Mucarsel-Powell Speaks At Donation Delivery Of 2,800 KN95 Masks To Miami-Dade Transit Employees With Transit Workers Union Local 291 President Mitchell

Mucarsel-Powell Highlights Need To Provide PPE To All Frontline Workers During This Public Health Crisis

MIAMI, FL – On Friday, April 24, U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26) gave remarks at a donation delivery of 2,800 KN95 masks to Miami-Dade transit employees with Transit Workers Union President, Jeffery Mitchell.

“After seeing stories that transit workers are lacking necessary PPE, I was happy to be a part of this mask donation to bus and transit workers. Protective equipment is critical to frontline workers, which is why I’ve fought for funding for PPE in congressional aid packages. And it’s why I continue to urge the president to use the Defense Production Act so that we have a big stockpile of this equipment,” said Mucarsel-Powell. “It is important to recognize that the majority of our union brothers and sisters dedicated to making Miami-Dade buses and transit run are African American and Hispanic, and as we’ve seen, communities of color are at a higher risk of facing COVID-19 complications and death. We must ensure that the most vulnerable to this virus are equipped with the supplies needed to stay safe, and we need to do more to ensure that every frontline worker is protected.”

“In times of crisis, community and collaboration are paramount to overcoming challenges. TWU Local 291 is grateful to Congresswoman Murcasel-Powell for heeding our workers’ call for help and providing these KN95 masks that will not only help to ensure the safety of our workers, but to mitigate further spread of COVID-19 throughout our community,” said Mitchell. “Unfortunately, there is still much to be done to secure the safety of our conductors and our riders. Right now, our public transit system is highly exposed and vulnerable to the coronavirus. Routes are running with no increased sanitation and no enforced protocols or guidelines for passengers entering or exiting its doors. Lives are at stake. It is of grave importance that Miami-Dade County address this health hazard if we are going to be serious about moving forward and reopening for business.”

Mucarsel-Powell has been a tireless advocate for providing necessary resources to frontline workers, including PPE.

Photos from the donation event at the Dadeland South Station & Bus Hub are below, and hi-res photos available here:

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