Study Predicts: with Fast Re-Opening of State Economies, America's Recession Will End by Late Summer, Swift Recovery in Fall, Data Does Not Point to Great Depression Era Scenario

Washington, D.C. - April 29, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- Nationally-renowned economists Dr. Arthur B. Laffer and Stephen Moore, both members of President Donald J. Trump's Economic Recovery Task Force, have released a study predicting a swift economic recovery if states reopen quickly.

"We are advising the White House and many governors across the country, there is a big difference in the swiftness and size of the recovery based on the speed at which states reopen,' says Stephen Moore. "Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey and New York would be wise to follow the leads of the states in the south and mountain states, or they could see a deep recession through the end of 2020."

Countering many predictions of economic doom, Moore and Laffer find that "with the right national policy prescriptions and most states reopening their economies next week, we will see a very sharp contraction this summer with high unemployment followed by a strong recovery will arrive within three to six months."

The authors compared the sharp economic contraction from the coronavirus with other sharp economic collapses, including the Great Depression, and found that the key market indicators, such as the stock market and the gold price, point to a fast pick-up in growth when the economy gets back on its feet.

"There is just no indication of anything like a Great Depression, says Dr. Laffer, who has advised several presidents and recently was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Trump.

The study also predicts a "very uneven" recovery "with some states and regions of the country advancing at a much faster pace than others." Because states are taking the lead in opening up the economy, some regions of the country will do much better than others. States such as New York, Connecticut, and Illinois in the northeast and Midwest are expected to lag because the governors in those states aren't opening right away. "The recovery will be led by states in the south like Florida, Georgia and South Carolina and western states like Arizona and Colorado – all of which are starting to open immediately."

Lawsuit Filed Against Real Estate Company for Firing Employee Who Asked to Work Remotely During 'Shelter-in-Place' Orders

Dallas, TX - April 25, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- The former general counsel for Frisco, Texas-based real estate investment and development company Tekin & Associates has filed suit against her former employer, claiming wrongful dismissal in response to her request to work from home during the current COVID-19 outbreak.

As a resident of Dallas County subjected to the county's shelter-in-place orders designed to stem the transmission of the coronavirus, Amy Reggio had sought permission to work from home to avoid violating the county orders. Among her concerns was the risk of legal repercussions for driving to the company's Collin County office, which was not included among "essential" businesses under the Dallas County order.

Ms. Reggio's requests were systematically denied by company president Mark Tekin, culminating with Mr. Tekin firing her on March 27 "within minutes" of receiving an email she had sent him outlining her concerns, and reiterating her refusal to violate Dallas County law and her ability to work from her home, according to the lawsuit.

"We are in unprecedented times and the last concern any of us should have is that our employer will flatly refuse to concede that health concerns and complying with the law are viable reasons to work remotely," said Ms. Reggio's attorney Joshua Iacuone of the Dallas-based litigation law firm of Rogge Dunn Group PC.

"Not only did Mr. Tekin repeatedly refuse to consider Amy's requests, he proved to be increasingly belligerent in expressing his anger over the fact that she shared her concerns, refused to violate the law, and asked to work from home," added attorney Rogge Dunn, who also represents Ms. Reggio.

Rogge Dunn Group has built a well-deserved reputation for aggressive litigation, outstanding results and attentive client service. Led by founding partner Rogge Dunn, the firm is well-known for successfully trying high-profile business and employment disputes. This trial experience fosters innovative strategies to obtain effective settlements and minimize litigation risks for corporate and individual clients. Based in Dallas, the firm tries cases in state and federal courts in Texas and throughout the United States.

Papa John's Founder Contributes $1,000,000 to Small Business Survival (See how YOU can help!)

Louisville, KY - April 25, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- John Schnatter, the founder of Papa John's Pizza, announced that the John H. Schnatter Family Foundation will be contributing $1,000,000 towards the survival of small businesses in America. Contributions from the foundation will be used to help businesses survive the coronavirus stay at home orders that have shuttered millions of companies across America, and as state economies begin to re-open in the coming weeks.

The funds will be contributed from Schnatter's private foundation and distributed as charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations focused on economic recovery for small businesses and workers, as well as through aid that the foundation will provide to some small business owners directly. Schnatter, the iconic founder of Papa John's Pizza who built the 5,400-store business in 1984 from the broom closet in the back of his dad's tavern, has begun offering survival tips to small businesses through commentary in recent media interviews and social media posts.

Also, Schnatter is today launching a new webpage that offers custom merchandise – made in the USA – in exchange for contributions to his charity. The products include personal face masks, bandanas, t-shirts, hats, and mugs. All net proceeds from these sales will be matched by Mr. Schnatter and contributed to charities focused on small business survival and workers.

"I'm pleased to announce that I'm donating $1,000,000 from my private foundation to help small businesses survive right now," said Papa John Schnatter. "Times have never been harder for so many business owners, and I understand what it takes to come back from tough financial times. As economies begin to re-open over the next month, I'm privileged to play a small part in the recovery of small businesses as they struggle to survive and return to normal. As a nation, we're all in this together. Now it's time to get small businesses and workers in America back on their feet so we can be better than ever as one nation," he added.

Gallego & House Dems Urge New PPP Rules Requiring Equitable Lending from Banks

Phoenix, AZ - April 18, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), chair of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Investigations; Oversight and Regulations Committee Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez, and Democratic Members of the House of Representatives in a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Jovita Carranza urging new rules for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

Congress established the PPP to help small businesses avoid staff reductions during the coronavirus crisis. However, SBA and Treasury expanded lending participation to all federally insured banks without including rules to prohibit exclusionary and inequitable practices. As large banks limited applications to high-value existing business customers, many small businesses were denied service by the largest lenders, and as a result, small banks and community lenders have been overwhelmed with applicants denied by other banks.

The letter, signed by 38 members, urges the SBA and Treasury to immediately issue new rules requiring PPP lenders to treat all applications equally and forbidding the imposition of any application restrictions not specified by Congress or the Administration.

“It’s clear that underserved small businesses aren’t getting a fair shake, and this needs to be remedied immediately,” said Rep. Gallego. “Congress established the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help keep employees paid – but the SBA and Treasury’s system has left out too many of the small businesses that make up the backbone of our community and nation. Before Congress puts more money into this program, we need to make sure that money will go to the businesses that need it most and that banks aren’t allowed to siphon those funds only to their biggest customers.”

The full letter can be found here.

830 Groups Urge Congress to Halt Broadband, Electricity and Water Shutoffs in Next COVID-19 Relief Bill

Washington, D.C. - April 17, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- On Monday, 830 utility-justice, environmental, faith, digital-rights and civil-rights groups sent a letter to Congress calling for the next congressional COVID-19 relief package to include a moratorium on broadband, electricity and water shutoffs.

The letter also calls for stimulus funds to address the systemic issues that lead to shutoffs. These issues include racial and economic inequities that can be addressed with improved affordable broadband programs including Lifeline; distributed solar energy; and percentage-of-income water-affordability initiatives.

The coronavirus crisis has triggered unemployment to levels that are unprecedented in U.S. history, and this has disproportionately harmed low-income households and communities of color. These households are facing disconnections and unaffordable rates for utility services that are first lines of defense during this national health emergency.

Congress failed to include any utility-service protections in earlier coronavirus-relief packages despite vast public support for such measures. Today’s letter calls for a nationwide moratorium on all utility disconnections. The letter also advocates for reconnections for lost services and forgiveness of late fees and bill payments for economically distressed people. The letter, led by the Center for Biological Diversity, Food & Water Action, Free Press Action and Partnerships for Southern Equity, calls on Congress to extend these protections for six months after the emergency ends, allowing people to recover economically without the burden of debt.

“Unfortunately, millions of families each year are cut off from their utility services, and the coronavirus emergency exacerbates and highlights the urgency of these chronic issues,” the letter reads. “These utility services must be retained to ensure basic family survival and to fight the health pandemic at ground zero.”

“Right now, an affordable broadband connection can mean the difference between being employed or unemployed, healthy or sick, connected with the outside world or trapped in isolation,” said Dana Floberg, policy manager at Free Press Action. “As the pandemic forces people out of work, millions more people, especially low-income families and communities of color, will find themselves unable to pay for broadband. No one should lose access to lifesaving and necessary communications tools during this crisis. Congress must act swiftly. We must end the shutoffs that leave vulnerable families digitally stranded and fund the emergency broadband-connectivity programs to get and keep impacted communities online.”

“It’s unconscionable that Senate Republicans chose to protect corporate America over families in the last rescue package,” said Jean Su, director of the Center for Biological Diversity’s energy justice program. “Families are facing impossible choices between paying for food or electricity, water or health care. Congress should ensure that all utilities are kept on and should invest in long-term solutions like community solar that aren’t dependent on dirty corporate-utility power that can be cut off in a crisis.”

“Our nation is in crisis and we are once again woefully underprepared to address the systemic injustices exacerbated by this pandemic head on,” said Chandra Farley, just energy director at the Partnership for Southern Equity. “Low-income households, particularly Black and Latino households that already spend a larger portion of their income on home-energy costs, need a national moratorium on utility shutoffs now. As bills continue to rise due to utility-rate hikes and expensive, dirty-energy infrastructure, Congress should invest in the economic engine of energy efficiency and pollution-free, clean energy that we know can lower utility bills and improve the overall health of historically marginalized communities.”

“There is absolutely no excuse left for Congress to exclude basic human needs from the next coronavirus stimulus package, or in general,” said Rianna Eckel, senior national water organizer at Food & Water Action. “People are facing the reality of living through a summer without running water right now. We need national action to protect every single person in this country from inhumane utility shutoffs, nothing less.”

BREAKING: New Right-to-Carry Case Filed; Second Amendment Advocates Seek Injunction Against Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Public Safety Commissioner Gary Vowell, Cherokee County, and Probate Judge Keith Wood

Atlanta, GA - April 16, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- In a new right-to-carry lawsuit brought by Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) and Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), the advocacy organizations joined individual Lisa Walters in seeking an injunction against State of Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Georgia Department of Public Safety Commissioner Gary Vowell, Cherokee County, and Cherokee County Probate Judge Keith Wood. The case filings can be accessed from FPC’s website, FPCLegal.org.

The State’s ban on carrying loaded handguns in public, and the Cherokee County defendants’ closing down their Georgia Weapons Carry License program, “are unconstitutional and violate the right to bear arms for self-defense and the privileges or immunities of citizenship,” the lawsuit says. George Code § 16-11-126 and the defendants enforcement of it, claim the plaintiffs, “are a prior restraint upon and violate the fundamental, individual right to keep and bear arms of all persons not prohibited from acquiring and possessing firearms under federal and state laws…”

“The State of Georgia’s statutory scheme flips the exercise of rights and the presumption of liberty on their head,” the plaintiffs say in their request for an injunction. “Rather than allowing people to exercise their right [to carry handguns] unless they are prohibited from possessing firearms and punishing specifically dangerous conduct, the State and its law enforcers take the opposite approach: they ban most all law-abiding citizens from carrying handguns in public on pain of criminal liability, and then provide a few narrow, limited exceptions—including the possession of a valid [Georgia carry license], which Plaintiff Walters cannot today acquire because of Defendants Wood and Cherokee County.”

“The natural right to armed self-defense does not cease to exist when a person steps over the threshold of their home and into the outside world,” observed Adam Kraut, FPC’s Director of Legal Strategy. “By their elimination of access to Georgia Weapons Carry Licenses, Judge Keith Wood and Cherokee County have destroyed the right to carry handguns outside the home for Lisa Walters and others like her. This is not acceptable and shows the inherent and terminally unconstitutional defects of the State’s license requirements.”

“This is the most recent in a series of legal actions we’ve had to file around the country,” noted SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb, “because we’ve discovered that some officials have arbitrarily decided the COVID-19 crisis allows them to suspend the Constitutional rights of the citizens they serve. We’ve been stunned by this pattern because such actions are not permitted by the Constitution. Authorities may not, by decree or otherwise, enact or enforce a suspension or deprivation of constitutional liberties.”

“The Constitution explicitly protects the fundamental human right to keep and bear arms, especially for self-defense, inside and outside the home” said FPC President Brandon Combs. “Governments cannot eliminate the right of law-abiding adults to carry handguns for self-defense in public, which is all the more pertinent in these troubled times. As the Supreme Court has already explained, the Constitution's guarantee of the right to bear arms is especially important for self-defense in case of confrontation, and individuals must be allowed to exercise their rights outside their home.”

Individual firearm or ammunition purchasers, retailers, and ranges affected by ‘stay-home’ or shutdown orders are encouraged to report their concerns and potential civil rights violations to FPC’s COVID-19 Issue Hotline at www.FPChotline.org.

Firearms Policy Coalition (www.firearmspolicy.org) is a 501(c)4 grassroots nonprofit organization. FPC’s mission is to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, especially the fundamental, individual Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms, advance individual liberty, and restore freedom.

Securities and Exchange Commission Working to Provide Relief During COVID-19 Crisis

Washington, D.C. - April 13, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- The Securities and Exchange Commission announced on Wednesday that it is providing temporary, conditional exemptive relief for business development companies (BDCs) to enable them to make additional investments in small and medium-sized businesses, including those with operations affected by COVID-19. BDCs were created to provide capital to smaller domestic operating companies that otherwise may not be able to readily access the capital markets. Today’s relief will provide additional flexibility for BDCs to issue and sell senior securities in order to provide capital to such companies, and to participate in investments in these companies alongside certain private funds that are affiliated with the BDC. Today’s relief is subject to investor protection conditions, including specific requirements for obtaining an independent evaluation of the issuances’ terms and approval by a majority of a BDC’s independent board members.

“Many small and medium-sized businesses across the country are struggling due to the effect of COVID-19, and today’s temporary, targeted action will enable BDCs to provide their businesses with additional financial support during these times,” said Chairman Jay Clayton. “The method for calculating the level of permitted financing and the other important conditions included in the order are designed to ensure that this temporary relief will both protect and benefit investors in the BDCs.”

This relief is the latest in a series of steps the Commission has taken to assist financial market participants in addressing the impacts of the coronavirus. The Commission’s website provides additional information regarding its response. The Commission and its staff continue to assess impacts relating to the coronavirus on investors and market participants, and will consider additional relief from other regulatory requirements where necessary or appropriate. Firms and financial professionals affected by the coronavirus are encouraged to contact the staff with questions and concerns.

The Securities and Exchange Commission voted to adopt rule amendments to implement certain provisions of the Small Business Credit Availability Act and the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act relating to business development companies and other closed-end funds.

Business development companies—or BDCs—are a type of closed-end fund established by statute that primarily invest in small and developing companies. As directed by Congress, the rules will allow business development companies and other closed-end funds to use the securities offering rules that are already available to operating companies. The amendments are designed to streamline the registration, offering and investor communications processes for BDCs and registered closed-end funds and will provide important benefits to market participants and investors, including advancing capital formation and modernizing and streamlining disclosures. The Commission’s reforms will allow eligible funds to engage in a streamlined registration process that has long been available to operating companies, including modernized communications and prospectus delivery procedures and requirements. As a result, they will be better able to respond to market opportunities.

“The amendments we are adopting will modernize the offering process for eligible funds in a way that, as borne out by our experience with operating companies, will benefit both investors in these funds and the companies in which they invest,” said SEC Chairman Jay Clayton. “This is another example of our staff’s laudable efforts to modernize our rules in a manner that furthers all aspects of our mission. It is my hope, particularly when many of our small and medium sized businesses are facing profound challenges not of their own making, that these and other modernization efforts will provide those businesses more efficient access to financing.”

The reforms include changes that supplement the specific amendments mandated by Congress. These changes are designed to better align the modern immediately-effective or automatically effective offering process long available to other types of funds with the structures of the newly eligible funds. They also include disclosure requirements and new structured data requirements that will make it easier for investors and others to analyze fund data.

Most of the amendments will become effective on Aug. 1, 2020.

Representative Trey Hollingsworth (R-IN) released the following statement after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) voted to adopt amendments to provide relief to small public companies with less than $100 million in annual revenue from Sarbanes-Oxley 404(b) requirements.

“Last Congress we passed a bipartisan bill to ensure smaller companies can invest in cures, not excessive compliance; I’m happy to see the SEC is carrying this forward and enabling American firms to continue leading the world in groundbreaking research,” said Rep. Hollingsworth.

Rep. Hollingsworth and Rep. Ben McAdams (D-UT) introduced the Fostering Innovation Act in 2019 to allow small emerging growth companies to keep capital working to fund business needs, rather than on costly and unnecessary regulatory filings. The bill would extend the Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404(b) exemption for an additional five years for a small subset of emerging growth companies with an annual average revenue less than $50 million and less than $700 million in public float. The House previously passed the Fostering Innovation Act in the 115th Congress in both the CHOICE Act and the JOBS Act.

“This timely action by the SEC comes at a critical time for many growing companies, including those in the bioscience sector, to keep vital capital working in research and development, rather than costly regulatory requirements. America has long been a leader in scientific and medical innovation, and this move by the SEC helps ensure that will continue,” said McAdams.

“These amendments allow small biotech companies in Indiana and across the country to focus their scarce resources on developing life-saving therapies. We are grateful to Rep. Hollingsworth for his leadership on the “Fostering Innovation Act” and to the SEC for adopting these changes, which will positively impact patients,” said Kristin Jones, President of the Indiana Health Industry Forum.

The SEC adopted amendments to the “accelerated filer” and “large accelerated filer” definitions. This action tailors regulatory issues for these start-ups that had no revenues or low annual revenues in the most recent fiscal year. The amendments adopted by the SEC do not change key protections from the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Georgia Man Arrested for Attempting to Defraud the Department of Veterans Affairs in a Multimillion-Dollar COVID-19 Scam

Washington, D.C. - April 13, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- Christopher Parris, a 39-year-old Atlanta, Georgia resident, was arrested today and charged in federal court in the District of Columbia with fraud for attempting to sell millions of nonexistent respirator masks to the Department of Veterans Affairs in exchange for large upfront payments, the Justice Department announced.

The criminal complaint charges Parris with wire fraud. It alleges that he made and caused to be made a series of fraudulent misrepresentations in an attempt to secure orders from the Department of Veterans Affairs for 125 million face masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) that would have totaled over $750 million. For example, the complaint alleges that Parris promised that he could obtain millions of genuine 3M masks from domestic factories when he knew that fulfilling the orders would not be possible. Parris also allegedly made similar false representations to other entities in an effort to enter into other fraudulent agreements to sell PPE to state governments.

“We will vigorously pursue fraudsters who exploit the COVID-19 pandemic to make money,” said Attorney General William Barr. “As this case demonstrates, even beyond the typical costs associated with unlawful behavior, COVID-19 scams divert government time and resources and risk preventing front-line responders and consumers from obtaining the equipment they need to combat this pandemic. The Department of Justice will not tolerate this conduct, especially when it involves this kind of egregious attempt to target and defraud our nation’s treasures – our veterans.”

After arrest, Parris appeared before Chief United States Magistrate Judge Alan J. Baverman in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, where he was ordered detained. Parris will be extradited to the District of Columbia.

“During this time of crisis, fraud or attempted fraud impacting services for veterans, who have selflessly served this country, is unconscionable,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Shea for the District of Columbia. “My office will devote whatever resources are necessary to stop scams aimed at exploiting Americans during this unprecedented pandemic.”

“We are committed to protecting the integrity of taxpayer funds and ensuring the delivery of medical supplies necessary to provide quality healthcare to our nation’s veterans, and any attempt to exploit the current global COVID-19 pandemic for personal gain will be dealt with swiftly,” said Inspector General Michael J. Missal for the Department of Veterans Affairs. “Today’s charges are the direct result of the expeditious and tireless efforts of special agents of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, working in tandem with our law enforcement partners at the Department of Justice and Homeland Security Investigations.”

“Homeland Security Investigations special agents have sworn an oath to protect the American public, particularly during this health crisis, from opportunistic individuals who seek to deliberately harm and deceive others for their own profit," said Special Agent in Charge Jere T. Miles, Homeland Security Investigations – New Orleans. “Today, our special agents have shown their commitment to that promise.”

A criminal complaint is an accusation by a federal law enforcement agent, and defendants are entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. Upon conviction for the wire fraud charge, the maximum statutory penalty is 20 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Trial Attorney Patrick Runkle of the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter Lallas and Zia Faruqui of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alison Prout and Theodore S. Hertzberg of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia provided substantial assistance.

Information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc.

The public is urged to report suspected fraud schemes related to COVID-19 (the Coronavirus) by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) hotline (1-866-720-5721) or by e-mailing the NCDF at disaster@leo.gov.

Elections, Oil, Nurses, COVID-19, Testing, Religion, Prisons, Unemployment, Taxes, Trump Administration, Cuba, PPE

DFA praises Sanders “transformational” campaign, is “100% committed” to ensuring Biden beats Trump
Source: Democracy for America
April 8, 2020
Sen. Bernie Sanders just announced the suspension of his 2020 campaign for President. Democracy for America endorsed Sanders in 2016 and fought along his side from early in the campaign all the way to the convention. The grassroots progressive group endorsed Sanders again prior to the Super Tuesday contests following a vote of DFA members.
Read more...

HEAT Members Urge Saudi Crown Prince to Restore Global Oil Market Stability
Source: U.S. Representative Jeff Duncan (R-SC, 3rd)
April 8, 2020
“The United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have an important strategic partnership that ensures regional stability, counters Iran’s malign activity, and defeats terrorists that threaten our security,” the letter reads. “The United States also remains committed to maintaining the strong economic ties between our two countries. We are concerned, however, with the Kingdom’s actions to artificially distort global crude oil markets as countries around the world struggle to address a growing economic and health crisis fueled by the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic.”
Read more...

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s Loyalty Program, to Offer ENA Members Free Hotel Rooms
Source: Emergency Nurses Association
April 8, 2020
The initiative, which also includes members of the American College of Emergency Physicians, offers free hotel room nights to nurses and physicians in several targets cities currently in the greatest need, including New York City, Newark, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Detroit and New Orleans. ENA and ACEP will oversee the matching of their respective members in those cities with accommodations at participating hotels.
Read more...

We Need True Positives, True Negatives: Doggett and DeLauro Press FDA for Data on the Accuracy of COVID-19 Tests
Source: U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX, 35th)
April 9, 2020
U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, and U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Chair of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, pressed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for information regarding the precautions they have taken to assure the accuracy of COVID-19 tests, as well as for manufacturers’ data provided to the FDA on false positives and false negatives in administered tests thus far.
Read more...

Davids Statement on Kansas’ Reversal of Order Limiting Mass Religious Gatherings During Coronavirus
Source: U.S Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS, 3rd)
April 9, 2020
“The decision to overturn Governor Kelly’s executive order is not only outrageous and irresponsible – it’s putting lives at risk. Rather than work to ensure the health and safety of Kansans, extremists in the state legislature have created chaos and confusion and endangered our public health.
Read more...

======


======

DPA Leads Vast Coalition of Public Health Orgs & Professionals Calling on the CDC to Adopt Decarceration & Expanded Health Care Access in Guidance to Slow Spread of COVID-19
Source: Drug Policy Alliance
April 9, 2020
The letter follows troubling reports of rapidly escalating outbreaks within the country’s jails, prisons and youth and immigration detention centers. These institutions have failed to maintain control of the spread of COVID-19, reduce capacity to allow for social distancing, offer necessary hygienic supplies or personal protective equipment to ward off infection, and ultimately provide adequate access to healthcare for those who need it; the results of which have proved fatal.
Read more...

Ernst Statement on Senate Democrats Blocking Funding for Small Businesses
Source: Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
April 9, 2020
“After hearing from Iowans and seeing the overwhelming response of small businesses across the country, it’s clear we need to bolster the Paycheck Protection Program. We don’t have time for political games; we’re in a crisis. Workers and employers in Iowa and across the country need this relief now more than ever, so let’s put aside the politics and swiftly get this specific additional support for small businesses approved so money can keep flowing, Iowa workers can continue to collect a paycheck, and our state’s small businesses can stay afloat,” said Senator Ernst.
Read more...

ENA Foundation Announces COVID-19 Relief Fund
Source: Emergency Nurses Association
April 9, 2020
ENA members who need financial assistance due to personal hardship experienced as a direct result of COVID-19 may apply for a one-time individual relief grant of $599 to assist themselves and their family during this difficult time. Priority consideration will be provided to nurses serving in targeted hot spot areas.
Read more...

16.8 million apply for unemployment benefits in three weeks
Source: Economic Policy Institute
April 9, 2020
Between March 15 and April 4, 16.8 million workers applied for unemployment insurance (UI), according to new Department of Labor (DOL) data. That means that in the last three weeks alone, more than one in 10 workers have applied for UI benefits. The labor market has been upended.
Read more...

DelBene Secures Tax Extension for Non-profit Hospitals, Universities, Other Tax-exempt Organizations
Source: U.S. Representative Suzan Delbene (D-WA, 1st)
April 10, 2020
“The IRS made the right decision to extend the tax filing and payment deadline for tax-exempt organizations,” said DelBene. “Just like individuals and businesses, COVID-19 continues to create significant financial disruption for tax-exempt organizations, such as non-profit hospitals, and universities. Many of these organizations are on the front lines of responding to this pandemic in Washington state and around the country. They deserve relief and now will receive it.”
Read more...

======


======

Delgado Statement on Removal of CARES Act Oversight Committee Head
Source: U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (D-NY, 19th)
April 8, 2020
“Two weeks ago, a broad, bipartisan coalition voted to pass the vitally important emergency relief legislation with the inclusion of critical oversight measures to ensure the faithful stewardship of federal dollars. Removing a key government watchdog from overseeing the largest stimulus package in our nation’s history is deeply concerning and runs counter to a unified message of placing emergency relief above partisan politics. Americans need relief now, not divisive partisanship.”
Read more...

What COVID-19 Means for End-of-Life Care: Experts Answer Your Questions
Source: Death with Dignity
April 10, 2020
Over the past several weeks, we have been receiving a growing number of inquiries about end-of-life care, advance directives, and other critical issues. With the help of experts, we have taken some time to answer those questions and compiled some resources. Experts come from a number of fields:
Read more...

DEFAZIO PUSHES TO PROTECT INTEGRITY OF INSPECTORS GENERAL FROM TRUMP POLITICAL RETALIATION
Source: U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR, 4th)
April 10, 2020
In the letter to Michael Horowitz, the CIGIE Chair, the lawmakers write, “Unlike any President in modern history, President Trump has engaged in offensive and unjustified attacks against Inspectors General, criticizing them for following the law, and retaliating against them for telling the truth…[The president’s actions] reflect a campaign of political retaliation and reward that is antithetical to good government, undermines the proper stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and degrades the federal government’s ability to function competently.”
Read more...

DEFAZIO ANNOUNCES NEW TOOL TO HELP NON-FILERS ACCESS COVID-19 ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS
Source: U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR, 4th)
April 10, 2020
After the 2008 financial crisis, 3.5 million of our nation’s most vulnerable did not receive a stimulus check because of bureaucratic red tape,” said Rep. DeFazio. “We cannot allow the same thing to happen now, which is why I called for a method to help those who need it most access economic impact payments. This new tool will give those who do not usually file, including those with too little income, a simple, free and secure way to provide the IRS with basic information so they can receive their Economic Impact Payments as soon as possible. While I will continue to push Treasury and IRS to automatically provide payments to people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and to individuals who receive Veterans Affairs (VA) compensation and pensions, this is an important first step towards helping vulnerable populations weather these uncertain times.
Read more...

As Lawmakers Fall Ill, Congress and State Legislatures Must Enact Continuity Plans
Source: Demand Progress
April 10, 2020
Demand Progress calls on Congress and state legislatures to institute continuity of governance plans immediately, before the COVID-19 crisis worsens and the legislatures become unable to act. Many members of Congress have been exposed to the virus, it was announced that two New York state lawmakers had contracted the virus, and it’s likely many others have contacted it as well. Overseas, the European Union Parliament in Strasbourg was closed and reconvened in Brussels, and about 10 percent of Iranian parliamentarians have tested positive, while two have died.
Read more...

======


======

Democracy for America backs Jeff Merkley for reelection to the U.S. Senate
Source: Democracy for America
April 10, 2020
DFA was a strong supporter of Sen. Merkley in his first reelection bid in 2014 and, over the last six years, has worked closely with him on everything from progressive fights for filibuster reform and Medicare for All to battles against war with Iran and Donald Trump’s right-wing Supreme Court nominees.
Read more...

Chairman Deutch Calls for Stronger US Response to Idlib Humanitarian Catastrophe
Source: U.S. Representative Ted Deutch (D-FL, 21st)
April 10, 2020
In the letter to Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, the Members acknowledge the humanitarian impact of escalating violence in Idlib on its roughly three million residents, most of whom are children. In addition to the conflict's devastating effect on civilians, the Members fear that Syria's limited health care facilities and professionals, already operating under dire conditions, may be ill-prepared for any spread of COVID-19.
Read more...

Representatives Diaz-Balart, Rooney, Mucarsel-Powell Condemn Cuba’s Actions During COVID-19 Pandemic
Source: U.S. Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL, 25th)
April 10, 2020
The Cuban regime has shamelessly exploited this COVID-19 pandemic to engage in a misleading medical diplomacy campaign by trafficking doctors from whom they pocket as much as 80 percent of their salaries, confiscate their passports, and impose strict monitoring. The regime is also spreading dangerous disinformation about the virus worldwide with the aim of dividing the international community. These are just the latest examples of the regime’s use of propaganda to build a positive image abroad and distract from its systemic human rights violations against the Cuban people. Like their authoritarian partners around the world, the Cuban regime cannot be counted on as a reliable partner in fighting the coronavirus pandemic.
Read more...

Feinstein Calls for Additional Essential Workers Such as Grocery Clerks, Agricultural Workers to Receive Protective Equipment
Source: Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
April 10, 2020
“I write in support of your leadership in procuring 200 million masks a month, so that essential workers on the frontlines across California are protected during the coronavirus pandemic,” wrote Senator Feinstein.
Read more...

======


======

Essential, Nurses, Pregnancy, Social Media, Price Gouging, Drugs, News, Elections, Cars, Nuclear Waste, Dependents

Brown Unveils “Heroes Fund” Proposal to Provide up to $25,000 Pay Increase to Essential Workers on Frontline of Coronavirus Pandemic
Source: Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
April 8, 2020
“Workers in hospitals and nursing homes, in the service sector and public safety, and throughout our economy are risking their lives during this public health emergency to keep our citizens safe, and their paychecks should reflect that. Frontline workers also need proper protection from the virus at work, said Senator Brown. “The next coronavirus-response package Congress passes must honor the dignity of their work by including this Pandemic Premium Pay proposal to compensate our frontline heroes and mandatory safety requirements to keep them safe on the job.”
Read more...
That would be nice, but, we don't do it for a reward. We do it because, just like everyone else, we want SOME semblance of normality back, and we still have to pay our bills.

The Buckeye Institute: To Fight COVID-19 Ohio Should Allow Nurses to Provide the Medical Care They Are Trained to Provide
Source: Buckeye Institute
April 8, 2020
“The Buckeye Institute has consistently argued and testified that ending restrictive collaboration agreements will help patients receive more affordable health care,” said Rea S. Hederman Jr., executive director of the Economic Research Center and vice president of policy at The Buckeye Institute. “The COVID-19 pandemic makes this commonsense policy recommendation more urgent than ever and Ohio should suspend collaborative supervision requirements on the way to eliminating them so that nurses can help provide the necessary medical care to those in need.”
Read more...

Carper Joins Murray in Releasing New GAO Report That Underscores Need to Address Maternal Mortality Crisis
Source: Senator Thomas R. Carper (D - DE)
April 8, 2020
“This GAO report confirms that we must do more to better address the increase in maternal mortality rates we are seeing in the United States. It is simply unacceptable that, in the wealthiest nation on the planet, women are dying from pregnancy-related complications at a higher rate than any other developed country,” said Senator Carper. “We must be laser-focused on figuring out solutions to address the racial and ethnic inequities in our maternal health and support systems and how we can work to address them. It is my hope that this report will help serve as a roadmap of what we know about maternal mortality rates and, from that, identify what we can be doing in Delaware and across the country – at the local, state, and federal level – to address this preventable crisis that is causing too much heartache for American families.”
Read more...

Casten Leads Letter Demanding Social Media Platforms Do More to Stop the Spread of Deadly COVID-19 Misinformation Online
Source: U.S Representative Sean Casten (D-IL, 6th)
April 8, 2020
The letter said in part, “In the midst of a global pandemic, we write to you today concerned about the spread of misinformation on your media platforms. We applaud your efforts to collaborate on best practices to help spread good information and tamp down on bad information, but more needs to be done. During a geometrically spreading biological virus, viral social media posts about bogus cures, false claims, and conspiracy theories are deadly. You have great power to influence what the American public thinks is true – and with that power comes great responsibility.”
Read more...

RELEASE: CAP Report Details the Need for an Expansive Fourth Coronavirus Relief Package
Source: U.S Representative Sean Casten (D-IL, 6th)
April 8, 2020
An in-depth report from the Center for American Progress lays out a series of recommendations for what Congress should include in its fourth coronavirus relief package. In the first three packages, Congress provided a down payment on the emergency response to the dual public health and economic crises. But with each passing day—exacerbated by the initial slow response by the Trump administration and its continued failures as the crisis has deepened—it is increasingly clear that much more will be needed to allow for a robust public health response, provide relief commensurate to the economic disruption being felt, and protect the most vulnerable Americans. CAP believes that a fourth legislative package will need to be a least as large as the $2.2 trillion CARES Act and must include the following components:
Read more...

======

======

Quarantine Blues Got You Down? New Website Solves That Problem Just Like Isaac Newton Did
Source: Isaac Newton Project
April 8, 2020
The current pandemic provides just such an opportunity for all of us today. What will we do with our current sorrows? Use them and our unexpected free time to personally grow, or waste them by trying to forget them through diversions such as bingeing on Movies and TV series, which only provide temporary relief?
Read more...

COVID-19 Versus the Constitution
Source: E.W. Jackson Sr.
April 8, 2020
There is much speculation about the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. How long will it take for the economy to recover? Will this forever change the social behavior of Americans? Is shaking hands a practice of the past? Is social distancing the way of the future? However, there are far more profound questions that no one seems to be asking. Are we witnessing the permanent erosion of respect for the Constitution? Are we allowing state and local governments to exercise power beyond their constitutional boundaries?
Read more...

REP. CISNEROS URGES FOR HAZARD PAY AND PROTECTIONS FOR ESSENTIAL WORKERS TO HELP ADDRESS COVID-19 IMPACT DISPARITIES
Source: U.S Representative Gilbert Cisneros (D-CA, 39th)
April 8, 2020
“Our essential workers continue to go to work to ensure our community has access to basic and vital services. They put their lives on the line so our grocery shelves are stocked, mail is delivered, and patients receive medical care. Yet, many of our workers are not being paid what they deserve as they risk increased exposure to the coronavirus,” said Rep. Cisneros. “We need to do more than just thank them for their selflessness, we need to provide our essential workers with hazard pay and workplace protections. I join my colleagues in urging Speaker Pelosi and Minority Leader McCarthy to address these priorities in future coronavirus legislation.”
Read more...

Rep. Cleaver Introduces Legislation To Combat Price Gouging During National Crises
Source: U.S Representative Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO, 5th)
April 8, 2020
“We often try to hammer down on price gouging as it is ongoing during a catastrophe,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Whether it’s a pandemic or a hurricane, national emergencies are going to happen, and scammers will try to profit from them. Therefore, we need a law that protects consumers from predatory price gougers who pop up during times of turmoil, instead of playing whack-a-mole every time a crisis emerges. I want to thank Senator Klobuchar for her leadership on this common sense bill and working with me to protect American consumers from exorbitant prices on critical supplies during this pandemic, as well as any other crisis that may arise in the future.”
Read more...

======

======

Senators Collins and Smith’s Bill to Prevent Drug Shortages is Now Law
Source: Senator Susan M. Collins - (R - ME)
April 8, 2020
“As we find ourselves amid the coronavirus pandemic, it’s critical that health care workers have access to the drugs they need to treat patients,” said Senator Smith. “But in 2018—the latest full year we have data for—there were more than 200 drug shortages in the United States, and that number has continued to increase. These bipartisan measures will help mitigate this problem by prioritizing the review of drug applications and inspections in the event of a drug shortage, as well as improving manufacture reporting and planning requirements. I’m glad that Congress passed these measures into law, and hope that they help health care workers and patients.”
Read more...

Congress Must Include Local News Funding in Next COVID-19 Stimulus
Source: Common Cause
April 8, 2020
“Local news outlets, ranging from state- to city- and community-level media organizations, are necessary partners in meeting the critical information needs of people in the United States,” the letter reads. “Americans cannot endure an accelerated decline in access to vital information. And like other adversely affected sectors of the economy, local news cannot withstand the hardships of COVID-19 and the worsening economic crisis without federal support. We’re calling on you to include the journalism sector in the congressional assistance packages revitalizing affected industries and sustaining workers across our nation.”
Read more...

Congress Must Include Local News Funding in Next COVID-19 Stimulus
Source: Common Cause
April 8, 2020
“Local news outlets, ranging from state- to city- and community-level media organizations, are necessary partners in meeting the critical information needs of people in the United States,” the letter reads. “Americans cannot endure an accelerated decline in access to vital information. And like other adversely affected sectors of the economy, local news cannot withstand the hardships of COVID-19 and the worsening economic crisis without federal support. We’re calling on you to include the journalism sector in the congressional assistance packages revitalizing affected industries and sustaining workers across our nation.”
Read more...

Common Cause Calls for Emergency Congressional Hearings on Elections During COVID-19 Pandemic in Wake of Wisconsin Primary
Source: Common Cause
April 8, 2020
“Every American deserves to have their voice heard on election day, but voters should never be forced to risk their personal safety in order to cast a ballot,” said Common Cause president Karen Hobert Flynn. “The decision to hold an in-person election in Wisconsin yesterday was reckless and irresponsible, endangering the lives of tens of thousands of Wisconsinites and needlessly disenfranchising thousands more. Congress must investigate this matter thoroughly and look for ways to ensure something like what happened yesterday is not repeated in November or ever again.”
Read more...

New Survey Reveals Teens' Anxieties, How They're Staying Connected, and Their Struggles with Distance Learning Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic
Source: Common Sense Media
April 8, 2020
The spread of the coronavirus has upended life for American teenagers, with 95% reporting the cancellation of in-person classes at their schools. Eight out of 10 teens say they're following news about the coronavirus pandemic closely, and more than 60% are worried that they or someone in their family will be exposed to the virus and that it will have an effect on their family's ability to earn a living, according to a new poll by Common Sense and SurveyMonkey.
Read more...

======

======

U.S. Department of Transportation Enables Carmakers To Bypass Safety Rules, Weakens the Public’s Ability to Hold Them Accountable
Source: Senator John Cornyn (R-TX)
April 8, 2020
Despite compelling public interest reasons not to do so, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a misguided decision that will short-circuit the public’s ability to scrutinize automakers’ requests to be exempt from federal safety standards, including when companies are trying to rush unproven self-driving cars to market. Under a change formalized on April 7, 2020, NHTSA will no longer require companies seeking these exemptions to provide timely, complete information on their requests prior to posting them for public comment.
Read more...

Cornyn Calls on Schumer to Drop Threat to Block Small Business Rescue Funding
Source: Senator John Cornyn (R-TX)
April 8, 2020
“Senate Democrats should drop their shameful threat to block this funding immediately. Our small businesses desperately need help – now.”
Read more...

IDAHO DELEGATION URGES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY TO TAKE ADDITIONAL STEPS TO REMOVE SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL FROM INL
Source: Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID)
April 8, 2020
The delegation stressed that while the 1995 Settlement Agreement deadline to remove spent nuclear fuel from Idaho requires action by the Administration, Congress and states to develop a solution for long-term storage and disposal of spent nuclear fuel, the Department could be preparing spent nuclear fuel stored at the INL for removal. The delegation wrote, “We encourage the Department to initiate activities needed to begin loading of spent nuclear fuel into a multi-purpose canister (MPC) at the Idaho National Laboratory using existing facilities.”
Read more...

Rep. DeGette on President Trump’s ventilator distribution mismanagement
Source: U.S. Representative Diana Degette (D-CO, 1st)
April 8, 2020
“Governor Polis and our Congressional delegation have been working to get more ventilators to Colorado for weeks. In fact, Colorado was set to receive 500 ventilators until FEMA blocked the shipment. Now, President Trump says we will get 100 as a courtesy to Senator Gardner. That means, because the president is playing politics with public health, we're still 400 ventilators short from what we should have received. His mismanagement of this crisis is costing lives and livelihoods.”
Read more...

Rep. Susan Davis Cosponsors the All Dependent Children Count Act to cover dependents up to age 24
Source: U.S Representative Susan Davis (D-CA, 53rd)
April 8, 2020
“I am hearing from many constituents who are discovering that they are not getting the help they hoped,” said Rep. Davis. “While the CARES Act has provided millions of Americans hurting from the coronavirus with relief, we are seeing too many people falling through the cracks. As Congress considers another stimulus bill, we need to expand recovery rebates to include more dependent children.”
Read more...

======

======