal COVID-19 relief

Ferndale is just one of the small towns that could be crushed in the battle over federal COVID-19 relief.

“Small cities like Ferndale are rapidly spending down their cash reserves,” said Ferndale Mayor Greg Hansen.

President Trump doesn't provide help for them in his new executive orders. While Democrats in the House and Senate want to send states and cities the money they need to survive.

“I’ve been pushing for the Senate to take up the Heroes Act which the House passed in May which includes a trillion dollars for state, local and tribal governments,” said Senator Patty Murray.

Everett's New Mexicans restaurant features the meals you'd find in New Mexico and the Southwest.

And before the pandemic shutdown, Northwesterners would pack in to enjoy it. 

Owner Evie De Simone says a $73,000 Paycheck Protection Program loan helped her stay open and to rehire most of her employees. That's what she told Congressman Rick Larsen.

“I mean Rick we’re still only making a third of the business that we were, but I still have a $3,500 rent. I still have all the bills, rent, Pandora, payroll, taxes. We’re getting by but knock on wood we haven’t had to close down,” Simone said.

Other businesses haven't been as lucky. The newly installed booths she bought for social distancing came from a restaurant that had to close.

Larsen says Democrats are holding firm in the negotiations because small businesses, local governments and individuals need much more help than Republicans are offering.

“That is what the White House is asking us to do is to put the economic health of the American people on the negotiating table we’re not going to do that,” Larson said.

Simone is encouraged by Larsen's visit, but she wants the Gridlock to end.

“It feels like they’re butting heads and it’s not helping us over here. It’s not helping the people that are suffering,” she said.

Cox Media Group