Biden hears from workers and small business owners at roundtable
Biden is meeting with workers and small business owners impacted by the economic crisis in a virtual roundtable Wednesday afternoon from Wilmington, Delaware, to discuss his plan that he’s said will put the economy back on track and bring more jobs than before the pandemic.
The president-elect gave a brief introduction before opening the floor to participants to share their stories of how the pandemic has affected them.
“I know you've all experienced the effect of one great problem, and that is the economic downturn in large part because of COVID, and the failure of some of our friends in Congress to move forward on the kind of economic package that was passed and needed to help people,” Biden said.

Participants included a crossing guard in Chicago who lost her job, a restaurant owner in Milwaukee and a now unemployed worker at Comerica Stadium in Detroit who delivered an impassioned plea to Biden for assurance on unemployment benefits and job security.
“We feel hopeless,” she said through tears. “It's just an everyday struggle for us, so we're hoping that we can get some help.”
A union worker spoke about the mental and emotional toll COVID-19 has taken as she’s witnessed those around her die from the disease.
“You look around, you can't even celebrate with some family members, because we have lost them due to COVID,” she said. “I can't call my aunt and ask her what she wants for Christmas, because COVID has taken her life, as well as other family members and union members and friends.”
The event comes on the heels of Biden debuting his nominees to lead economic policy posts in the incoming administration.
Biden has said one of his top priorities is getting another COVID-19 stimulus package through Congress, even if one passes in the lame-duck session (which he has supported), telling Americans on Tuesday, “Help is on the way.”







