EXCERPT:
YELLEN: “And now we are facing historic crisis again. The pandemic and the economic fallout that together have caused so much damage for so many and have had disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable among us. Lost lives, lost job, small businesses struggling to stay alive or closed for good. So many people struggling to put food on the table and pay bills and rent. It’s an American tragedy. And it’s essential that we move with urgency. Inaction will produce a self reinforcing downturn causing yet more devastation. And we miss -- we risk missing the obligation to address deeper structural problems. Inequality, stagnant wages, especially for workers who lack a college education. Communities that have seen industry disappear with no good jobs replacing lost ones. Racial disparities in pay, job opportunities, housing, food security and small business lending to deny wealth building to communities of color. Gender disparities to keep women out of the work force and keep our economy from running at full force. It’s a convergence of tragedies that is not only economically unsustainable but one that betrays our commitment to giving every American an equal chance to get ahead. But I know this team will never give up that commitment. As you've said before, Mr. President-Elect out of our collective pain as a nation we will find collective purpose to control the pandemic and build our economy back better than before. To rebuild our infrastructure and create better jobs. To invest in our workforce, to advance racial equity and equity and make sure the economic recovery includes everyone. To address the climate crisis, with American ingenuity and American jobs. Working together with the outstanding national security and foreign-policy team you announced last week to help restore America’s global leadership. And above all, we share your belief in the American dream of a society where each person with effort can rise to their potential and dream even bigger for their children.”