The Heritage Foundation’s National Coronavirus Recovery Commission released its final report June 15 with a strong endorsement from Vice President Mike Pence and praise from Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia.
Pence, who is leading the White House Coronavirus Task Force, joined Heritage Foundation President Kay C. James on a conference call with more than 8,000 Heritage members and Heritage Action supporters.
“Let me give a particular thanks to members of the National Coronavirus Recovery Commission that you organized,” Pence told James. “Because of the strong partnership that we've forged with governors and states across the country, [we are] implementing the president's vision of a whole-of-government approach. That, echoed with the great tradition and The Heritage Foundation’s belief in federalism.”
In addition to James’ call with Pence, the commission hosted a virtual event in partnership with the National Press Club that included a keynote address from Scalia. He highlighted the commission’s work in his remarks about reopening America.
In April, the National Coronavirus Recovery Commission brought together top experts from the fields of public health, disaster response, business, government, and the faith community to offer specialized experience and expertise to construct the best public policy solutions. The commission also received more than 750 comments from the public, forged connections with 40,000 policymakers, and ultimately, through a five-phase plan, offered 265 recommendations to safely reopen America.
“This report is meant to serve as a guide for all policymakers, regardless of geographic region, size of population, or political affiliation,” said James.
“Our recommendations are designed to help governors, local leaders, federal officials, and the American people make the best decisions possible as our country recovers from one of the most significant health and economic crises it has ever faced,” she added. “It offers a measure of hope for the great things already happening in America and serves as a guide to prepare for future pandemics.”
The commission’s work has been highlighted by major media networks as well as news organizations nationwide. After the first 47 recommendations were released, Politico reported, “A blueprint released by The Heritage Foundation’s National Coronavirus Recovery Commission caught the attention of White House aides with its 47 suggestions for reopening the economy.”
Commissioners and Heritage Foundation experts also appeared on dozens of radio and cable news interviews to emphasize the importance of saving both lives and livelihoods—and striking the right balance between public health and the economy.
In June, the commission released an interactive map highlighting how states have implemented five of the commission’s key recommendations to save lives and livelihoods. So far, 35 states—or 68%—have completed the commission’s key recommendations.
“The work of the commission doesn’t end with the publication of this report,” said James on the call. “Our commissioners and Heritage Foundation experts will continue working with policymakers in Washington and across the country to implement these recommendations.”
Learn more about the recommendations at CoronavirusCommision.com.
