NEW YORK (WKBW) — Sunday New York Governor Andrew Cuomo called on the Federal Government to utilize the Defense Production Act.
The act would give the Federal Government the legal authority to tell companies to produce certain supplies, according to Cuomo.
Cuomo says the Federal Government could then order factories to produce supplies such as masks, gowns, and ventilators.
He says if the government used the act it would avoid price gouging and state/hospital competition. Cuomo said Sunday masks that would normally cost $0.85 now cost $7 due to price gouging and competition.
Cuomo also called on the Federal Government to provide money to individuals, governments and bailout corporations. Although he says the corporate bailouts should not come at the expense of the people.
"Time matters. Minutes Count. Lives are at stake," a portion of Cuomo's presentation said Sunday.
As of Sunday New York State is mandating hospitals increase capacity by at least 50 percent.
