Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to March 25, 2020
Statement from Rep. Price on Precautionary Measures
Source: U.S. Representative David Price (D-NC, 4th)
March 19, 2020
“The health and wellbeing of every American has to be our top priority. At home, I’ll continue working remotely with my colleagues to propose a robust package that will help families and small businesses through this difficult time. I encourage all Americans to continue heeding the recommendations of public health officials and remain at home if possible. These necessary steps will help blunt spread of this virus.”
Read more...
======
Get Home School Discount Books at Christian Book Distributor’s
Spot Sale today! Up to 25% off on select products!
======
Pascrell Asks Credit Card Companies to Suspend Interest, Late Fees
Source: U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ, 9th)
March 20, 2020
“The COVID-19 pandemic will present many hardships for Americans across the nation,” the members wrote. “We believe that you, as our country’s largest credit card issuers, have a unique opportunity and responsibility to help mitigate some of the financial harms Americans face as a result of this pandemic. Specifically, we urge you to cease collecting interest on balances and waive all late fees during the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Read more...
CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT STATEMENT ON SECOND CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE BILL
Source: U.S. Representative Stacy Plaskett (D-Virgin Islands, At-Large)
March 20, 2020
“I was pleased to see provisions in this legislation to increase Medicaid funds to the Virgin Islands by $4.65 million over the next two fiscal years, and to increase the federal share of Medicaid funding to 89.2% (from 83%). The bill also contains special rules to ensure equality for U.S. territories in providing tax relief to self-employed individuals. It provides for payments to United States territories to compensate the Virgin Islands for tax credits on self-employed individuals' income tax."
Read more...
Pocan, DeLauro to Introduce Layoff Prevention Bills
Source: U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (D-WI, 2nd)
March 20, 2020
Congressman Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) announced they will introduce two bills to prevent working people from being laid off due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Preventing Layoffs During a Public Health Emergency Act and the Layoff Prevention Act would provide federal support for states’ work sharing programs, which give employers the flexibility they need to maintain their workforce and keep American workers on the job. Struggling companies will be able to reduce hours instead of their workforce—helping them save on rehiring costs—while employees will keep their jobs and receive a portion of Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits to make up for lost wages.
Read more...
Maricopa County Recorder Agrees to Settlement with Voting Rights Group Over Access to Records
Source: Project Vote
March 20, 2020
The lawsuit, which preceded Mr. Fontes’ election as Recorder, concerns how the County makes voter registration records available for public inspection. The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA) requires election officials to make voter registration records readily accessible, in order to encourage accountability, help identify and stop inaccurate voter list maintenance programs, and to educate voters on how to complete applications and remain on the rolls.
Read more...
======
======
Pascrell Puts Workers First in Economic Recovery
Source: U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ, 9th)
March 21, 2020
As the COVID-19 pandemic has led to massive layoffs and economic hardship across the United States, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) joined with 101 House colleagues in urging that any economic relief package for industries affected by the pandemic puts workers first and includes corporate accountability measures.
Read more...
Pascrell Leads 110 Colleagues Demanding Support for First Responders
Source: U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ, 9th)
March 21, 2020
“As Congress considers further legislation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we urge you to include support for our nation’s first responders, especially fire and emergency medical services (EMS), who are serving on the frontlines of this outbreak. First responders are routinely in physical contact with potentially infected persons as pre-hospital health care providers. During this public health emergency, the continued work and support of our first responders is vital,” the members write.
Read more...
Greg Pence Urges Support for Rural Communities in Coronavirus Legislation
Source: U.S. Representative Greg Pence (R-IN, 6th)
March 21, 2020
“Hoosiers living in rural areas of Indiana’s 6th District will be disproportionally impacted by the economic distress caused by COVID-19. Rural communities are vital to our agricultural industry and are heavily reliant on the success of small businesses,” said Congressman Pence. “These Americans also often live beyond the reach of standard health care establishments. Considering the livelihood and health of rural communities in Indiana and across the country, it is of critical importance that this package delivers rural assistance to avoid an economic catastrophe that can last far longer than the virus. We must address the unique needs of Hoosiers living in rural communities to keep America prosperous for generations to come.”
Read more...
Advocacy groups offer tips to stay connected while facing the coronavirus
Source: CRUX
March 21, 2020
Social distancing and sheltering in place doesn’t have to mean total isolation for people of faith accustomed to advocating for peace and justice concerns.
Read more...
======
======
On Same Day First U.S. Senator Tests Positive for Coronavirus, Portman Urges Colleagues to Pass Bipartisan Remote Voting Plan
Source: Senator Rob Portman (R-OH)
March 22, 2020
U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) joined his colleague, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), in urging the Senate to pass their bipartisan resolution to amend the Standing Rules of the Senate to allow senators to vote remotely during a national crisis. During certain crises, such as the current COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, guidelines from the CDC may advise against convening the full Senate in the Capitol. However, that should not prevent Congress from safely engaging in its constitutional responsibility to convene during a crisis, conduct its basic constitutional duties, and enact responsible legislation for the nation. Specifically, during a national crisis that makes it infeasible for the senators to vote in person, the resolution gives the Majority and Minority Leaders the joint authority to allow secure remote voting. Remote voting would then be allowed for up to 30 days. The Senate would have to vote to renew remote voting every 30 days.
Read more...
Federal Action Needed: COVID-19 and Housing/Homelessness
Source: Partnership for Working Families
March 22, 2020
America is experiencing a public health crisis. COVID-19 affects and will affect our poor and working class community members the most. Rather than prioritizing public money on corporate bailouts, we can stand united with frontline communities to ensure our collective well-being through this crisis and rewrite the rules to build a healthier and stronger country for generations to come.
Read more...
======
======
Pallone, House Democrats Introduce Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act
Source: U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ, 6th)
March 23, 2020
“Across the country and in my home state of New Jersey, hardworking Americans are feeling the effects of this public health crisis. Now more than ever, I am working with my colleagues to protect the health of all Americans and provide peace of mind during this time of economic uncertainty. This bill puts money in the pockets of New Jerseyans, enhances Unemployment Insurance, expands paid leave and supports small businesses as we all combat the coronavirus pandemic," said Congressman Pallone. "I led the efforts to include provisions to ensure affordable treatment for all, to increase capacity of our medical system, to protect consumers from price gouging and to ensure critical services are not shut off during this crisis.”
Read more...
CONGRESSMAN PANETTA CALLS ON USDA TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO SPECIALTY CROP INDUSTRY DURING CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Source: U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA, 20th)
March 23, 2020
“As you work to continue mitigating the impacts of this emergency on our nation’s agriculture industry, we ask that you include targeted relief for the specialty crop industry. Such relief will not only help producers who are facing significant financial challenges but also support efforts to provide food and nutrition assistance to the most vulnerable members of our communities,” the members wrote. “Specifically, we request regulatory flexibility to implement the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act under the circumstances of this emergency; a commitment from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables for federal nutrition programs; and direct support to specialty crop producers whose customers are now unable to fulfill their previous purchase commitments due to the current crisis.”
Read more...
Pappas Introduces Too Small To Fail Act to Address Urgent Needs of Small Businesses and Workers in New Hampshire
Source: U.S. Representative Chris Pappas (D-NH, 1st)
March 23, 2020
Among its provisions, the bill would make available zero-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to small businesses and nonprofits affected by the coronavirus outbreak to help keep their doors open and meet their ongoing obligations. The legislation will also allow for up to $15,000 in grants for small businesses, distributed within three days after a business or nonprofit applies for an EIDL, so that they can receive immediate relief. In addition, the bill will empower the Small Business Administration (SBA) to defer payments on existing federal loans.
Read more...
Rep. Payne, Jr. Celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act
Source: U.S. Representative Donald Payne, Jr. (D-NJ, 10th)
March 23, 2020
Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. praised the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on its 10th anniversary for the financial and medical security it has provided to the nation’s residents. The Act was signed into law 2010 and helps protect 133 million Americans with pre-existing conditions from possibly losing their health insurance. The ACA is particularly important now as the country battles to stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
Read more...
Pelosi Statement on the 55th Anniversary of the Selma Marches
Source: U.S. Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-CA, 12th)
March 23, 2020
“Fifty-five years ago, thousands of brave, patriotic Americans stepped forward for a third and final march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama to lay claim to the fundamental right to vote. Despite the violence, tear gas and bloodshed inflicted on them during the previous marches, these heroic men and women, young and old, from every corner of the country marched for justice and equality, and in the process, changed the world forever.
Read more...
And in November of 2020, we are going to EXERCISE that right to vote YOU out. Thanks for the reminder!
======
======
Pelosi Statement Ahead of Unveiling of Democrats’ Third Coronavirus Response Bill
Source: U.S. Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-CA, 12th)
March 23, 2020
“The Senate Republicans’ bill, as presented, put corporations first, not workers and families. Today, House Democrats will unveil a bill that takes responsibility for the health, wages and well-being of America’s workers: the Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act.
Read more...
Nancy, Nancy...you are SUCH a liar! We have seen what the Democrats did to the original bill. It isn't pretty. And, it doesn't help us at ALL! Regardless of what you might hope, most of us voters are pretty informed.
Pelosi Remarks on 10th Anniversary of Affordable Care Act & Unveiling of Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act
Source: U.S. Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-CA, 12th)
March 23, 2020
If President Trump succeeds in striking down the ACA in court, gone is the ban on insurers putting limits on your health care, gone are guaranteed essential health benefits and free preventive services, gone are young people staying on their parent’s insurance until age 26, gone is the health insurance of 20 million Americans and gone are the lifesaving protections for more than 130 million Americans with pre-existing conditions.
Read more...
Again, Nancy. You are a liar. Trump has done everything he said he would do. One thing he is NOT is a liar. So, I believe HIM rather than YOU when he says “We will always be protecting pre-existing conditions,” Mr. Trump said this in a visit to Minnesota, echoing a vow he has made at least 20 times in the past six months. “Remember that. That’s No. 1. Very, very important.”
Committee Democrats Roll Out Legislation to Provide Comprehensive Stimulus and Public Policy Response to Coronavirus Pandemic
Source: U.S. Representative Ed Perlmutter (D-CO, 7th)
March 23, 2020
Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Financial Services, led Committee Democrats in releasing the Financial Protections and Assistance for America’s Consumers, States, Businesses, and Vulnerable Populations Act (H.R. 6321), legislation to provide a comprehensive stimulus and public policy response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Read more...
PETERSON: AGRICULTURE AND FOOD “ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL” IN FIGHTING PANDEMIC
Source: U.S. Representative Collin C. Peterson (D-MN, 7th)
March 23, 2020
“Our food system is absolutely critical right now to keeping Americans fed, calm, and healthy,” Peterson said. “As we have heard from farmers and from food companies, we have enough food. The important part now is protecting and supporting the people that grow, raise, distribute and sell that food so supply can continue. The food processing industry is also being impacted by the same shortage of disinfecting products and protective equipment that has reached a crisis situation for our medical professionals.”
Read more...
Pingree, Pappas Introduces Legislation to Support Maine’s 145,000 Small Business, Provide Cash Advances and Zero-Interest Loans
Source: U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree (D-ME, 1st)
March 23, 2020
The bill would make available zero-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to small businesses and nonprofits affected by the coronavirus outbreak to help keep their doors open and meet their ongoing obligations. The legislation will also allow for up to $15,000 in grants for small businesses, distributed within three days after a business or nonprofit applies for an EIDL, so that they can receive immediate relief. In addition, the bill will empower the Small Business Administration (SBA) to defer payments on existing federal loans.
Read more...
======
(Put your ad here for just $1.00)
======
