
In the return of the weekly address, President Biden spoke with a California woman who lost her job at a clothing company back in July 2020, a phone call the White House says is part of helping the President to engage more consistently with regular Americans.
The Roseville, CA woman, Michele Voelkert, identifying herself only as Michele, told the President that it was hard finding new work after losing her job.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Biden replied that his father used to say a job is about dignity and respect as much as it is about a paycheck. He described his $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan, which calls for $1,400 payments to people like Voelkert, and other economic aid for individuals and small businesses. There’s also money to help distribute coronavirus vaccines.
“I’ve been saying a long time, the idea that we think we can keep businesses open and moving and thriving without dealing with this pandemic is just a nonstarter,” Biden said.
Later Saturday, Biden left his home for a regularly scheduled X-ray of his right foot, which he broke in late November while playing with his dog Major.
Dr. Kevin O’Connor, the president’s physician, said in a statement issued by the White House that the “10-week post-injury weight-bearing X-ray” was to make sure Biden had regained stability in his ligaments.
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ATR News Contributing Writer Cora Sullivan in Houston, TX contributed to this report.