U.S. Rep. Tom Reed

U.S. Rep Tom Reed is acknowledging that in Washington, the shoe is now on the other foot.

In discussing the proposed $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan, the Corning Republican said the nation’s leadership, dominated by the Democrats, is “veering to the hard left.” It’s a very different capital when compared to last year, when his party held the cards.

“I am very disappointed that they appear to be going down a partisan path,” he said. “There’s really … no sincere outreach any longer to the Republican side to try to come up with a bipartisan, more reasonable package.”

In a conference call with area media Wednesday, Reed sounded a bit of frustration in regard to the unfairness of the relief package. He noted illegal immigrants as well as couples making $300,000 annually are not in need of a bailout from the government while acknowledging a great deal of Americans who are struggling and need that assistance. He also said the proposed $1,400 checks, which could be as much as $2,000, are going down a “dangerous path,” something a former President Bill Clinton adviser echoed.

Reed also is worried about a federal minimum wage hike that could be more than doubled from $7.25 an hours. He said the nation’s leaders need to move cautiously — and understand the harm — of a possible $15 an hour wage that is being considered.

“Going down this partisan path … is dangerous policy for America,” he said.

He did hail the $350 billion in local aid in the deal, calling that a victory. However, he did voice concerns over state governors getting their hands on those funds before doling it out to the municipalities. “I am glad to see the state and local aid in this proposal,” he said. “I’m comfortable with the numbers as they are going to debated.”

He did, however, offer a warning regarding this funding. “They’re going to give these big checks to the local governments and then Gov. (Andrew) Cuomo and the other governors are going to reduce their local aid in their state budgets by corresponding, if not more, amounts. So it’s going to be a hollow victory.”