thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-10--Trump's Order On 'Unemployment Benefits' Is A Big Mess

But $ 400 is not $ 600 , which is what the benefit was until it expired at the end of July .
And it turns out the extra $ 400 is actually just $ 300 , unless states feel like adding another $ 100 .
And the money isn ’ t technically an unemployment benefit , possibly because it ’ s legally dubious .
And it could take weeks for states to deliver .
The president ’ s memorandum tells governors they can apply to set up a brand-new “ lost wages assistance program ” through the Federal Emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in tandem with state unemployment systems , some of which took weeks and months to deliver federal benefits earlier this year .
A senior White House aide told HuffPost on Monday that there was “ no movement ” on a deal right now .
“ But it ’ s all hands on deck at Treasury and Labor to get money out to people as soon as they can , ” the aide said .
In addition to the lost wages program , the president also ordered the Treasury Department to defer payroll tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take-home pay ― but it wouldn ’ t actually waive their tax liability , meaning they would have to pay it back later .
“ The Democrats demanded a ransom of state and local money and other unnecessary things like SALT , ” a senior GOP aide told HuffPost on Monday , referring to a Democratic push to reduce a limit on a federal tax deduction for state and local tax payments .
“ Once it became clear they wouldn ’ t get those , they lost interest in bipartisan items like money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Labor Department memo sent to state workforce agencies on Sunday says states could count $ 100 of an unemployed person ’ s current state benefit as the extra contribution .
It will be entirely up to states whether they want to actually kick in an extra $ 100 , meaning the president ’ s memorandum effectively offers just $ 300 .
Elisabeth McGowan of New York City applied for unemployment back in April after getting furloughed from her job as a news editor .
She said it took the New York Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claim , so she got a part-time job as a barista , which she has continued .
Because of her wages , her state benefit amounts to about $ 90 per week .
States can ’ t even get started on the program until they get some guidance from the federal government on what to do .
The memo to workforce agencies said the Labor Department would hold a conference call with state unemployment administrators on Tuesday as a precursor to more formal guidance later this week .
Federal disaster law allows the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unemployment assistance program , but the law specifies that nobody can receive the benefits unless they have been deemed ineligible for regular state benefits .
That ’ s likely why the new program is overseen by FEMA and is technically not an unemployment insurance program , even though it will operate exactly like one .
Unemployment policy experts say the difficulty states have had so far this year , which in some states resulted in massive lines of people desperate for help with unresolved claims , are a clue to what will happen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 20 states are still failing to submit monthly reports on the federal benefits programs that Congress created in March , according to Wayne Vroman of the Urban Institute .

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President Donald Trump announced over the weekend that if Congress wouldn’t extend the $600 enhanced unemployment insurance, he would do something himself.
“I’m taking action to provide an additional or an extra $400 per week in expanded benefits,” Trump said Saturday at his golf club in New Jersey.
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But $400 is not $600, which is what the benefit was until it expired at the end of July. And it turns out the extra $400 is actually just $300, unless states feel like adding another $100. And the money isn’t technically an unemployment benefit, possibly because it’s legally dubious. And it could take weeks for states to deliver.
The president’s memorandum tells governors they can apply to set up a brand-new “lost wages assistance program” through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The program would operate in tandem with state unemployment systems, some of which took weeks and months to deliver federal benefits earlier this year.
If any laid-off workers watching the president’s news conference over the weekend thought they were about to get paid, they might wind up disappointed.
“It’s setting up workers’ expectations that they’re going to get a benefit that there’s almost no way they’re going to get,” said Michele Evermore, an unemployment insurance expert with the National Employment Law Project.
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The president’s announcement is partly a negotiating tactic on a broader coronavirus relief deal, as the memorandum says the new wage assistance program “shall terminate upon enactment of legislation providing” federal unemployment benefits.
A senior White House aide told HuffPost on Monday that there was “no movement” on a deal right now. “But it’s all hands on deck at Treasury and Labor to get money out to people as soon as they can,” the aide said.
In addition to the lost wages program, the president also ordered the Treasury Department to defer payroll tax withholdings, which would give workers more take-home pay ― but it wouldn’t actually waive their tax liability, meaning they would have to pay it back later.
Negotiations on a sweeping deal remain a problem. Democratic leaders say they’ve come down $1 trillion from their initial $3.5 trillion request, but Republicans say the reduction is mostly budget gimmickry — Democrats just changed the expiration of some programs to temporarily lower the cost.
Republicans and Democrats are still at odds on the unemployment benefits, but they’re also still fighting over money for state and local governments, a liability exemption for companies that reopen, and a write-off for state and local property taxes.
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“The Democrats demanded a ransom of state and local money and other unnecessary things like SALT,” a senior GOP aide told HuffPost on Monday, referring to a Democratic push to reduce a limit on a federal tax deduction for state and local tax payments. “Once it became clear they wouldn’t get those, they lost interest in bipartisan items like money for testing and schools.”
President Donald Trump signing executive orders extending coronavirus economic relief on Saturday. The "unemployment benefits" included in the orders are legally dubious and could take weeks for states to deliver. JIM WATSON via Getty Images
The president boasted that his action would provide $400 supplemental payments, with states kicking in $100 of that sum ― a scheme that turns out to be a bit of a sham.
An internal U.S. Labor Department memo sent to state workforce agencies on Sunday says states could count $100 of an unemployed person’s current state benefit as the extra contribution. It will be entirely up to states whether they want to actually kick in an extra $100, meaning the president’s memorandum effectively offers just $300.
“This option requires no new expenditures of state funds beyond what the state would already be paying out from state funds in regular unemployment compensation benefits,” the document says.
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Workers receiving less than $100 in state benefits would be ineligible for the Trump bump, meaning people who are receiving partial benefits while working part-time jobs would be out of luck.
Elisabeth McGowan of New York City applied for unemployment back in April after getting furloughed from her job as a news editor. She said it took the New York Department Labor four weeks to finally pay her claim, so she got a part-time job as a barista, which she has continued. Because of her wages, her state benefit amounts to about $90 per week.
People could still get the full $600 while receiving partial states benefits. McGowan, 23, said the extra money allowed her to help her parents pay their expenses. Now it’s gone.
“I can’t help them anymore. They’re facing huge financial problems,” McGowan said.
She would be ineligible for the president’s extra $300 unless New York figures out how to increase her state benefit.
States can’t even get started on the program until they get some guidance from the federal government on what to do. The memo to workforce agencies said the Labor Department would hold a conference call with state unemployment administrators on Tuesday as a precursor to more formal guidance later this week.
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A spokesperson said the Labor Department “will be issuing more formal guidance in the next few days to further assist states in understanding [how the] grant program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency intersects with the UI program and delivery of benefits.”
Federal disaster law allows the government to set up a special disaster unemployment assistance program, but the law specifies that nobody can receive the benefits unless they have been deemed ineligible for regular state benefits. That’s likely why the new program is overseen by FEMA and is technically not an unemployment insurance program, even though it will operate exactly like one.
Unemployment policy experts say the difficulty states have had so far this year, which in some states resulted in massive lines of people desperate for help with unresolved claims, are a clue to what will happen with Trump’s plan. More than 20 states are still failing to submit monthly reports on the federal benefits programs that Congress created in March, according to Wayne Vroman of the Urban Institute.
“Some states are going to be able to do it quickly, some are going to struggle just like they have with the pandemic benefits,” Vroman said.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story said the Labor Department sent states guidance on the lost wages assistance program on Monday. The memo, which was not formal guidance, was sent on Sunday.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-10--Trump Removed From Press Conference After Shots Fired Near White House

President Donald Trump abruptly stopped a White House press conference on Monday after speaking for two minutes due to a shooting that reportedly took place at a nearby park .
Two minutes into the press conference , a Secret Service agent interrupted Trump and led him out of the room .
Reporters in the briefing room said that the White House was placed on lockdown after Trump left the room .
The president returned to the press briefing room about 6 p.m. and told reporters that a shooting had taken place outside of the White House .
When asked if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House bunker , Trump said he was taken to the Oval Office .
“ It was a shooting outside of the White House , ” Trump told reporters , according to a press pool report .
“ I ’ d like to thank the Secret Service for doing their always quick and very effective work.
” “ It was outside of the White House .
Somebody was taken to the hospital .
It was the suspect who was shot , ” the president said , adding that the Secret Service fired at someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was an officer-involved shooting near the White House at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue , about a block from the White House grounds .
The Secret Service said the shooting involved a “ male subject ” and Secret Service officer , who were both taken to a hospital .
It is unclear what the threat was , but Trump told reporters that , “ from what I understand , ” the person shot was armed .
Trump also said that the incident “ might not have had anything to do with me.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their “ protectees ” were in danger at any point during the incident .
“ Seems that the person was shot by the Secret Service .
It ’ s unfortunate that this is the world , but the world has always been a dangerous place , ” Trump said .
Law enforcement officials told NBC News that a Secret Service officer shot at a man in Lafayette Park .
The man was reportedly shot in the chest and taken to the George Washington University hospital .
“ You were surprised .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he returned to the briefing room .
“ I think it ’ s probably pretty unusual .
”

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President Donald Trump abruptly stopped a White House press conference on Monday after speaking for two minutes due to a shooting that reportedly took place at a nearby park.
Two minutes into the press conference, a Secret Service agent interrupted Trump and led him out of the room.
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Reporters in the briefing room said that the White House was placed on lockdown after Trump left the room.
Video: Trump escorted out of briefing room pic.twitter.com/5qaJQlKszI — David Nakamura (@DavidNakamura) August 10, 2020
The president returned to the press briefing room about 6 p.m. and told reporters that a shooting had taken place outside of the White House. When asked if he was taken down to the White House bunker, Trump said he was taken to the Oval Office.
“It was a shooting outside of the White House,” Trump told reporters, according to a press pool report. “I’d like to thank the Secret Service for doing their always quick and very effective work.”
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“It was outside of the White House. Somebody was taken to the hospital. It was the suspect who was shot,” the president said, adding that the Secret Service fired at someone.
The Secret Service later confirmed that there was an officer-involved shooting near the White House at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, about a block from the White House grounds.
The Secret Service said the shooting involved a “male subject” and Secret Service officer, who were both taken to a hospital.
It is unclear what the threat was, but Trump told reporters that, “from what I understand,” the person shot was armed.
Trump also said that the incident “might not have had anything to do with me.”
The Secret Service said that none of their “protectees” were in danger at any point during the incident.
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President Trump is escorted from the White House press briefing room Monday, shortly after starting a news conference. HuffPost
“Seems that the person was shot by the Secret Service. It’s unfortunate that this is the world, but the world has always been a dangerous place,” Trump said.
Law enforcement officials told NBC News that a Secret Service officer shot at a man in Lafayette Park. The man was reportedly shot in the chest and taken to the George Washington University hospital.
“You were surprised. I was surprised,” Trump said after he returned to the briefing room. “I think it’s probably pretty unusual.”
#BREAKING: President Trump says the Secret Service took him to the Oval Office, not the bunker, after interruption. pic.twitter.com/tEuFx2bK4P — The Hill (@thehill) August 10, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-10--Republicans Praise Trump After Denouncing Obama's Executive Actions

Republicans who once denounced President Barack Obama as a “ king ” or “ tyrant ” for issuing executive orders are now praising President Donald Trump after he took unilateral action seeking to extend coronavirus relief measures that Congress had been unable to agree on .
Most Republicans welcomed Trump ’ s announcement after weeks of strained negotiations among top administration officials and Democrats .
The talks led to little progress on extending key relief measures such as supplemental federal unemployment benefits and a moratorium on evictions , as well as additional aid for schools , hospitals , elections and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump exploring his options to get unemployment benefits and other relief to the people who need them the most , ” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-Ky. ) said Saturday in a statement .
McConnell had a different opinion in 2013 , when Obama issued an executive action to protect millions of undocumented immigrants known as Dreamers from deportation .
“ He knows that it will make an already-broken system even more broken , and he knows that this is not how democracy is supposed to work , ” McConnell said at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ R-S.C. ) similarly applauded Trump for taking action to extend added unemployment benefits , which expired last month .
He also criticized Obama for his unilateral moves sidestepping Congress .
“ This is wrong .
It ’ s irresponsible .
It will do damage to our efforts to fix a broken immigration system .
This is a tremendous presidential overreach , ” Graham said of Obama ’ s immigration order in 2013 .
Trump ’ s executive action authorizes the federal government to pay for $ 300 in extra unemployment benefits per week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It requires states to pay another $ 100 per week on top of that ― which some may not be able to afford to do .
The previous enhanced unemployment benefits that Congress authorized in March added $ 600 a week to standard state unemployment benefits .
Democrats wanted to extend the benefits at $ 600 per week through the end of the year , but Republicans refused .
“ Congress must act quickly , ” Collins said in a statement that did not address the legality of the move .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President can do to help through executive orders.
” While many of his fellow “ constitutional conservatives ” remained silent over the weekend , Sen. Ben Sasse ( R-Neb . )
expressed discomfort with Trump ’ s actions .
In particular , he took issue with Trump ’ s order suspending the payroll tax until the end of the year .
“ The pen-and-phone theory of executive lawmaking is unconstitutional slop , ” Sasse said in a statement .
“ President Obama did not have the power to unilaterally rewrite immigration law with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the power to unilaterally rewrite the payroll tax law.
” RINO Ben Sasse , who needed my support and endorsement in order to get the Republican nomination for Senate from the GREAT State of Nebraska , has , now that he ’ s got it ( Thank you President T ) , gone rogue , again .
This foolishness plays right into the hands of the Radical Left Dems !
— Donald J. Trump ( @ realDonaldTrump ) August 10 , 2020

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Republicans who once denounced President Barack Obama as a “king” or “tyrant” for issuing executive orders are now praising President Donald Trump after he took unilateral action seeking to extend coronavirus relief measures that Congress had been unable to agree on.
Trump on Saturday signed an executive order and other executive actions attempting to sidestep Congress, sparking criticism from Democrats who called the move inadequate and ineffective. Even if they are ultimately ruled constitutional, Trump’s actions aren’t likely to deliver aid quickly, if at all.
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Still waiting on “constitutional conservative” and “liberty loving” groups to slam President Trump for executive overreach. I have a feeling I’ll be waiting for a while. — Justin Amash (@justinamash) August 9, 2020
Most Republicans welcomed Trump’s announcement after weeks of strained negotiations among top administration officials and Democrats. The talks led to little progress on extending key relief measures such as supplemental federal unemployment benefits and a moratorium on evictions, as well as additional aid for schools, hospitals, elections and food assistance.
“I support President Trump exploring his options to get unemployment benefits and other relief to the people who need them the most,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said Saturday in a statement.
McConnell had a different opinion in 2013, when Obama issued an executive action to protect millions of undocumented immigrants known as Dreamers from deportation.
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“He knows that it will make an already-broken system even more broken, and he knows that this is not how democracy is supposed to work,” McConnell said at the time.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) similarly applauded Trump for taking action to extend added unemployment benefits, which expired last month. He also criticized Obama for his unilateral moves sidestepping Congress.
“This is wrong. It’s irresponsible. It will do damage to our efforts to fix a broken immigration system. This is a tremendous presidential overreach,” Graham said of Obama’s immigration order in 2013.
Graham said Saturday that he appreciated Trump’s orders but “would much prefer a congressional agreement.”
Trump’s executive action authorizes the federal government to pay for $300 in extra unemployment benefits per week by setting up a whole new program. It requires states to pay another $100 per week on top of that ― which some may not be able to afford to do.
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The previous enhanced unemployment benefits that Congress authorized in March added $600 a week to standard state unemployment benefits. Democrats wanted to extend the benefits at $600 per week through the end of the year, but Republicans refused.
Even Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), an endangered incumbent facing a tough reelection fight in November, seemed to back Trump’s efforts as a negotiating tactic against Democrats.
“Congress must act quickly,” Collins said in a statement that did not address the legality of the move. “There are constitutional limits on what the President can do to help through executive orders.”
While many of his fellow “constitutional conservatives” remained silent over the weekend, Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) expressed discomfort with Trump’s actions. In particular, he took issue with Trump’s order suspending the payroll tax until the end of the year.
“The pen-and-phone theory of executive lawmaking is unconstitutional slop,” Sasse said in a statement. “President Obama did not have the power to unilaterally rewrite immigration law with DACA, and President Trump does not have the power to unilaterally rewrite the payroll tax law.”
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Trump fired back in a tweet on Monday, accusing Sasse of speaking up when he finds it politically convenient.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-10--Nikki Haley Gripes About Popcorn Delivery Amid National Postal Service Crisis

Nikki Haley was brutally mocked on Monday after she posted a tweet where she popped off after her online popcorn order was goofed .
The former GOP South Carolina governor took to Twitter to gripe about two orders that were apparently messed up by the Popcorn Factory , an online company owned by 1-800-FLOWERS .
Ok @ PopcornFactory two messed up birthday orders missed delivery dates with no explanation .
First time I gave you the benefit of the doubt .
Second one tells me not to buy from you again .
# DisappointedNephew — Nikki Haley ( @ NikkiHaley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service is frustrating , many Twitter users thought Haley was being a bit unfair to the Popcorn Factory .
After all , the company trying to do business during a pandemic .
Also , it makes many of its deliveries via the United States Postal Service , which is currently being undermined by President Donald Trump ’ s administration .
Recently , newly appointed Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has made controversial operational changes that have resulted in mail delays all over the country .
The Popcorn Factory did not immediately respond to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Haley was griping about popcorn , it ’ s not surprising Twitter users got salty .
Republicans are fine with destroying the post office in order to harm an election , but god help you if you fuck with their popcorn https : //t.co/Rph23NijLT — Chris Evangelista ( @ cevangelista413 ) August 10 , 2020 Poor Nikki Haley ... maybe their company is dealing with a pandemic ?
Maybe they 're working with a smaller workforce because companies across the country are crumbling ?
But please , tell us more about your hero @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amato ( @ BrunoAmato_1 ) August 10 , 2020 damn wow I knew dismantling the postal service would affect our elections but I never though it would delay popcorn deliveries too ... thoughts & prayers https : //t.co/4sKxBFpxOn — Anna Swartz ( @ Anna_Snackz ) August 10 , 2020 Some people thought Haley was blaming the victim .
Yes let 's hurt a business for no reason during a pandemic where over 160k people have died .
Great priorities here .
https : //t.co/LM53ARLPiH — Emily C. Singer ( @ CahnEmily ) August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ realDonaldTrump .
He 's slowing the mail down to steal the election .
https : //t.co/kVQADwoGv8 — Kimberley Johnson ( @ AuthorKimberley ) August 10 , 2020 Reasons number one hundred and a million not to defund the USPS .
Talk to your BFF @ realDonaldTrump @ NikkiHaley Then go play some Dave Matthews Band and relax , your nephew will be fine .
https : //t.co/YZsqZLBDmM — Stefan Lessard ( @ SLessard ) August 10 , 2020 Others criticized her for using her platform to complain about the issue .
Don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the equivalent of “ do you know who I am ?
!
” — BillBr0wn ( @ Br0wnBill ) August 10 , 2020 He is probably disappointed he has you for an Aunt .
I don ’ t think it has anything to do with the popcorn .
🤷🏻♀ — lisastark35 ( @ lisastark351 ) August 10 , 2020

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Nikki Haley was brutally mocked on Monday after she posted a tweet where she popped off after her online popcorn order was goofed.
The former GOP South Carolina governor took to Twitter to gripe about two orders that were apparently messed up by the Popcorn Factory, an online company owned by 1-800-FLOWERS.
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Ok @PopcornFactory two messed up birthday orders missed delivery dates with no explanation. First time I gave you the benefit of the doubt. Second one tells me not to buy from you again. #DisappointedNephew — Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) August 10, 2020
Although bad service is frustrating, many Twitter users thought Haley was being a bit unfair to the Popcorn Factory.
After all, the company trying to do business during a pandemic. Also, it makes many of its deliveries via the United States Postal Service, which is currently being undermined by President Donald Trump’s administration.
Recently, newly appointed Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has made controversial operational changes that have resulted in mail delays all over the country.
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The Popcorn Factory did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
However, considering Haley was griping about popcorn, it’s not surprising Twitter users got salty.
Republicans are fine with destroying the post office in order to harm an election, but god help you if you fuck with their popcorn https://t.co/Rph23NijLT — Chris Evangelista (@cevangelista413) August 10, 2020
Are u effing kidding me? There are 162,000 dead Americans. — Jennifer Rubin (@JRubinBlogger) August 10, 2020
Poor Nikki Haley...maybe their company is dealing with a pandemic? Maybe they're working with a smaller workforce because companies across the country are crumbling? But please, tell us more about your hero in the White House. — Bruno Amato (@BrunoAmato_1) August 10, 2020
damn wow I knew dismantling the postal service would affect our elections but I never though it would delay popcorn deliveries too ... thoughts & prayers https://t.co/4sKxBFpxOn — Anna Swartz (@Anna_Snackz) August 10, 2020
Some people thought Haley was blaming the victim.
Yes let's hurt a business for no reason during a pandemic where over 160k people have died. Great priorities here. https://t.co/LM53ARLPiH — Emily C. Singer (@CahnEmily) August 10, 2020
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Take your complaint to @realDonaldTrump. He's slowing the mail down to steal the election. https://t.co/kVQADwoGv8 — Kimberley Johnson (@AuthorKimberley) August 10, 2020
Reasons number one hundred and a million not to defund the USPS.
Talk to your BFF @realDonaldTrump @NikkiHaley
Then go play some Dave Matthews Band and relax, your nephew will be fine. https://t.co/YZsqZLBDmM — Stefan Lessard (@SLessard) August 10, 2020
Others criticized her for using her platform to complain about the issue.
she wants to talk to the manager https://t.co/cttrnP9qb9 — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 10, 2020
Don’t do this here. This is the equivalent of “do you know who I am?!” — BillBr0wn (@Br0wnBill) August 10, 2020
Always impressed when people use their platform to complain about brands. https://t.co/NmOnSotMhs — Matt Largey (@mattlargey) August 10, 2020
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But some people saved their harshest comments in defense of Haley’s #DisappointedNephew.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-10--Ed Markey Slams Ted Cruz's Comments In Senator Spat Over Coronavirus Relief

Sen. Ted Cruz ( R-Texas ) came under fire Monday for jokes he made about giving coronavirus relief payments to struggling Americans .
Cruz ’ s comments came in response to a tweet by Sen. Ed Markey ( D-Mass . )
, who suggested Congress prop up the faltering U.S. economy by sending every person in the country money until three months after the pandemic ends .
Give every person in our country $ 2000/month for the duration of the pandemic , $ 2000/month for 3 months after that , and $ 2000/month retroactive to March .
— Ed Markey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 Cruz sarcastically countered that Markey was thinking too small .
( Some conservatives have argued , despite evidence to the contrary , that giving Americans money to survive when there aren ’ t enough jobs will make them lazy . )
Why be so cheap ?
Give everyone $ 1 million a day , every day , forever .
And three soy lattes a day .
And a foot massage .
We have a magic money tree — we should use it !
https : //t.co/0ODgPBhc4O — Ted Cruz ( @ tedcruz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a goddamn joke Ted .
Millions of families are facing hunger , the threat of eviction , and the loss of their health care during a pandemic that is worsening every day .
Get real .
https : //t.co/z6ygY8lSxc — Ed Markey ( @ EdMarkey ) August 10 , 2020 So far , Cruz hasn ’ t responded to Markey .
Meanwhile , many other Twitter users chose to pounce on the Texas senator ’ s heartless response .
This is all a joke to Ted Cruz , who has no understanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now .
This level of contempt for the working class , for Texans losing everything -- facing eviction , children and families lacking food -- is a new low , even for him .
https : //t.co/oD40WVAKVZ — Julie Oliver ( @ JulieOliverTX ) August 10 , 2020 You ’ re awful .
Families are suffering .
Being evicted .
Losing healthcare .
And you sneer and mock them .
What a heartless goon .
https : //t.co/JRlOd4Z8Ek — George Takei ( @ GeorgeTakei ) August 10 , 2020 Hey , @ tedcruz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 people were living paycheck to paycheck , a life-event away from financial ruin .
That means 8 out of 10 people are now IN financial ruin .
SHAME ON YOU and the GOP .
Stop bailing out the wealthy and bring relief to American families .
https : //t.co/58b2FY2NDy — Alyssa Milano ( @ Alyssa_Milano ) August 10 , 2020 Ted Cruz thinks your struggle to keep food on the table and a roof over your head is a joke .
https : //t.co/1G1tZPrNxb — James Kosur ( @ JamesKosur ) August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Everyone should just marry a managing director at Goldman Sachs .
https : //t.co/N3CwiwiY3o — Schooley ( @ Rschooley ) August 10 , 2020 Others found Cruz ’ s remarks odd because they seemed to suggest that soy lattes are a rich person ’ s luxury .
funny thing is this idea that soy lattes are some elitist expense and not something you can buy literally anywhere in the country https : //t.co/7OoEBiXdDi — b-boy bouiebaisse ( @ jbouie ) August 10 , 2020 Also , who do they think grows the soy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If drinking soy is so bad , why are we paying the soy farmers ?
— Walter Shaub ( @ waltshaub ) August 10 , 2020

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Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) came under fire Monday for jokes he made about giving coronavirus relief payments to struggling Americans.
Cruz’s comments came in response to a tweet by Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), who suggested Congress prop up the faltering U.S. economy by sending every person in the country money until three months after the pandemic ends.
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Give every person in our country $2000/month for the duration of the pandemic, $2000/month for 3 months after that, and $2000/month retroactive to March. — Ed Markey (@EdMarkey) August 10, 2020
Cruz sarcastically countered that Markey was thinking too small. (Some conservatives have argued, despite evidence to the contrary, that giving Americans money to survive when there aren’t enough jobs will make them lazy.)
Why be so cheap? Give everyone $1 million a day, every day, forever. And three soy lattes a day. And a foot massage.
We have a magic money tree — we should use it! https://t.co/0ODgPBhc4O — Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) August 10, 2020
Markey wasn’t having it.
It's not a goddamn joke Ted. Millions of families are facing hunger, the threat of eviction, and the loss of their health care during a pandemic that is worsening every day. Get real. https://t.co/z6ygY8lSxc — Ed Markey (@EdMarkey) August 10, 2020
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So far, Cruz hasn’t responded to Markey. Meanwhile, many other Twitter users chose to pounce on the Texas senator’s heartless response.
This is all a joke to Ted Cruz, who has no understanding what people in Texas are facing right now.
This level of contempt for the working class, for Texans losing everything -- facing eviction, children and families lacking food -- is a new low, even for him. https://t.co/oD40WVAKVZ — Julie Oliver (@JulieOliverTX) August 10, 2020
You’re awful. Families are suffering. Being evicted. Losing healthcare. And you sneer and mock them. What a heartless goon. https://t.co/JRlOd4Z8Ek — George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) August 10, 2020
Elitist, Ivy-League Senator mocks suffering Americans during a pandemic and a recession https://t.co/HQvOpcVvfg — Jon Favreau (@jonfavs) August 10, 2020
Hey, @tedcruz! Before the pandemic 8 out of 10 people were living paycheck to paycheck, a life-event away from financial ruin. That means 8 out of 10 people are now IN financial ruin. SHAME ON YOU and the GOP. Stop bailing out the wealthy and bring relief to American families. https://t.co/58b2FY2NDy — Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) August 10, 2020
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Ted Cruz thinks your struggle to keep food on the table and a roof over your head is a joke. https://t.co/1G1tZPrNxb — James Kosur (@JamesKosur) August 10, 2020
This is absurd. Everyone should just marry a managing director at Goldman Sachs. https://t.co/N3CwiwiY3o — Schooley (@Rschooley) August 10, 2020
Others found Cruz’s remarks odd because they seemed to suggest that soy lattes are a rich person’s luxury.
funny thing is this idea that soy lattes are some elitist expense and not something you can buy literally anywhere in the country https://t.co/7OoEBiXdDi — b-boy bouiebaisse (@jbouie) August 10, 2020
Also, who do they think grows the soy? Trump-supporting farmers who received Trump bailouts. If drinking soy is so bad, why are we paying the soy farmers? — Walter Shaub (@waltshaub) August 10, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-10--Twitter Users Not Happy Trump Might Give RNC Speech From Gettysburg Or White House

President Donald Trump is apparently considering two locations for his Republican National Convention acceptance speech ― and both choices are problematic .
On Monday , the president tweeted that he is considering accepting the GOP presidential nomination at either the White House or at the historic Civil War battlefield near Gettysburg , Pennsylvania .
We have narrowed the Presidential Nomination Acceptance Speech , to be delivered on the final night of the Convention ( Thursday ) , to two locations - The Great Battlefield of Gettysburg , Pennsylvania , and the White House , Washington , D.C. We will announce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ( @ realDonaldTrump ) August 10 , 2020 The Associated Press notes that giving the speech at the White House could violate ethics laws such as the Hatch Act by using federal property and federal workers for a partisan purpose .
And although Trump gave a speech at Gettysburg during the 2016 presidential campaign , critics said it ’ s simply corrupt for a sitting president to accept his nomination at a national park supported with taxpayer dollars .
This is an appalling abuse of power .
Even if the RNC reimburses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for its private political event , Trump is helping himself to a public resource that remains unavailable to his rival .
It 's the definition of corruption .
https : //t.co/FOfn4Vdvly — Walter Shaub ( @ waltshaub ) August 10 , 2020 Both belong to the American people and are supported and maintained with taxpayer funds .
Engaging in campaign activity on federal property is illegal – any staff who take part will violate the Hatch Act .
The symbolism of a criminally corrupt convention should be lost on no one .
https @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RepDonBeyer ) August 10 , 2020 So it 's a choice between illegal or sacrilegious , but corrupt either way ?
Seems right on brand for @ realDonaldTrump .
https : //t.co/zsaxGcRlpc — Eric Swalwell ( @ ericswalwell ) August 10 , 2020 Other Twitter users thought the site of a Union victory was an odd choice , considering the pro-Confederacy stances of Trump and members of his base .
Gettysburg would be quite the choice , given the president 's recent defense of generals from the side that lost that battle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ JonLemire ) August 10 , 2020 Still , people wondered how Trump might begin his own Gettysburg Address .
Four score and seven years ago , I got more than four score , I got 306 , the biggest landslide in the history of landslides , but the world wo n't note that , or the historic ratings I 'll get with my speech here at Gettysburg , that many are saying is better than Lincoln 's .
https : //t.co/lu1nx3wneG — Dennis Mersereau ( @ wxdam ) August 10 , 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ location that was more appropriate than either of Trump ’ s top two choices .

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President Donald Trump is apparently considering two locations for his Republican National Convention acceptance speech ― and both choices are problematic.
On Monday, the president tweeted that he is considering accepting the GOP presidential nomination at either the White House or at the historic Civil War battlefield near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
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We have narrowed the Presidential Nomination Acceptance Speech, to be delivered on the final night of the Convention (Thursday), to two locations - The Great Battlefield of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and the White House, Washington, D.C. We will announce the decision soon! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 10, 2020
The Associated Press notes that giving the speech at the White House could violate ethics laws such as the Hatch Act by using federal property and federal workers for a partisan purpose.
And although Trump gave a speech at Gettysburg during the 2016 presidential campaign, critics said it’s simply corrupt for a sitting president to accept his nomination at a national park supported with taxpayer dollars.
This is an appalling abuse of power. Even if the RNC reimburses the government for seizing this national park for its private political event, Trump is helping himself to a public resource that remains unavailable to his rival. It's the definition of corruption. https://t.co/FOfn4Vdvly — Walter Shaub (@waltshaub) August 10, 2020
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Both belong to the American people and are supported and maintained with taxpayer funds. Engaging in campaign activity on federal property is illegal – any staff who take part will violate the Hatch Act.
The symbolism of a criminally corrupt convention should be lost on no one. https://t.co/g7Dc2gkf83 — Rep. Don Beyer (@RepDonBeyer) August 10, 2020
So it's a choice between illegal or sacrilegious, but corrupt either way? Seems right on brand for @realDonaldTrump. https://t.co/zsaxGcRlpc — Eric Swalwell (@ericswalwell) August 10, 2020
Other Twitter users thought the site of a Union victory was an odd choice, considering the pro-Confederacy stances of Trump and members of his base.
but gettysburg is the site of one of your base's greatest defeats https://t.co/cqYmqvHt5b — Oliver Willis (@owillis) August 10, 2020
Gettysburg would be quite the choice, given the president's recent defense of generals from the side that lost that battle https://t.co/vKbzGaCnrU — Jonathan Lemire (@JonLemire) August 10, 2020
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Still, people wondered how Trump might begin his own Gettysburg Address.
Four score and seven years ago, I got more than four score, I got 306, the biggest landslide in the history of landslides, but the world won't note that, or the historic ratings I'll get with my speech here at Gettysburg, that many are saying is better than Lincoln's. https://t.co/lu1nx3wneG — Dennis Mersereau (@wxdam) August 10, 2020
And one person suggested there was another location that was more appropriate than either of Trump’s top two choices.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-10--Chicago Looting Leads To More Than 100 Arrests, Dozens Of Damaged Businesses

Hundreds of individuals who participated in widespread looting and vandalism across downtown Chicago early Monday engaged in “ abject criminal behavior ” and were not part of an organized protest , the city ’ s mayor said .
Dozens of stores , banks and other businesses were broken into and burglarized .
More than 100 people were arrested and at least 13 officers were injured , according to police .
The unrest followed an officer-involved shooting on Sunday .
“ This had nothing to do with legitimate , protected First Amendment expression , ” Lightfoot said during a news conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our downtown and surrounding communities was abject criminal behavior , pure and simple.
” Video captured by local reporters and bystanders showed people breaking windows to enter and burglarize various stores , including a Nordstrom , Best Buy , Pandora and 7-Eleven .
Some individuals who participated in the looting could be seen piling into cars with stolen goods and fleeing the scene .
Authorities believe the looting may be connected to an officer-involved shooting that occurred in the city ’ s Englewood neighborhood on Sunday afternoon , Chicago Police Superintendent Dan Brown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Officers had responded to a report of a man with a gun , Brown said .
The suspect , a 20-year-old man , allegedly fled the scene when officers approached him .
The suspect allegedly fired a gun at the officers as he was running away , and police returned fire and struck him .
The suspect was transported to a hospital and is expected to survive his injuries , Brown said .
Earl Allen , the brother of the suspect , has disputed the police ’ s account of the altercation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his brother had been walking with a group of people when one of the individuals made a comment to officers in a police vehicle , prompting a pursuit .
Social media posts shared in the wake of the shooting encouraged people to loot downtown later that night , Brown said .
Police dispatched about 400 officers to the areas expected to be targeted .
Some of the stores damaged overnight were still in the process of recovering from looting that occurred during the nationwide anti-racism protests following the death of George Floyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Criminals took to the streets with confidence that there would be no consequences for their actions , ” he said .
“ I for one refuse to allow these cowardly acts to hold our city hostage.
” At one point early Monday , shots were fired at officers from a passing vehicle while they were arresting suspected looters downtown , police said .
Officers returned fire , Brown said .
No officers were injured .
It wasn ’ t immediately clear if anyone inside the vehicle was struck by gunfire .
As the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut off access to the downtown area by closing streets , raising bridges and asking the Chicago Transit Authority to halt service .
By late Monday morning , CTA service had resumed and bridges were lowered .
Some streets remained closed .
Downtown access will be restricted from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. until further notice , and there will be an increased police presence in the area , Brown said during the news conference Monday morning .
Rumors circulated that the unrest was sparked by the police killing of a 15-year-old boy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims , calling them “ blatant misinformation.
” The origin of this unsubstantiated theory is unclear .
Police fatally shot Taylor in her Louisville , Kentucky , home in March after obtaining a “ no-knock ” search warrant linked to a drug investigation involving a suspect whom police believed was using her address .
The police report from the incident listed the injuries sustained by Taylor as “ none , ” even though she was shot at least eight times .

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Hundreds of individuals who participated in widespread looting and vandalism across downtown Chicago early Monday engaged in “abject criminal behavior” and were not part of an organized protest, the city’s mayor said.
Dozens of stores, banks and other businesses were broken into and burglarized. More than 100 people were arrested and at least 13 officers were injured, according to police. The unrest followed an officer-involved shooting on Sunday.
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Democratic Mayor Lori Lightfoot described the overnight chaos as an “assault on our city,” and called on state prosecutors to hold those involved accountable.
“This had nothing to do with legitimate, protected First Amendment expression,” Lightfoot said during a news conference Monday morning. “What occurred in our downtown and surrounding communities was abject criminal behavior, pure and simple.”
“These were not poor people engaged in petty theft to feed themselves and their families,” she added. “This was straight-up felony criminal conduct.”
UPDATE: Mayor Lightfoot joins CPD Superintendent Brown to provide update on overnight criminal activity. https://t.co/84k7ybMJuY — Mayor Lori Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) August 10, 2020
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Looting in Chicago’s Magnificent Mile shopping district and other areas of the city’s downtown area began around 11:30 p.m. Sunday, police said.
Video captured by local reporters and bystanders showed people breaking windows to enter and burglarize various stores, including a Nordstrom, Best Buy, Pandora and 7-Eleven. Some individuals who participated in the looting could be seen piling into cars with stolen goods and fleeing the scene.
Photos of the vandalism showed anti-police graffiti in some areas.
Authorities believe the looting may be connected to an officer-involved shooting that occurred in the city’s Englewood neighborhood on Sunday afternoon, Chicago Police Superintendent Dan Brown said during the news conference Monday.
Officers had responded to a report of a man with a gun, Brown said. The suspect, a 20-year-old man, allegedly fled the scene when officers approached him. The suspect allegedly fired a gun at the officers as he was running away, and police returned fire and struck him. The suspect was transported to a hospital and is expected to survive his injuries, Brown said.
The shooting wasn’t captured on police body cameras, a spokeswoman for the Chicago Police Department told reporters Sunday afternoon.
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Earl Allen, the brother of the suspect, has disputed the police’s account of the altercation. Allen told The Chicago Sun-Times that he and his brother had been walking with a group of people when one of the individuals made a comment to officers in a police vehicle, prompting a pursuit.
Police released a photo of the gun they allegedly obtained from the suspect, but Allen denied that it belonged to his brother.
Following the shooting, there was a “very intense interaction” between police at the scene and a crowd that had gathered nearby, Brown said Monday.
Social media posts shared in the wake of the shooting encouraged people to loot downtown later that night, Brown said. Police dispatched about 400 officers to the areas expected to be targeted.
Kajal Dalal walks through her family's food and liquor store in downtown Chicago on Monday after it was vandalized. AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast
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Some of the stores damaged overnight were still in the process of recovering from looting that occurred during the nationwide anti-racism protests following the death of George Floyd in police custody in May.
But city officials rejected any suggestions that the most recent looting was part of a similar protest. Brown said what unfolded was “pure criminality” and “violence against police.”
“Criminals took to the streets with confidence that there would be no consequences for their actions,” he said. “I for one refuse to allow these cowardly acts to hold our city hostage.”
At one point early Monday, shots were fired at officers from a passing vehicle while they were arresting suspected looters downtown, police said. Officers returned fire, Brown said. No officers were injured. It wasn’t immediately clear if anyone inside the vehicle was struck by gunfire.
As the unrest unfolded overnight, authorities tried to cut off access to the downtown area by closing streets, raising bridges and asking the Chicago Transit Authority to halt service. By late Monday morning, CTA service had resumed and bridges were lowered. Some streets remained closed.
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All bridges up in Chicago to prevent access to downtown. @cbschicago pic.twitter.com/KutdT8Nbc6 — Vi Nguyen (@ViNguyen) August 10, 2020
Downtown access will be restricted from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. until further notice, and there will be an increased police presence in the area, Brown said during the news conference Monday morning.
Rumors circulated that the unrest was sparked by the police killing of a 15-year-old boy on Sunday, but officials denied such claims, calling them “blatant misinformation.” The origin of this unsubstantiated theory is unclear.
General distrust of police forces nationwide has grown since Floyd’s death and the police killing of Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old Black woman, earlier this year.
Police fatally shot Taylor in her Louisville, Kentucky, home in March after obtaining a “no-knock” search warrant linked to a drug investigation involving a suspect whom police believed was using her address. The police report from the incident listed the injuries sustained by Taylor as “none,” even though she was shot at least eight times.
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Chicago, which has long suffered from gang-related violence, has seen a surge in murders and shootings in recent months.
While overall crime decreased last month compared to July 2019, shootings increased 75%, jumping from 232 reported in July 2019 to 406 reported last month, according to data released by the Chicago police.
There were at least 31 shooting incidents, including three homicides, in Chicago this past weekend, Brown said Monday.
Cook County State Attorney Kim Foxx urged city and state officials to have an “honest conversation” about the weekend’s discord and warned against engaging in “dishonest blame games.”
“We’ve seen a global pandemic coupled with civil unrest coupled with economic depression,” Foxx said during a press briefing Monday afternoon. “And we’ve seen the violence that we’ve seen now. ... We cannot talk about all hands on deck and seek simple solutions to complex problems. We must continue to work together.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-10--Progressive Groups Prepare To Reshape The Courts Under A Biden Presidency

“ I would be lying if I said ― in fact , any civil rights or progressive organization would be lying ― if they said there aren ’ t people they would prefer to see on the bench , because the courts are significant to our ability to advance the constitutional rights and protections that we are committed to advancing , ” said Myesha Braden , director of Alliance for Justice ’ s Building the Bench program , which recruits candidates for federal court seats .
“ We try to resist , so to speak , the entire concept of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on the way judicial selection has always been done , ” Braden said .
“ It is based on assumptions ― old and outdated assumptions , we think ― about who should be a judge and what their backgrounds should be .
We are being intentional with all the various stakeholders we work with and collaborate with to make sure we don ’ t repeat the same mistakes that got us to a bench that is not diverse.
” We are being intentional with all the various stakeholders we work with ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeat the same mistakes that got us to a bench that is not diverse .
Myesha Braden , director of Alliance for Justice ’ s Building the Bench program The courts have never been especially diverse .
In the 230-year history of the nation ’ s federal court system , its judges have been almost entirely straight white men .
Only eight Black women have ever been appointed to a U.S. appeals court seat out of hundreds and hundreds of appeals court judges .
There has never been a Muslim person confirmed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is just one metric of diversity , and progressive groups are surprisingly united in their plan to get more judges onto courts who have vastly different backgrounds than the kinds of people typically given lifetime court appointments .
That might mean a lawyer who went to a non-Ivy League law school , for example , or someone who used their law degree to lead a civil rights organization .
“ We ’ re also encouraging lawyers from practice areas that too often do not get considered for judgeships , such as criminal defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the process , ” Feingold said .
“ If we want to make lasting change in this country , we must prioritize consideration of who sits on the bench.
” Progressive groups aren ’ t just focused on who they want on the courts .
They ’ re also pushing Biden to get moving immediately .
That ’ s at least partly driven by frustration that Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-Ky. ) have made the courts a top priority over the last four years .
Thanks largely to McConnell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifetime federal judges confirmed , many of whom have records of being hostile to the issues that progressives care most about , such as reproductive rights , voting rights and climate change .
“ A big lesson is making sure judges are a priority on day one , ” said Lena Zwarensteyn , director of the Fair Courts Campaign at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights , a coalition of more than 200 national organizations .
“ I don ’ t think we need to follow the McConnell handbook on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extent that there is a real prioritization of judges and judicial nominees , I think you can learn some things.
” Part of the problem is that , historically , Democrats haven ’ t made judicial nominations as much of a priority as Republicans .
They haven ’ t been as effective at ginning up their base about particular court picks .
And for all the praise Obama has gotten for diversifying the courts , he was slow to get moving on judicial nominations when he took office .
He faced significant GOP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but in his first term , he submitted fewer district court nominees and took longer to submit them than his recent predecessors .

Presumptive Democratic presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden speaks during a campaign stop in Los Angeles on March 4. Mike Blake / Reuters
Three months out from the presidential election, progressive groups are coming up with names and key criteria for the kinds of judicial nominees they want presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden to appoint if he wins the White House.
HuffPost spoke with more than half a dozen organizations that acknowledged they’re already planning for how to reshape the courts under a potential Biden presidency. Many were reluctant to talk about lists of specific names they’re compiling, although they admitted it’s happening.
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“I would be lying if I said ― in fact, any civil rights or progressive organization would be lying ― if they said there aren’t people they would prefer to see on the bench, because the courts are significant to our ability to advance the constitutional rights and protections that we are committed to advancing,” said Myesha Braden, director of Alliance for Justice’s Building the Bench program, which recruits candidates for federal court seats.
Others were willing to name people they’d like ― and emphasized why it’s important to kick off the judicial nominations process with strong, progressive candidates who break the mold of traditional court picks.
“If someone like [NAACP Legal Defense Fund President] Sherrilyn Ifill or [American Civil Liberties Union Voting Rights Project Director] Dale Ho was Biden’s first circuit pick and confirmed, the pool of potential judicial candidates would be overflowing with diverse, progressive lawyers suddenly willing to raise their hands,” said Christopher Kang, chief counsel of Demand Justice, a progressive judicial advocacy group.
But the work is about more than just identifying qualified individuals. In many ways, that’s the easy part. The difficult work comes in making sure that a Biden administration ― and, potentially, a Democratic Senate ― understands the importance of a diverse pool of judicial nominees.
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“We try to resist, so to speak, the entire concept of ‘a list’ because it is based on the way judicial selection has always been done,” Braden said. “It is based on assumptions ― old and outdated assumptions, we think ― about who should be a judge and what their backgrounds should be. We are being intentional with all the various stakeholders we work with and collaborate with to make sure we don’t repeat the same mistakes that got us to a bench that is not diverse.”
“We are being intentional with all the various stakeholders we work with ... to make sure we don’t repeat the same mistakes that got us to a bench that is not diverse.” - Myesha Braden, director of Alliance for Justice’s Building the Bench program
The courts have never been especially diverse. In the 230-year history of the nation’s federal court system, its judges have been almost entirely straight white men. Only eight Black women have ever been appointed to a U.S. appeals court seat out of hundreds and hundreds of appeals court judges. There has never been a Muslim person confirmed to a federal court.
Former President Barack Obama made some progress in mixing things up. He appointed more female, LGBTQ and racially diverse judges than any past president. President Donald Trump, on the other hand, has reversed that trend and returned to filling court seats with straight white men.
But demographic diversity is just one metric of diversity, and progressive groups are surprisingly united in their plan to get more judges onto courts who have vastly different backgrounds than the kinds of people typically given lifetime court appointments. That might mean a lawyer who went to a non-Ivy League law school, for example, or someone who used their law degree to lead a civil rights organization.
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“We should stop nominating corporate law firm partners and nominate more public defenders and criminal defense lawyers than prosecutors,” Kang said. “We must continue to prioritize a judiciary that reflects our nation and also more lawyers who have represented individuals — civil rights plaintiffs, immigrants, unions and the poor.”
Demand Justice is running an entire campaign advocating for no more corporate law partners as judicial nominees. Its message has been endorsed by other progressive groups, including the American Federation of Teachers, Justice Democrats and MoveOn.
Former Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.), president of the American Constitution Society, said his organization has more than 40 working groups across the country ready to propose judicial nominees to Biden. They plan to suggest people “who are diverse in all ways,” he said in a statement, and that includes racial, ethnic and gender diversity.
“We’re also encouraging lawyers from practice areas that too often do not get considered for judgeships, such as criminal defense and civil rights lawyers, to enter the process,” Feingold said. “If we want to make lasting change in this country, we must prioritize consideration of who sits on the bench.”
Former Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) said his organization, American Constitution Society, has more than 40 working groups across the United States ready to propose judicial nominees to Biden. He is pictured above testifying before a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing. Tom Williams via Getty Images
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Progressive groups aren’t just focused on who they want on the courts. They’re also pushing Biden to get moving immediately. That’s at least partly driven by frustration that Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) have made the courts a top priority over the last four years. Thanks largely to McConnell, Trump has gotten more than 200 lifetime federal judges confirmed, many of whom have records of being hostile to the issues that progressives care most about, such as reproductive rights, voting rights and climate change.
“A big lesson is making sure judges are a priority on day one,” said Lena Zwarensteyn, director of the Fair Courts Campaign at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition of more than 200 national organizations. “I don’t think we need to follow the McConnell handbook on a lot of things. But to the extent that there is a real prioritization of judges and judicial nominees, I think you can learn some things.”
Part of the problem is that, historically, Democrats haven’t made judicial nominations as much of a priority as Republicans. They haven’t been as effective at ginning up their base about particular court picks. And for all the praise Obama has gotten for diversifying the courts, he was slow to get moving on judicial nominations when he took office. He faced significant GOP obstruction in confirming his judges as president, but in his first term, he submitted fewer district court nominees and took longer to submit them than his recent predecessors.
But that’s changing. Progressives such as Demand Justice and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) have been working to impress upon Democratic voters the importance of controlling judicial nominations during the 2020 campaign. Demand Justice in February hosted a first-of-its-kind presidential forum specifically about the courts, which HuffPost participated in.
More broadly, the fight over Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination and the Trump-McConnell sweep over the courts appear to have jolted progressive groups into agreement that Biden needs to make the courts a bigger focus.
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“You’ve got to make it a priority,” said Marge Baker, executive director of People for the American Way, a progressive advocacy group. “The reason Trump has over 200 nominees is because they made it a priority, both in terms of getting the nominations to the Senate, but also made it a Senate priority.”
“A big lesson is making sure judges are a priority on day one.” - Lena Zwarensteyn, director of the Fair Courts Campaign at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
Some groups say they already see signs that Biden understands the need for more diversity and expediency in judicial nominations. He has pledged to put the first Black woman on the Supreme Court, for example.
“It seems to me they get that this is a different time and the dynamic is different than it was at the beginning of the Obama administration,” said David Stacy, government affairs director at the Human Rights Campaign.
Stacy said his organization is “very much talking” with the Biden campaign about the importance of having LGBTQ people as judicial nominees. Beyond that, he thinks they would have Biden’s ear if he dragged his feet on the judicial nominations process.
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“We can influence this, saying it’s important to us,” Stacy said. “If they are not moving quickly, that’s something we can raise.”
The Senate landscape is different now, too. Up until 2013, a non-Supreme Court pick needed 60 votes to get approved, meaning that for more than half of Obama’s presidency, it was much harder to get nominees confirmed. Now, it takes just 51 votes.
The lower threshold also means that different types of nominees may be able to get confirmed. That’s got progressive groups excited about the potential for Biden to diversify the courts in entirely new ways.
“An environment where the vote is 51 and not 60 frankly means that you’ve got a bigger playing field to choose from,” Baker said. “I think there’s ways to swing for the fence that were potential barriers in the Obama administration.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-10--FEC Commissioner Warns There's A 'Substantial Chance' Winner Isn't Called On Election Night

The head of the Federal Election Commission warned Monday that there ’ s a “ substantial chance ” a winner won ’ t be declared in the presidential race on election night because of expected challenges at polling stations and with mail-in ballots amid the COVID-19 crisis .
But FEC Commissioner Ellen Weintraub ( D ) urged voters to be patient while extra care is taken to tally all the votes “ accurately ” in order to “ ensure that everyone ’ s vote counts.
” “ We ’ re all going to need to take a deep breath and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a substantial chance we are not going to know on election night what the results are — possibly for the presidency , but maybe for many other races that are important to people , ” Weintraub said on CNN ’ s “ New Day.
” Weintraub said that states will have far more mail-in ballots to tally and polling stations will be more difficult to staff because of fears of spreading COVID-19 .
Mail-in voting is “ absolutely ” reliable , said Weintraub , and said that a quarter of all votes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballots ( which can also be dropped off at polling stations or in drop boxes , she pointed out ) .
But states are also desperately short of money for this year ’ s vote , when the logistics will be more expensive than ever , she noted .
“ The states and localities are going to incur huge extra expenses this year in order to have the kind of ramped-up absentee voting program that the voters are demanding — but also to provide for safe in-person voting for those voters who choose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Weintraub .
“ What we need to do is get more resources to the states , ” she added .
“ This is critically important and it has to happen now.
” The nonpartisan law and policy institute Brennan Center for Justice has estimated that there will be about $ 4 billion in extra costs involved in this election “ as a result of the pandemic , and so far Congress has allocated about $ 400 million , ” Weintraub said .
“ They really need to allocate more money now and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Weintraub also warned of continuing attempts by foreign interests to influence or sabotage the presidential election .
She told voters to be very cautious and vigilant about the spread of disinformation online .
“ Just because some guy on the internet says something that sounds good to you , doesn ’ t mean that it is coming to you from a reputable source , ” she said .
“ Some of those guys on the internet may in fact be Russian trolls or other foreign actors .
”

A member of the Federal Election Commission warned Monday that there’s a “substantial chance” a winner won’t be declared in the presidential race on election night because of expected challenges at polling stations and with mail-in ballots amid the COVID-19 crisis.
But Commissioner Ellen Weintraub (D) urged voters to be patient while extra care is taken to tally all the votes “accurately” in order to “ensure that everyone’s vote counts.”
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“We’re all going to need to take a deep breath and be patient this year because there’s a substantial chance we are not going to know on election night what the results are — possibly for the presidency, but maybe for many other races that are important to people,” Weintraub said on CNN’s “New Day.”
Weintraub said that states will have far more mail-in ballots to tally and polling stations will be more difficult to staff because of fears of spreading COVID-19.
Mail-in voting is “absolutely” reliable, said Weintraub, noting that a quarter of all votes in the 2016 presidential election were mail-in ballots (which can also be dropped off at polling stations or in drop boxes, she pointed out).
But states are also desperately short of money for this year’s vote, when the logistics will be more expensive than ever, she noted.
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“The states and localities are going to incur huge extra expenses this year in order to have the kind of ramped-up absentee voting program that the voters are demanding — but also to provide for safe in-person voting for those voters who choose to vote this way,” said Weintraub.
“What we need to do is get more resources to the states,” she added. “This is critically important and it has to happen now.”
The nonpartisan law and policy institute Brennan Center for Justice has estimated that there will be about $4 billion in extra costs involved in this election “as a result of the pandemic, and so far Congress has allocated about $400 million,” Weintraub said. “They really need to allocate more money now and I’m very concerned about this.”
Weintraub also warned of continuing attempts by foreign interests to influence or sabotage the presidential election. She told voters to be very cautious and vigilant about the spread of disinformation online.
“Just because some guy on the internet says something that sounds good to you, doesn’t mean that it is coming to you from a reputable source,” she said. “Some of those guys on the internet may in fact be Russian trolls or other foreign actors.”
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Check out Weintraub’s interview in the video up top. She talks about counting votes on election night at 5:30.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-10--These Teachers Are Back In School Already. Here's How They Feel.

In some places , school reopenings have been marred by upheaval , with COVID-19 outbreaks already forcing hundreds of students and staff to quarantine .
In other districts , teachers say business has continued nearly as usual , only with added precautions .
HuffPost spoke with teachers around the country whose schools have reopened , and their experiences are especially instructive as other districts continue to navigate and negotiate their reopening plans .
“ With 3,000 kids , it ’ s pretty much business as usual .
There ’ s no social distancing at all and the classroom looks the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down in March , ” said Lebo , who has been teaching for 34 years .
“ Many of our classes are 30 or above , so I ’ m not the only one who is having kids just sit elbow to elbow.
” Kids in her school are required to wear masks , except when eating lunch in the cafeteria .
Students have respected the mask mandate for the most part , although Lebo teaches Advanced Placement classes , which may skew the sample of kids she interacts with .
She likens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cellphones during class ― one or two will always flout the rules .
She sanitizes her classroom between periods .
After reopening in late July , several students and staff members at her school have already tested positive for COVID-19 , and those who have come into close contact with those people have been notified .
But Lebo said she doesn ’ t know what will happen if a critical mass of school community members come down with the coronavirus , and she feels left in the dark about the school ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by fear that one of her colleagues or students will get sick or die .
“ It ’ s not normal , obviously , and not meant to be normal , ” she said .
“ I don ’ t think they like it , but I think they tolerate it because they don ’ t like the alternative , which would be virtual or some other option.
” “ I think some of the older kids are out working with their parents ― they have parents who are painters and construction workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who teaches middle school physical education in Nashville , Tennessee .
Her district is remote-only until after Labor Day , and she suspects that date will be delayed further .
Jacob Frantz , a high school chemistry and coding teacher in Queen Creek , Arizona , has also started online learning .
His district is set to return in person later this month .
He said his students seem happier than ever to have the structure of school and see the faces of friends , even from behind a computer screen .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ t showing up to online classes , and at this point I ’ m beginning to have significant worries , ” he said .
“ We are mandatory reporters ― we are one of the first people to see if something is going wrong in these kids ’ lives .
And a lot of kids don ’ t have that right now.
” Williams ’ district is providing both in-person and virtual options , and he has found that some of the most vulnerable students , such as those living in public housing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtual .
He said he believes they ’ re more likely to have been impacted by COVID-19 or to know someone who has been .

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For some teachers, every day feels like another nightmare. For others, it seems just like any other year, just with masks.
Districts in several states have already started reopening for in-person instruction, remote learning or both. Teachers in these places report facing a range of emotions and situations — for which their teacher training programs never prepared them.
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In some places, school reopenings have been marred by upheaval, with COVID-19 outbreaks already forcing hundreds of students and staff to quarantine. In other districts, teachers say business has continued nearly as usual, only with added precautions. HuffPost spoke with teachers around the country whose schools have reopened, and their experiences are especially instructive as other districts continue to navigate and negotiate their reopening plans.
Smith Jean-Philippe, a high school biology teacher in Maryville, Tennessee, has been back at school for about a week, and he said everything feels fine.
“It’s a totally normal year. Or whatever the new norm is, just with heightened awareness and hand-washing,” said the classroom teacher of 19 years.
Kids in his district are not required to wear masks, but they have chosen to for the most part. Buildings are half as full as they normally would be, as the district is starting out with a staggered attendance schedule.
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“I have my mask on, and for the most part I feel safe,” Jean-Philippe said.
There have already been at least 39 reported COVID-19 cases associated with school reopenings in the state, according to The Tennessean.
A protester holds a placard that says Fund Our Schools during a demonstration in New York City earlier this month. Several groups, including the United Federation of Teachers, gathered on the National Day of Resistance to protest against reopening of schools as well as for removing police from schools. Ron Adar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Other teachers around the country have protested in-person reopening plans. The American Federation of Teachers, a national teachers union representing 1.7 million members, has even said it would potentially support “safety strikes.” In July, an Arizona teacher died from COVID-19 after teaching in a classroom with two other educators.
High school computer science teacher Suzy Lebo in South Avon, Indiana, said “every day is very scary.” Her district provided families with a full-time virtual option, but the vast majority decided to come back in person.
“With 3,000 kids, it’s pretty much business as usual. There’s no social distancing at all and the classroom looks the same as it did when we shut down in March,” said Lebo, who has been teaching for 34 years. “Many of our classes are 30 or above, so I’m not the only one who is having kids just sit elbow to elbow.”
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Kids in her school are required to wear masks, except when eating lunch in the cafeteria. Students have respected the mask mandate for the most part, although Lebo teaches Advanced Placement classes, which may skew the sample of kids she interacts with. She likens the mask mandate to kids using their cellphones during class ― one or two will always flout the rules. She sanitizes her classroom between periods.
Lebo can’t do the class bonding activities she normally would because they might require students to get physically close, and she has heard from other teachers that some kids aren’t talking as much in class as they usually would.
“I think parents don’t realize how close kids are here at school. It boggles my mind that anyone thinks this is a good idea.” - Suzy Lebo, teacher in South Avon, Indiana
After reopening in late July, several students and staff members at her school have already tested positive for COVID-19, and those who have come into close contact with those people have been notified. But Lebo said she doesn’t know what will happen if a critical mass of school community members come down with the coronavirus, and she feels left in the dark about the school’s containment plans. She’s paralyzed by fear that one of her colleagues or students will get sick or die.
“I think parents don’t realize how close kids are here at school,” Lebo said. “It boggles my mind that anyone thinks this is a good idea.”
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She said she sees kids savoring the days they have together, knowing full well that it might not last.
“It’s not normal, obviously, and not meant to be normal,” she said. “I don’t think they like it, but I think they tolerate it because they don’t like the alternative, which would be virtual or some other option.”
Even teachers in districts that have started the year online-only say kids — the ones who are logging on, at least ― seem relieved and grateful to have a schedule and instruction. Teachers are still working to track down the children who haven’t checked in.
“I think some of the older kids are out working with their parents ― they have parents who are painters and construction workers and housekeepers,” said Theresa Wagner, who teaches middle school physical education in Nashville, Tennessee. Her district is remote-only until after Labor Day, and she suspects that date will be delayed further.
Her youngest students, in fifth grade, have had the most difficult time adjusting to remote learning, mostly due to their lack of familiarity with the technology. She said the rest of her students who have signed on seem enthusiastic and engaged.
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Jacob Frantz, a high school chemistry and coding teacher in Queen Creek, Arizona, has also started online learning. His district is set to return in person later this month. He said his students seem happier than ever to have the structure of school and see the faces of friends, even from behind a computer screen.
“They all openly say they’re really excited to be back,” he said. “You can see it on their faces.”
His high school is relatively affluent, but he suspects that some of the students he can’t track down are working low-wage jobs to help support their families. He expects others are simply having technology issues.
He’s been especially worried about the district’s LGBTQ students, who have been stuck at home for months with parents who might not support them.
“There are students that aren’t showing up to online classes, and at this point I’m beginning to have significant worries,” he said. “We are mandatory reporters ― we are one of the first people to see if something is going wrong in these kids’ lives. And a lot of kids don’t have that right now.”
Florida teachers, whose unions are against their members returning to work, held a car parade protest in front of the Pasco County School District office in Land O' Lakes, Florida on July 21. Octavio Jones / Feuters
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Recarlo Williams, a social worker with Decatur County Schools in Georgia, has been checking on the students he works with ahead of schools opening this week. He’s been trying to get a sense of their emotional states.
Williams’ district is providing both in-person and virtual options, and he has found that some of the most vulnerable students, such as those living in public housing, are more likely to opt for virtual. He said he believes they’re more likely to have been impacted by COVID-19 or to know someone who has been.
“The kids are looking for some sense of normality and a routine,” Williams said.
But some teachers think that any sense of normality will be short-lived.
Frantz’s district in Arizona has already seen cases of COVID-19 pop up in the past few weeks — even though there’s only about 100 teachers on campus — and nearly 2,000 kids are set to return when schools reopen in person later this month.
And as teachers and substitutes continue to step down, class sizes continue to balloon. Frantz said he’s worried there simply won’t be enough staff members to supervise kids on campus.
Even teachers have had a difficult time keeping their masks on all day, he said.
“I’m terrified about what’s going to happen to our district,” Frantz said. “I worry we’re going to reopen unsafely like our state did back in May and end up stuck online for a lot longer.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-10--Progressives Backing Alex Morse Are Mostly Silent On Misconduct Charges

Reached by HuffPost for comment , Indivisible said it was not commenting .
Our Revolution informed HuffPost that it would be conferring with its Massachusetts chapter about the matter at some point on Monday .
And a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Nurses Association , a labor union , said its board of directors would meet this week to decide whether to stand by its endorsement or withdraw it .
The Sunrise Movement , a youth-led climate action group known for its effective mobilization of campaign volunteers , announced late Monday afternoon that , although it was not withdrawing its endorsement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all activity on Morse ’ s behalf “ until further notice.
” The pause , the group said , is necessary to “ give us time to learn more , further assess the situation , hear more from the campaign and students , and continue conversations amongst our membership in Western [ Massachusetts ] and across the country.
” College Democrats of Massachusetts informed Morse on Thursday that he was no longer welcome at the group ’ s meetings because he had used “ his position of power for romantic or sexual gain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Friday report in The Daily Collegian , the student newspaper of the University of Massachusetts .
The letter states that Morse , who is openly gay , matched with college students as young as 18 years old on the dating apps Tinder and Grindr , and that he had “ sexual contact ” with students at the University of Massachusetts , Amherst and other colleges in close proximity to Holyoke .
“ It is critical the media and others avoid reinforcing tired homophobic tropes or sensationalizing this story because of Alex ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Victory Fund said in a statement .
“ The media and voters should review the allegations and determine whether a straight candidate would be held to the same scrutiny and standards .
”

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Many progressive groups and individuals backing Holyoke, Massachusetts, Mayor Alex Morse’s primary challenge against Rep. Richard Neal (D-Mass.) have yet to comment on allegations of inappropriate behavior that surfaced against Morse on Friday night.
The Working Families Party, Indivisible, IfNotNow, Our Revolution, the Massachusetts Nurses Association and Justice Democrats, which recently began an independent TV ad campaign on his behalf, have all stayed silent about the accusations.
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Reached by HuffPost for comment, Indivisible said it was not commenting. Our Revolution informed HuffPost that it would be conferring with its Massachusetts chapter about the matter at some point on Monday. And a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Nurses Association, a labor union, said its board of directors would meet this week to decide whether to stand by its endorsement or withdraw it.
The Sunrise Movement, a youth-led climate action group known for its effective mobilization of campaign volunteers, announced late Monday afternoon that, although it was not withdrawing its endorsement of Morse, it would be suspending all activity on Morse’s behalf “until further notice.” The pause, the group said, is necessary to “give us time to learn more, further assess the situation, hear more from the campaign and students, and continue conversations amongst our membership in Western [Massachusetts] and across the country.”
Sunrise Western Massachusetts’ chapter, however, is withdrawing its endorsement of Morse.
“We believe the students that came forward about the inappropriate nature of Alex’s actions ― as we believe all survivors,” the regional group said in a statement on Facebook. “There is no justice without survivor justice.”
Meanwhile, the LGBTQ Victory Fund, the Berkshires chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America and Holyoke City Councilman Juan Anderson-Burgos expressed their continued support for Morse.
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“The change in representation that Alex represents is still much needed, for our district and the country, and I don’t believe the actions that have been reported are compelling enough to forget that,” Anderson-Burgos told HuffPost in an email.
Andrew Yang, an entrepreneur and former Democratic presidential candidate, also tweeted his support. “Let’s go Alex!” he wrote on Monday afternoon. “As excited as ever for your race.”
Progressive activists had flocked to Holyoke, Massachusetts, Mayor Alex Morse's effort to unseat Rep. Richard Neal (D-Mass.), who is known for his coziness with corporate America. Boston Globe/Getty Images
College Democrats of Massachusetts informed Morse on Thursday that he was no longer welcome at the group’s meetings because he had used “his position of power for romantic or sexual gain” with college students, according to a Friday report in The Daily Collegian, the student newspaper of the University of Massachusetts.
The letter states that Morse, who is openly gay, matched with college students as young as 18 years old on the dating apps Tinder and Grindr, and that he had “sexual contact” with students at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and other colleges in close proximity to Holyoke.
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It also says that Morse “us[ed] College Democrats events to meet college students and add them on Instagram,” and messaged them in a way that made students “feel uncomfortable.”
The most specific complaint against Morse to date appears in a Boston Globe article on Saturday. An unnamed college student said had a sexual encounter with Morse and learned about his mayoralty after their romantic liaison, causing the student to feel uncomfortable.
In a statement Sunday night, Morse admitted to having sexual relations with college students, but he maintained that his relationships have all been with consenting adults.
Morse, 31, has been mayor of Holyoke since 2011, when he was 22, and has taught a course in urban government at UMass Amherst since fall 2014, when he was 25.
Morse insists that he never used his position as mayor or a lecturer at UMass Amherst for “romantic or sexual gain, or to take advantage of students.”
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In addition, Morse denies violating UMass Amherst policy, which implies that he never dated any of his students. University policy only explicitly forbids faculty members from engaging in a romantic relationship with any student over whom they have “any responsibility for supervision, evaluation, grading, advising, employment, or other instructional or supervisory activity.”
“Our decision to disinvite Mayor Morse from events was made solely to protect our members, and we made this decision and sent our letter as soon as those affected were comfortable sharing their stories anonymously.” - College Democrats of Massachusetts
Still, Morse apologized for the discomfort he caused and said he “fully” understands if groups that have endorsed him decide to withdraw their support.
“I am sorry for that,” he said. “This is unacceptable behavior for anyone with institutional power.”
UMass Amherst said in a statement Saturday that it is conducting an independent review of Morse’s conduct to determine whether he violated university policy or federal law. The school has “no plans” to rehire Morse, the statement added.
As the progressive organizations most responsible for Morse’s rise as a candidate calibrate their responses to the weekend’s developments behind closed doors, partisans on either side of the issue have been litigating the nuances of his case endlessly.
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Morse’s supporters, including many progressives active in the LGBTQ rights community, argue that he is being unfairly vilified for consenting relationships with adults.
Both Morse and the LGBTQ Victory Fund suggested that Morse may be being held to a double standard because he is a gay man.
“It is critical the media and others avoid reinforcing tired homophobic tropes or sensationalizing this story because of Alex’s sexual orientation,” the LGBTQ Victory Fund said in a statement. “The media and voters should review the allegations and determine whether a straight candidate would be held to the same scrutiny and standards.”
College Democrats of Massachusetts insists that its decision to take action against Morse had nothing to do with Rep. Richard Neal (D), with whom the group has had a working relationship. Tom Williams/Getty Images
The LGBTQ Victory Fund and Anderson-Burgos also called attention to the timing of the revelation just weeks before the primary on Sept. 1.
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A poll conducted for the Morse campaign on Aug. 7-8 showed Neal ahead of Morse 45% to 35% with 20% undecided, according to a source familiar with the poll. Less than 50% support a few weeks ahead of Election Day tends to be an ominous sign for an incumbent.
“It’s hard not to question the timing of this: long enough to have voters digest the news but not long enough for the university to complete an investigation,” Anderson-Burgos said.
College Democrats of Massachusetts, which received a $1,000 contribution from Neal’s campaign this election cycle, has pushed back forcefully against the idea that the letter was a “quid pro quo” ― money in exchange for support ― with Neal. It also denied that the letter exhibited some form of homophobic bias.
In a Sunday statement, the group called both suggestions “untrue, disingenuous and harmful.”
College Democrats of Massachusetts considers Morse’s apology inadequate for failing to “fully acknowledge the harm that he had caused” or convey that he understood why what he did was wrong.
“Our decision to disinvite Mayor Morse from events was made solely to protect our members, and we made this decision and sent our letter as soon as those affected were comfortable sharing their stories anonymously,” the group said.
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At least one organization involved in the primary fight between Morse and Neal functions solely as an anti-Neal group, which it claims gives it license to stay out of the scandal entirely.
Fight Corporate Monopolies, a dark-money spending group created by the American Economic Liberties Project, an anti-monopoly group, said on Sunday that it had no plans to slow down an advertising campaign attacking Neal for stalling legislation that would have greatly reduced the practice of “surprise” medical billing.
The ad, which the group has spent $300,000 to air in the Springfield, Massachusetts, broadcast market, accuses Neal of corruption for doing the bidding of the private equity firm Blackstone, which profits from unregulated “surprise” billing and has given more to Neal than any other company this cycle.
“We are an organization that focuses on corporate power and political corruption,” said Fight Corporate Monopolies executive director Sarah Miller, who noted that the group has not endorsed Morse. “We do not endorse candidates.”
Kevin Robillard contributed reporting.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-08-10--Judge Orders Uber, Lyft To Classify Drivers As Employees Under California Law

A judge in California granted a preliminary injunction on Monday requiring major ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft to classify their drivers as employees , rather than as independent contractors — which would mean the companies have to provide them with additional benefits .
In the ruling , the San Francisco judge accused the companies of a “ prolonged and brazen refusal to comply with California law , ” saying it was “ high time that they face up to their responsibilities to their workers and to the public.
” California ’ s Assembly Bill 5 , signed into law last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clarified the conditions under which workers should be considered employees , and therefore entitled to benefits like a minimum wage , unemployment and disability insurance , a right to form a union and more .
Uber and Lyft have been fighting the measure .
The companies ’ bottom lines will be dramatically affected if thousands of drivers are reclassified as employees and entitled to benefits like overtime pay or paid sick leave and family leave .
Monday ’ s injunction was granted as part of a lawsuit by California Attorney General Xavier Becerra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lyft for not reclassifying their drivers as employees under the state ’ s new law .
However , the injunction will be “ stayed ” for 10 days , during which time the companies can appeal the decision .
Both companies said in statements Monday that they plan to file “ immediate ” appeals .
# BREAKING : the court ruled that Uber and Lyft must put a stop to driver misclassification while our litigation continues .
Our state and workers shouldn ’ t have to foot the bill when big businesses try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pic.twitter.com/zGnNBj3mDA — Xavier Becerra ( @ AGBecerra ) August 10 , 2020 Uber and Lyft have also put tens of millions of dollars toward a statewide ballot initiative for California voters to decide if the companies can essentially exempt their drivers from the legislation .
The companies claim the new law doesn ’ t allow them to provide flexibility to drivers to choose their schedules and hours .
“ During this global pandemic , it ’ s even more important for drivers to get access to protections like unemployment insurance , ” San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
His office is part of the suit against Uber , along with city attorneys from San Diego and Los Angeles .
“ There is no rule that prevents these drivers from continuing to have all of the flexibility they currently enjoy .
Being properly classified as an employee doesn ’ t change that .
”

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A judge in California granted a preliminary injunction on Monday requiring major ride-hailing companies Uber and Lyft to classify their drivers as employees, rather than as independent contractors — which would mean the companies have to provide them with additional benefits.
In the ruling, the San Francisco judge accused the companies of a “prolonged and brazen refusal to comply with California law,” saying it was “high time that they face up to their responsibilities to their workers and to the public.”
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California’s Assembly Bill 5, signed into law last year and in effect since January, clarified the conditions under which workers should be considered employees, and therefore entitled to benefits like a minimum wage, unemployment and disability insurance, a right to form a union and more.
Uber and Lyft have been fighting the measure. The companies’ bottom lines will be dramatically affected if thousands of drivers are reclassified as employees and entitled to benefits like overtime pay or paid sick leave and family leave.
Monday’s injunction was granted as part of a lawsuit by California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, filed in May against Uber and Lyft for not reclassifying their drivers as employees under the state’s new law.
However, the injunction will be “stayed” for 10 days, during which time the companies can appeal the decision. Both companies said in statements Monday that they plan to file “immediate” appeals.
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#BREAKING: the court ruled that Uber and Lyft must put a stop to driver misclassification while our litigation continues.
Our state and workers shouldn’t have to foot the bill when big businesses try to skip out on their responsibilities. pic.twitter.com/zGnNBj3mDA — Xavier Becerra (@AGBecerra) August 10, 2020
Uber and Lyft have also put tens of millions of dollars toward a statewide ballot initiative for California voters to decide if the companies can essentially exempt their drivers from the legislation. The companies claim the new law doesn’t allow them to provide flexibility to drivers to choose their schedules and hours.
California’s attorney general insists this is not true.