Letter to the editor: How will Westmoreland CARES funding be spent?

Westmoreland County has been awarded $31.5 million in covid-19 CARES Act funds (“Westmoreland to get millions through the CARES Act, but it won’t be enough,” June 1, TribLIVE). How will that money be spent? County residents deserve the opportunity to voice their concerns. We demand oversight, transparency and a fair distribution of funds to uplift our community and support our most vulnerable.

Will there be widespread, free covid-19 testing throughout the county? Will funds be utilized to help underserved residents? How about food for the needy or mental health and substance abuse assistance? Help for covid-19-related expenses to municipalities and school districts? The homeless? Broadband and tablets for low-income students? Help for small businesses?

Enhanced covid-19 testing and contact tracing are essential to curtail community spread. Testing, contact tracing and isolation will result in enhanced economic gains. Improving public safety and providing access to personal protective equipment must be part of the plan.

Westmoreland County Commissioners Doug Chew, Sean Kertes and Gina Cerilli meet at 10 a.m. July 16 to discuss this issue; however, public participation is limited to 20 in-person attendees. Send your comments to vspina@co.westmoreland.pa.us before 9:30 a.m. July 16. Let your voice be heard. Keep the CARE in CARES funding to ensure the most vulnerable in our county are not forgotten.

Diana Steck

North Huntingdon