pbs--2020-04-15--Trump frustrated with Congress over appointments

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is threatening to use what he says is his constitutional authority to adjourn both chambers @ @ @ @ @ way for recess appointments to his administration .
Trump said lawmakers have made it difficult @ @ @ @ @ , saying “ every week , they put up roadblocks.
” He says that the @ @ @ @ @ phony , pro-forma ” sessions of Congress so that he can ’ t make recess @ @ @ @ @ duty that the American people can not afford during the coronavirus crisis .
He complained @ @ @ @ @ have waited years for approval , though previous presidents have leveled similar complaints .

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is threatening to use what he says is his constitutional authority to adjourn both chambers of Congress to clear the way for recess appointments to his administration.
Trump said lawmakers have made it difficult to run the federal government, saying “every week, they put up roadblocks.” He says that the current practice of conducting “phony, pro-forma” sessions of Congress so that he can’t make recess appointments is a dereliction of duty that the American people cannot afford during the coronavirus crisis.
He complained that some of his nominees have waited years for approval, though previous presidents have leveled similar complaints.


pbs--2020-04-15--Louisiana GOP lawmakers block plan to expand early voting

BATON ROUGE , La .
— Republican state senators blocked an emergency plan to expand early voting and mail-in balloting @ @ @ @ @ July presidential primary , raising objections to wider use of vote-by-mail options for people worried @ @ @ @ @ to the coronavirus in one of the nation ’ s larger outbreaks .
GOP Secretary @ @ @ @ @ into a wall of opposition from his fellow Republicans — including objections from the state @ @ @ @ @ proposal .
A Senate committee packed with Republicans rejected an emergency certification that Ardoin needed @ @ @ @ @ changes to polling places , early voting timelines and absentee-by-mail voting eligibility .
The vote @ @ @ @ @ election is uncertain .
Senators suggested Ardoin should make changes and return with a new @ @ @ @ @ he wasn ’ t certain he could negotiate a redesigned plan in time to order @ @ @ @ @ to conduct a safe election , such as additional voting equipment and protective gear for @ @ @

BATON ROUGE, La. — Republican state senators blocked an emergency plan to expand early voting and mail-in balloting options for Louisiana’s July presidential primary, raising objections to wider use of vote-by-mail options for people worried about the risk of exposure to the coronavirus in one of the nation’s larger outbreaks.
GOP Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin ran into a wall of opposition from his fellow Republicans — including objections from the state Republican Party — for his proposal. A Senate committee packed with Republicans rejected an emergency certification that Ardoin needed to move ahead with the changes to polling places, early voting timelines and absentee-by-mail voting eligibility.
The vote’s impact on the election is uncertain. Senators suggested Ardoin should make changes and return with a new proposal, but Ardoin warned he wasn’t certain he could negotiate a redesigned plan in time to order the supplies he would need to conduct a safe election, such as additional voting equipment and protective gear for poll workers.


pbs--2020-04-15--Mnuchin, Schumer rev up talks as small business aid runs dry

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — With a key coronavirus rescue fund nearly exhausted , negotiations are accelerating in Washington over President Donald Trump ’ s $ 250 billion emergency request to help smaller employers across the country keep workers on their payroll .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin spoke Wednesday morning about legislation to shore up a paycheck subsidy program that has nearly reached its $ 349 billion lending limit .
House and Senate aides were set to meet with Treasury officials later in the day .
Reaching a deal won ’ t be easy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requiring consensus from all sides for any legislation to pass , and top GOP leaders are vowing to stick closely to Trump ’ s request despite Democratic demands .
Long-standing feuds and rivalries hang over the talks , including a toxic relationship between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Trump .
But the unprecedented legislative environment gives Democrats considerable influence , even if their funding requests for hospitals and state and local governments may have to be scaled back significantly or dropped , at least for now .
Democrats blocked a fast-track bid to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans in turn stymied their efforts for additional funding for other priorities in a brief debate that was mostly a messaging exercise .
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , had no comment , according to spokesman David Popp .
The Senate is away from Washington through May 4 , though it convenes twice each week for pro forma sessions that could be used to pass more coronavirus aid — though only if no senator objects .
With leaders unable to readily summon lawmakers to Washington , the usual power dynamics are scrambled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy , R-Calif. , for example , can stymie legislation more easily than if members are present , and Pelosi , D-Calif. , can not rule the House with her typical tight grip .
“ Tell Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi to STOP blocking critical funding for small businesses .
The Paycheck Protection Program is about to run out of money — millions of jobs are hanging in the balance .
Congress MUST ACT !
” McCarthy wrote Tuesday on Twitter .
At issue is a $ 350 billion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centerpiece of last month ’ s $ 2.2 trillion rescue bill .
The program gives grants to businesses with fewer than 500 workers so that they can maintain payroll and pay rent while shutting down their businesses during social distancing edicts .
The program is quickly running dry after being open for only a matter of days , though it ’ s unclear how much money has actually been distributed to businesses .
Mnuchin says an additional $ 250 billion is needed immediately .
But Democrats want money for hospitals burdened under COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local governments straining as the economy slides into recession .
Democrats also want to make sure the paycheck protection program is opened up more to businesses that don ’ t have established relationships with banks that have been accepting applications for rescue funding .
“ We can not allow the billions , hundreds of billions of dollars being spent to fight the horror of the coronavirus and the impact on our economy to further harden the disparity of the lack of access to credit for so many in the small business community , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She also reiterated demands for “ desperate state and local governments ” and hospitals .
Pelosi is pressing to add money to be distributed by community development financial institutions , which are small , nontraditional lenders that focus on making loans in underdeveloped and underserved neighborhoods , typically communities with larger minority populations .
The outlook for the legislation is unclear at best , and negotiators may not be able to meet a potential deadline of Thursday afternoon ’ s pro forma session .
Eventually , the need for consensus seems likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I don ’ t see big new issues being put in the mix here , ” said Steve Elmendorf , a veteran Democratic lobbyist .
“ It ’ s a matter of adding money to things they ’ ve already done so long as the amounts aren ’ t out of whack with reality , ” said Hazen Marshall , a former GOP leadership aide who lobbies Congress .
“ They can probably thread this needle if they can just keep it to money.
” Where the negotiation heads isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agitating to help rural hospitals , while Democrats are also keen to boost aid to cash-strapped states and local governments whose revenues have cratered .
Aiding the states may be a stretch for now , however , as the issue can easily provoke fights between large , high-tax states like California and New York and smaller states more typically run by Republicans .
Senate Democrats are already eyeing the next coronavirus bill , proposing that it include $ 30 billion for a comprehensive federal plan to ramp up testing and its supply chain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ability to trace the spread of COVID-19 .
Greater access to testing is a key element to have in place in order to reopen the economy , as Trump is itching to do .
The proposal envisions emergency money to quickly scale up testing and develop a pipeline to ensure an adequate supply of material .
“ We need testing to be fast , free , and everywhere , ” said Schumer , D-N.Y. Associated Press writer Laurie Kellman contributed to this report from Washington .

WASHINGTON (AP) — With a key coronavirus rescue fund nearly exhausted, negotiations are accelerating in Washington over President Donald Trump’s $250 billion emergency request to help smaller employers across the country keep workers on their payroll.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin spoke Wednesday morning about legislation to shore up a paycheck subsidy program that has nearly reached its $349 billion lending limit. House and Senate aides were set to meet with Treasury officials later in the day.
Reaching a deal won’t be easy. The Capitol is largely shuttered, requiring consensus from all sides for any legislation to pass, and top GOP leaders are vowing to stick closely to Trump’s request despite Democratic demands. Long-standing feuds and rivalries hang over the talks, including a toxic relationship between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Trump.
With leaders unable to readily summon lawmakers to Washington, the usual power dynamics are scrambled, especially in the House.
But the unprecedented legislative environment gives Democrats considerable influence, even if their funding requests for hospitals and state and local governments may have to be scaled back significantly or dropped, at least for now. Democrats blocked a fast-track bid to pass the funding last week, and Republicans in turn stymied their efforts for additional funding for other priorities in a brief debate that was mostly a messaging exercise.
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., had no comment, according to spokesman David Popp. The Senate is away from Washington through May 4, though it convenes twice each week for pro forma sessions that could be used to pass more coronavirus aid — though only if no senator objects.
With leaders unable to readily summon lawmakers to Washington, the usual power dynamics are scrambled, especially in the House. There, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., for example, can stymie legislation more easily than if members are present, and Pelosi, D-Calif., cannot rule the House with her typical tight grip.
“Tell Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi to STOP blocking critical funding for small businesses. The Paycheck Protection Program is about to run out of money — millions of jobs are hanging in the balance. Congress MUST ACT!” McCarthy wrote Tuesday on Twitter.
At issue is a $350 billion paycheck protection program that’s a centerpiece of last month’s $2.2 trillion rescue bill. The program gives grants to businesses with fewer than 500 workers so that they can maintain payroll and pay rent while shutting down their businesses during social distancing edicts.
The program is quickly running dry after being open for only a matter of days, though it’s unclear how much money has actually been distributed to businesses. Mnuchin says an additional $250 billion is needed immediately.
But Democrats want money for hospitals burdened under COVID-19 caseloads and additional funding for states and local governments straining as the economy slides into recession.
Democrats also want to make sure the paycheck protection program is opened up more to businesses that don’t have established relationships with banks that have been accepting applications for rescue funding.
“We cannot allow the billions, hundreds of billions of dollars being spent to fight the horror of the coronavirus and the impact on our economy to further harden the disparity of the lack of access to credit for so many in the small business community,” Pelosi said Wednesday afternoon on CNN. She also reiterated demands for “desperate state and local governments” and hospitals.
Pelosi is pressing to add money to be distributed by community development financial institutions, which are small, nontraditional lenders that focus on making loans in underdeveloped and underserved neighborhoods, typically communities with larger minority populations.
The outlook for the legislation is unclear at best, and negotiators may not be able to meet a potential deadline of Thursday afternoon’s pro forma session.
Eventually, the need for consensus seems likely to result in a relatively limited package.
“I don’t see big new issues being put in the mix here,” said Steve Elmendorf, a veteran Democratic lobbyist.
“It’s a matter of adding money to things they’ve already done so long as the amounts aren’t out of whack with reality,” said Hazen Marshall, a former GOP leadership aide who lobbies Congress. “They can probably thread this needle if they can just keep it to money.”
Where the negotiation heads isn’t clear, but Republicans are increasingly agitating to help rural hospitals, while Democrats are also keen to boost aid to cash-strapped states and local governments whose revenues have cratered. Aiding the states may be a stretch for now, however, as the issue can easily provoke fights between large, high-tax states like California and New York and smaller states more typically run by Republicans.
Senate Democrats are already eyeing the next coronavirus bill, proposing that it include $30 billion for a comprehensive federal plan to ramp up testing and its supply chain for diagnostic materials, as well as the ability to trace the spread of COVID-19.
Greater access to testing is a key element to have in place in order to reopen the economy, as Trump is itching to do. The proposal envisions emergency money to quickly scale up testing and develop a pipeline to ensure an adequate supply of material.
“We need testing to be fast, free, and everywhere,” said Schumer, D-N.Y.
Associated Press writer Laurie Kellman contributed to this report from Washington.


pbs--2020-04-15--CEOs raise concerns, urge caution as Trump looks to reopen economy

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — President Donald Trump consulted with dozens of high-profile CEOs , union officials and other executives Wednesday on how to get the nation ’ s economy moving again and received a mixed message from the industry leaders : They , too , want to get the economy going but they have worries about whether there are enough coronavirus tests available to ensure workers can safely return to the job .
In a tweet midway through Trump ’ s round of four conference calls with the executives , the president said the participants were “ all-in on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon.
” But participants in a morning call that included the heads of CIGNA insurance , Jimmy John ’ s fast food chain and dozens of other leading American companies raised concerns about the testing issue , according to one participant who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the private discussion .
Mark Cuban , the billionaire entrepreneur and owner of the Dallas Mavericks , was among several representatives from major sports leagues to speak with Trump .
He credited the president during a Fox News interview with gathering some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help shape his approach on reopening the economy .
Still , Cuban did not embrace Trump ’ s push to reopen parts of the economy May 1 .
“ This is such a moving target that I think the biggest mistake we can make is rush to a decision , ” said Cuban , who previously had been critical of Trump ’ s response to the pandemic .
“ But I ’ m going to help him in every way I can , whatever he needs me to do.
” The president ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s new Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups come as Trump says he ’ s looking at relaxing some of the social distancing guidelines his administration put in place last month to help stem the disease .
Trump said he would consult with them on the best way to resume economic activity while protecting public health .
But the panel also could help give Trump a measure of cover .
If cases surge once restrictions are lifted , as many experts have warned , Trump will be able to tell the public he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation ’ s top minds — from manufacturing to defense to technology — helped shape the plan .
A participant in one of the afternoon calls , who also spoke on condition of anonymity , said leaders “ made a point of saying that , yes , we need to get the country back to work , but we need to do it safely.
” The launch of the council was not without hiccups .
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka didn ’ t know until he heard his name announced in the Rose Garden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the advisory group , according to Carolyn Bobb , a spokeswoman for the union .
“ We were not asked , ” Bobb said in an email .
It was “ just announced .
”

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump consulted with dozens of high-profile CEOs, union officials and other executives Wednesday on how to get the nation’s economy moving again and received a mixed message from the industry leaders: They, too, want to get the economy going but they have worries about whether there are enough coronavirus tests available to ensure workers can safely return to the job.
In a tweet midway through Trump’s round of four conference calls with the executives, the president said the participants were “all-in on getting America back to work, and soon.”
But participants in a morning call that included the heads of CIGNA insurance, Jimmy John’s fast food chain and dozens of other leading American companies raised concerns about the testing issue, according to one participant who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe the private discussion.
Mark Cuban, the billionaire entrepreneur and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, was among several representatives from major sports leagues to speak with Trump. He credited the president during a Fox News interview with gathering some of the “best of the best” to help shape his approach on reopening the economy. Still, Cuban did not embrace Trump’s push to reopen parts of the economy May 1.
“This is such a moving target that I think the biggest mistake we can make is rush to a decision,” said Cuban, who previously had been critical of Trump’s response to the pandemic. “But I’m going to help him in every way I can, whatever he needs me to do.”
The president’s calls with members of Trump’s new Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups come as Trump says he’s looking at relaxing some of the social distancing guidelines his administration put in place last month to help stem the disease.
Trump said he would consult with them on the best way to resume economic activity while protecting public health.
But the panel also could help give Trump a measure of cover. If cases surge once restrictions are lifted, as many experts have warned, Trump will be able to tell the public he didn’t act alone and the nation’s top minds — from manufacturing to defense to technology — helped shape the plan.
A participant in one of the afternoon calls, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said leaders “made a point of saying that, yes, we need to get the country back to work, but we need to do it safely.”
The launch of the council was not without hiccups.
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka didn’t know until he heard his name announced in the Rose Garden on Tuesday that he would be part of the advisory group, according to Carolyn Bobb, a spokeswoman for the union.
“We were not asked,” Bobb said in an email. It was “just announced.”
Madhani reported from Chicago.


pbs--2020-04-15--Millions of Americans are receiving relief payments this week, but who is being left out?

Last month , Congress passed a historic $ 2.2 trillion aid package aimed at easing the financial burden facing state governments , businesses and American families during the coronavirus pandemic .
As part of this legislation , the majority of Americans are eligible to receive one-time cash payments — $ 1,200 for most — but for some , accessing those funds is a confusing and complicated process , while others were completely left out of this part of the relief plan .
According to the Treasury Department , more than 80 million people will receive their “ Economic Impact Payments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But tens of thousands of the country ’ s most vulnerable residents will not receive this form of financial assistance this week — or , in some cases , at all .
Undocumented immigrants and adult dependents don ’ t qualify .
Lower income individuals and those with disabilities will , in some cases , face extra hurdles in seeking to claim the money .
And inconsistent communication about the legislation from lawmakers and the U.S. Department of Treasury has raised questions over who exactly qualifies for the relief and why certain groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not provided an estimate of how many individuals or households in total are expected to receive payments .
A key requirement for the majority of recipients is to have filed taxes for at least one of the last two years .
Experts say the tax return system offers one of the largest avenues for the government to disburse relief money because it usually contains updated financial and contact information for most U.S. residents .
And because eligibility for the payments is based on income , tax returns help the government identify who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with an adjusted gross income of $ 75,000 or less will receive a $ 1,200 payment .
Married couples who file jointly and make $ 150,000 or less in combined income will receive $ 2,400 .
Parents in these brackets will also receive a $ 500 credit for each qualifying child dependent under the age of 17 .
Individuals making more than $ 75,000 but less than $ 99,000 , and couples making more than $ 150,000 but less than $ 198,000 will also receive payments and child credits .
But these payments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every $ 100 dollars above the $ 75,000 and $ 150,000 thresholds .
While tax filings are being used to determine who receives payments , not everyone who qualifies for aid files taxes .
Philadelphia resident Robin Bicoff , 54 , says she hasn ’ t worked a paying job since January 2018 when she became a full-time caretaker for her 90-year-old father after he had a heart attack .
Bicoff did not file taxes in that time , and initially believed this disqualified her from receiving a relief check .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m under the radar .
Without paying taxes to anything , they don ’ t know who you are .
They don ’ t know you exist , ” Bicoff said .
Bicoff , who does qualify for the relief money , decided to submit a tax return with the hope of receiving the $ 1,200 payment .
She listed an income of about $ 20 from a festival she worked in 2018 .
An estimated 20-30 million people in the United States do not file federal income taxes .
That includes millions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 12,200 annual threshold to require they file taxes .
Many recipients of government programs like Social Security , veterans benefits and disability insurance also may not be required to file taxes .
In order to receive a payment , however , some of these non-filers will need to still submit information to the IRS .
In an attempt to help eligible non-filers claim their money , the IRS established an online form where they can enter their addresses , banking and other financial information in a more simplified way , rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Bicoff did .
A source of confusion in the policy ’ s rollout stems from ambiguity about who needs to take additional steps before receiving any money .
Three days after the measure passed , the Treasury Department said Social Security retirement recipients would have to file a “ simple ” return despite an exemption written into the law .
After public backlash and pressure from Congress , the department reversed course on April 1 , stating that these seniors would automatically receive the money .
This shift initially did not appear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recipients , but the department quietly made a change to its website saying they , too , would receive automatic payments .
On Wednesday , the department also extended automatic payments for Social Security Income recipients .
Kelly Phillips Erb , a tax attorney who runs the website Taxgirl.com , said she had received hundreds of emails from people with questions about their eligibility and about whether they will lose existing benefits by claiming the money — which , she said , they won ’ t .
“ I ’ m generally not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to administer social policy .
… I do think this could have been thought out better , ” Erb said .
“ You don ’ t know when a major economic crisis is going to happen , but you know that there ’ s a possibility you might have to do something like this.
” Among those who will need to submit information to the IRS ’ web tool in order to receive the payment are low-income non-filers and veteran beneficiaries , though the department said it is working to secure fast payment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that its online form should only take these non-filers a few minutes to fill out .
But even this won ’ t close the gap for many low-income or homeless people , said Anne Price , president of the Insight Center for Community Economic Development .
“ About 8.4 million households lack a banking account and 20 million are currently without home access to broadband because they simply can ’ t afford it , ” Price said .
Those 8.4 million households account for 14.1 million adults and 6.4 million children who were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation .
Another 24.2 million U.S. households — 48.9 million adults and 15.4 million children — were “ underbanked ” that same year , meaning they typically use money orders , check cashing stores or payday lending .
Unbanked and underbanked rates are higher among lower-income , less-educated and younger households , working-age disabled households , black and Hispanic households , and households that already have “ volatile ” incomes that “ vary somewhat or a lot from month to month , ” according to the report .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ services , libraries with internet and other resources that might usually be available to assist these groups have been closed .
Possible remedies could include working with state and local government agencies to get information on non-filers , or distributing prepaid debit cards instead of checks and direct deposit , some economic experts said .
For U.S. adults who make less than $ 30,000 a year , 56 percent have broadband at home compared to 87 percent of people who make between $ 50,000 and $ 75,000 , according to 2019 data from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race , 61 percent of Hispanic adults in the U.S. and 66 percent of black adults are home broadband users , compared to 79 percent of white adults .
Beyond the potential challenges for those who are eligible in accessing the coronavirus aid , there are still others who have been completely left out and aren ’ t eligible .
Adults claimed as dependents , including many students and people with disabilities , will not receive anything .
Parents or guardians who claim adult children on their taxes also will not receive the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children under 17 .
On social media platforms , many are expressing their frustration with the decision to omit them .
“ It highlights the very specific failures of the American social safety net , ” said Jarod Majeika , 20 , a student at the University of Southern California .
“ It ’ s disappointing beyond measure to me that sending one-time $ 1,200 checks to Americans — and not even all Americans — is the best [ lawmakers ] could come up with.
” Majeika is claimed on his mother ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his two campus jobs because of school closures and can no longer afford his rent .
Yazmin Franco , 25 , came to the U.S. from Mexico as a child , but is temporarily protected from deportation under the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program .
Some DACA recipients like Franco who have social security cards are eligible for payments ; Franco ’ s parents , however , are among the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States who aren ’ t eligible for the payment .
Franco ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a grocery store position , and her father also lost his job as a landscaper due to the pandemic .
In addition to daily living expenses , Franco ’ s father has to pay for insulin to treat his diabetes without health insurance .
“ Having an underlying condition like my dad does , it ’ s such a horrible feeling to not be sure what would happen to him if he were to get sick with the coronavirus , ” Franco said .
The legislation excludes “ any nonresident alien ” foreigners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ denies the money to eligible taxpayers who either file a joint tax return with an undocumented person or claim an undocumented child , said Francine Lipman , a tax expert and professor with the University of Nevada , Las Vegas School of Law .
Many noncitizens who work and pay taxes , including undocumented immigrants and those with legal work visas , have lost jobs as a result of the pandemic .
H-1 , TN , and O-1 work visa holders are considered resident aliens and can receive aid only if they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to meet the “ substantial presence ” test .
A number of Democratic lawmakers are pushing to include adult dependents and undocumented workers in the next aid package that is currently being debated by lawmakers .
Some Republicans are pushing back .
“ House Democrats are already demanding that illegal immigrants receive benefits in the next # coronavirus aid package , ” Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan tweeted last week .
“ Seriously ?
That can ’ t happen while so many American families are struggling.
” Economic relief efforts in the U.S. have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
President Franklin Delano Roosevelt ’ s New Deal — a series of social and economic stimulus programs that helped the country recover from the Great Depression — discriminated against black , domestic and agricultural workers .
Agricultural and domestic workers , many of whom were minorities , were excluded from coverage under the Social Security Act of 1935 .
Whites had more job opportunities to choose from and received higher wages .
The Federal Housing Authority established as part of the New Deal reinforced segregation by refusing to issue mortgages in African @ @ @ @ @ @ @ redlining still continues to affect property values today .
READ MORE : The fight over the next coronavirus aid package , explained More recently , a stimulus package implemented during the 2008 recession raised similar concerns to the 2020 relief package .
Nina Olson , then a tax advocate with the IRS , testified before Congress in 2008 that non-filers face barriers affecting their ability to claim stimulus money .
Treasury Department data indicates that about 3.4 million of the 15 million eligible Social Security and Veterans Affairs beneficiaries did not successfully file @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As lawmakers consider another aid package , tax and economic advocates urge lawmakers to consider how this legislation will shape society for years to come .
“ Any types of inequality that we ’ re writing into policy now are going to have a reverberation moving forward — both in terms of policy precedent and in terms of uneven distribution of resources , ” said Amy Castro Baker , a professor with the University of Pennsylvania and a lead researcher with the universal basic income program in Stockton , California .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ multigenerational way , ” said Price of the Insight Center .
“ We know these policies have long-term implications that we should take very seriously .
This is going to have a real ripple effect .
”

Last month, Congress passed a historic $2.2 trillion aid package aimed at easing the financial burden facing state governments, businesses and American families during the coronavirus pandemic. As part of this legislation, the majority of Americans are eligible to receive one-time cash payments — $1,200 for most — but for some, accessing those funds is a confusing and complicated process, while others were completely left out of this part of the relief plan.
According to the Treasury Department, more than 80 million people will receive their “Economic Impact Payments” this week through direct deposit.
But tens of thousands of the country’s most vulnerable residents will not receive this form of financial assistance this week — or, in some cases, at all. Undocumented immigrants and adult dependents don’t qualify. Lower income individuals and those with disabilities will, in some cases, face extra hurdles in seeking to claim the money. And inconsistent communication about the legislation from lawmakers and the U.S. Department of Treasury has raised questions over who exactly qualifies for the relief and why certain groups are left out.
The Treasury Department has not provided an estimate of how many individuals or households in total are expected to receive payments. A key requirement for the majority of recipients is to have filed taxes for at least one of the last two years.
It’s sort of like I’m under the radar. Without paying taxes to anything, they don’t know who you are. They don’t know you exist.”
Experts say the tax return system offers one of the largest avenues for the government to disburse relief money because it usually contains updated financial and contact information for most U.S. residents. And because eligibility for the payments is based on income, tax returns help the government identify who should receive a relief check.
Individuals with an adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less will receive a $1,200 payment. Married couples who file jointly and make $150,000 or less in combined income will receive $2,400. Parents in these brackets will also receive a $500 credit for each qualifying child dependent under the age of 17. Individuals making more than $75,000 but less than $99,000, and couples making more than $150,000 but less than $198,000 will also receive payments and child credits. But these payments will be reduced by $5 for every $100 dollars above the $75,000 and $150,000 thresholds.
While tax filings are being used to determine who receives payments, not everyone who qualifies for aid files taxes. Philadelphia resident Robin Bicoff, 54, says she hasn’t worked a paying job since January 2018 when she became a full-time caretaker for her 90-year-old father after he had a heart attack. Bicoff did not file taxes in that time, and initially believed this disqualified her from receiving a relief check. “It’s sort of like I’m under the radar. Without paying taxes to anything, they don’t know who you are. They don’t know you exist,” Bicoff said.
Bicoff, who does qualify for the relief money, decided to submit a tax return with the hope of receiving the $1,200 payment. She listed an income of about $20 from a festival she worked in 2018.
An estimated 20-30 million people in the United States do not file federal income taxes. That includes millions of people whose incomes are below the $12,200 annual threshold to require they file taxes. Many recipients of government programs like Social Security, veterans benefits and disability insurance also may not be required to file taxes. In order to receive a payment, however, some of these non-filers will need to still submit information to the IRS.
In an attempt to help eligible non-filers claim their money, the IRS established an online form where they can enter their addresses, banking and other financial information in a more simplified way, rather than attempting to file a standard tax return as Bicoff did.
A source of confusion in the policy’s rollout stems from ambiguity about who needs to take additional steps before receiving any money. Three days after the measure passed, the Treasury Department said Social Security retirement recipients would have to file a “simple” return despite an exemption written into the law.
After public backlash and pressure from Congress, the department reversed course on April 1, stating that these seniors would automatically receive the money. This shift initially did not appear to apply to Social Security Disability Insurance recipients, but the department quietly made a change to its website saying they, too, would receive automatic payments. On Wednesday, the department also extended automatic payments for Supplemental Security Income recipients.
Kelly Phillips Erb, a tax attorney who runs the website Taxgirl.com, said she had received hundreds of emails from people with questions about their eligibility and about whether they will lose existing benefits by claiming the money — which, she said, they won’t.
“I’m generally not a fan of using the tax code to administer social policy. … I do think this could have been thought out better,” Erb said. “You don’t know when a major economic crisis is going to happen, but you know that there’s a possibility you might have to do something like this.”
Among those who will need to submit information to the IRS’ web tool in order to receive the payment are low-income non-filers and veteran beneficiaries, though the department said it is working to secure fast payment to vulnerable groups. The department added that its online form should only take these non-filers a few minutes to fill out.
But even this won’t close the gap for many low-income or homeless people, said Anne Price, president of the Insight Center for Community Economic Development.
“About 8.4 million households lack a banking account and 20 million are currently without home access to broadband because they simply can’t afford it,” Price said.
Those 8.4 million households account for 14.1 million adults and 6.4 million children who were “unbanked” in 2017, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Another 24.2 million U.S. households — 48.9 million adults and 15.4 million children — were “underbanked” that same year, meaning they typically use money orders, check cashing stores or payday lending.
Unbanked and underbanked rates are higher among lower-income, less-educated and younger households, working-age disabled households, black and Hispanic households, and households that already have “volatile” incomes that “vary somewhat or a lot from month to month,” according to the report.
Amid a pandemic, in-person tax preparation services, libraries with internet and other resources that might usually be available to assist these groups have been closed. Possible remedies could include working with state and local government agencies to get information on non-filers, or distributing prepaid debit cards instead of checks and direct deposit, some economic experts said. Waiting for a relief payment in the form of a paper check will take longer, possibly months.
It highlights the very specific failures of the American social safety net.”
For U.S. adults who make less than $30,000 a year, 56 percent have broadband at home compared to 87 percent of people who make between $50,000 and $75,000, according to 2019 data from Pew Research. When it comes to race, 61 percent of Hispanic adults in the U.S. and 66 percent of black adults are home broadband users, compared to 79 percent of white adults.
Beyond the potential challenges for those who are eligible in accessing the coronavirus aid, there are still others who have been completely left out and aren’t eligible. Adults claimed as dependents, including many students and people with disabilities, will not receive anything. Parents or guardians who claim adult children on their taxes also will not receive the $500 credit provided to those with children under 17. On social media platforms, many are expressing their frustration with the decision to omit them.
“It highlights the very specific failures of the American social safety net,” said Jarod Majeika, 20, a student at the University of Southern California. “It’s disappointing beyond measure to me that sending one-time $1,200 checks to Americans — and not even all Americans — is the best [lawmakers] could come up with.” Majeika is claimed on his mother’s taxes, but has lost one of his two campus jobs because of school closures and can no longer afford his rent.
Yazmin Franco, 25, came to the U.S. from Mexico as a child, but is temporarily protected from deportation under the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Some DACA recipients like Franco who have social security cards are eligible for payments; Franco’s parents, however, are among the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States who aren’t eligible for the payment. Franco’s mother was recently laid off from a grocery store position, and her father also lost his job as a landscaper due to the pandemic. In addition to daily living expenses, Franco’s father has to pay for insulin to treat his diabetes without health insurance. “Having an underlying condition like my dad does, it’s such a horrible feeling to not be sure what would happen to him if he were to get sick with the coronavirus,” Franco said.
The legislation excludes “any nonresident alien” foreigners from receiving money. The law also denies the money to eligible taxpayers who either file a joint tax return with an undocumented person or claim an undocumented child, said Francine Lipman, a tax expert and professor with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Law.
Many noncitizens who work and pay taxes, including undocumented immigrants and those with legal work visas, have lost jobs as a result of the pandemic. H-1, TN, and O-1 work visa holders are considered resident aliens and can receive aid only if they’ve been in the U.S. long enough to meet the “substantial presence” test.
A number of Democratic lawmakers are pushing to include adult dependents and undocumented workers in the next aid package that is currently being debated by lawmakers. Some Republicans are pushing back. “House Democrats are already demanding that illegal immigrants receive benefits in the next #coronavirus aid package,” Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan tweeted last week. “Seriously? That can’t happen while so many American families are struggling.”
Economic relief efforts in the U.S. have long faced criticism for excluding vulnerable populations. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal — a series of social and economic stimulus programs that helped the country recover from the Great Depression — discriminated against black, domestic and agricultural workers.
Agricultural and domestic workers, many of whom were minorities, were excluded from coverage under the Social Security Act of 1935. Whites had more job opportunities to choose from and received higher wages. The Federal Housing Authority established as part of the New Deal reinforced segregation by refusing to issue mortgages in African American neighborhoods. That practice known as redlining still continues to affect property values today.
READ MORE: The fight over the next coronavirus aid package, explained
More recently, a stimulus package implemented during the 2008 recession raised similar concerns to the 2020 relief package. Nina Olson, then a tax advocate with the IRS, testified before Congress in 2008 that non-filers face barriers affecting their ability to claim stimulus money. Treasury Department data indicates that about 3.4 million of the 15 million eligible Social Security and Veterans Affairs beneficiaries did not successfully file a return to claim stimulus money.
As lawmakers consider another aid package, tax and economic advocates urge lawmakers to consider how this legislation will shape society for years to come. “Any types of inequality that we’re writing into policy now are going to have a reverberation moving forward — both in terms of policy precedent and in terms of uneven distribution of resources,” said Amy Castro Baker, a professor with the University of Pennsylvania and a lead researcher with the universal basic income program in Stockton, California.
“I try to think about this in a multigenerational way,” said Price of the Insight Center. “We know these policies have long-term implications that we should take very seriously. This is going to have a real ripple effect.”


pbs--2020-04-15--Federal lawsuit challenges Idaho's transgender sports ban

BOISE , Idaho — Two civil rights groups filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday challenging a new Idaho law banning transgender women from competing in women ’ s sports , the first such law in the nation .
The American Civil Liberties Union and Legal Voice filed the lawsuit contending the law violates the U.S. Constitution because it is discriminatory and an invasion of privacy .
The groups also said the law scheduled to take effect July 1 is a violation of Title IX , the 1972 law that bars sex discrimination in education .
The groups in the 60-page lawsuit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from enforcing the law .
Republican Gov .
Brad Little late last month signed into law the measure that received overwhelming support in the Republican-dominated House and Senate , but no support from Democrats .
The ban applies to all sports teams sponsored by public schools , colleges and universities .
A girls ’ or women ’ s team will not be open to transgender students who identify as female .
Backers said the law , called the Fairness in Women ’ s Sports Act , is needed because transgender female athletes have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contends the law violates the 14th Amendment ’ s Equal Protection Clause because it is discriminatory and the 4th Amendment ’ s protections against invasion of privacy because of tests required should an athlete ’ s gender be challenged .
READ MORE : Justice Department sides with lawsuit that opposes treating trans athletes as girls Two plaintiffs are bringing the lawsuit .
One is an unnamed Boise area high school student who is cisgender .
Cisgender refers to someone whose gender identity corresponds with the sex the person was identified as having at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 19 , who will be a sophomore this fall at Boise State University and hopes to qualify for the women ’ s cross-country team .
She competed on the boys ’ team at a Moorpark , California , high school before transitioning after graduating .
“ I would like to compete as a female , ” she said in an interview with The Associated Press .
“ We shouldn ’ t have our privacy invaded .
If people started questioning me , I wouldn ’ t want to be subjected to multiple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowing transgender athletes to compete .
But the sponsor of the Idaho law , Republican Barbara Ehardt , has called the NCAA policy “ permissive.
” Ehardt has said that allowing transgender athletes on girls ’ and women ’ s teams would negate nearly 50 years of progress women have made since the 1972 Title IX legislation that ’ s credited with opening up sports to female athletes , and along with it scholarships and other opportunities .
Earlier this year in Connecticut , the families of three female high school runners filed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ athletes from participating in girls sports .
The families contend that allowing athletes with male anatomy to compete has deprived their daughters of track titles and scholarship opportunities .
Opponents of the Idaho law said it codified in state statute a government-mandated gynecological exam , likely causing some potential athletes to avoid sports .
They argued that anyone from a parent to an opposing player or someone with a grudge could require a student to take a humiliating test .
READ MORE : Girls sue to block participation of transgender athletes The law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are transgender and intersex and subjects all female athletes to the possibility of invasive genital and genetic screenings , ” said Gabriel Arkles , senior staff attorney with the ACLU .
“ Alongside Idahoans throughout the state , we have been fighting this hateful , unconstitutional legislation since it was introduced , ” said ACLU of Idaho Legal Director Ritchie Eppink .
The Idaho law is one of two anti-transgender bills signed into law by Little in March , making Idaho the first among states that introduced some 40 such bills this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law taking effect this summer prohibits transgender people from changing the sex listed on their birth certificates , and is almost certain to be challenged in court .
The birth certificate law ignores a 2018 federal court ruling that a past law barring transgender people from making the birth certificate changes violated the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution .
The judge scrapped the ban and warned against new rules .
The Idaho attorney general ’ s office , which didn ’ t appeal the ruling , said it could cost $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defend the ban again and lost .
Peter Renn of Lambda Legal , the law firm that represented two transgender women whose lawsuit led to the court ruling , said Idaho can ’ t enforce that new law without violating a court order .
A third proposed Idaho law that would have criminalized treating transgender youth for dysphoria died in a House committee after the chairman decided to not have a vote on the measure .

BOISE, Idaho — Two civil rights groups filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday challenging a new Idaho law banning transgender women from competing in women’s sports, the first such law in the nation.
The American Civil Liberties Union and Legal Voice filed the lawsuit contending the law violates the U.S. Constitution because it is discriminatory and an invasion of privacy.
The groups also said the law scheduled to take effect July 1 is a violation of Title IX, the 1972 law that bars sex discrimination in education.
The groups in the 60-page lawsuit ask the court to permanently prevent Idaho from enforcing the law.
Republican Gov. Brad Little late last month signed into law the measure that received overwhelming support in the Republican-dominated House and Senate, but no support from Democrats.
The ban applies to all sports teams sponsored by public schools, colleges and universities. A girls’ or women’s team will not be open to transgender students who identify as female.
Backers said the law, called the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, is needed because transgender female athletes have physical advantages.
Specifically, the lawsuit contends the law violates the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause because it is discriminatory and the 4th Amendment’s protections against invasion of privacy because of tests required should an athlete’s gender be challenged.
READ MORE: Justice Department sides with lawsuit that opposes treating trans athletes as girls
Two plaintiffs are bringing the lawsuit. One is an unnamed Boise area high school student who is cisgender. Cisgender refers to someone whose gender identity corresponds with the sex the person was identified as having at birth.
The other is Lindsay Hecox, 19, who will be a sophomore this fall at Boise State University and hopes to qualify for the women’s cross-country team. She competed on the boys’ team at a Moorpark, California, high school before transitioning after graduating.
“I would like to compete as a female,” she said in an interview with The Associated Press. “We shouldn’t have our privacy invaded. If people started questioning me, I wouldn’t want to be subjected to multiple tests.”
The NCAA has a policy allowing transgender athletes to compete. But the sponsor of the Idaho law, Republican Barbara Ehardt, has called the NCAA policy “permissive.”
Ehardt has said that allowing transgender athletes on girls’ and women’s teams would negate nearly 50 years of progress women have made since the 1972 Title IX legislation that’s credited with opening up sports to female athletes, and along with it scholarships and other opportunities.
Earlier this year in Connecticut, the families of three female high school runners filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block transgender athletes from participating in girls sports. The families contend that allowing athletes with male anatomy to compete has deprived their daughters of track titles and scholarship opportunities.
Opponents of the Idaho law said it codified in state statute a government-mandated gynecological exam, likely causing some potential athletes to avoid sports. They argued that anyone from a parent to an opposing player or someone with a grudge could require a student to take a humiliating test.
READ MORE: Girls sue to block participation of transgender athletes
The law “illegally targets women and girls who are transgender and intersex and subjects all female athletes to the possibility of invasive genital and genetic screenings,” said Gabriel Arkles, senior staff attorney with the ACLU.
“Alongside Idahoans throughout the state, we have been fighting this hateful, unconstitutional legislation since it was introduced,” said ACLU of Idaho Legal Director Ritchie Eppink.
The Idaho law is one of two anti-transgender bills signed into law by Little in March, making Idaho the first among states that introduced some 40 such bills this year to enact them.
The other Idaho law taking effect this summer prohibits transgender people from changing the sex listed on their birth certificates, and is almost certain to be challenged in court.
The birth certificate law ignores a 2018 federal court ruling that a past law barring transgender people from making the birth certificate changes violated the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
The judge scrapped the ban and warned against new rules. The Idaho attorney general’s office, which didn’t appeal the ruling, said it could cost $1 million if the state had to defend the ban again and lost.
Peter Renn of Lambda Legal, the law firm that represented two transgender women whose lawsuit led to the court ruling, said Idaho can’t enforce that new law without violating a court order.
A third proposed Idaho law that would have criminalized treating transgender youth for dysphoria died in a House committee after the chairman decided to not have a vote on the measure.


pbs--2020-04-15--WATCH: Trump says data 'encouraging' for releasing guidelines on reopening the country

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump says data indicates the U.S. is “ past the peak ” of the COVID-19 epidemic @ @ @ @ @ his plans to roll out guidelines to begin to “ reopen ” the country .
@ @ @ @ @ with Congress over appointments Speaking during his daily press briefing , Trump called the latest @ @ @ @ @ saying they have “ put us in a very strong position to finalize guidelines for @ @ @ @ @ ” Trump said those guidelines will be unveiled Thursday at the White House .
The @ @ @ @ @ the way for an easing of social distancing guidelines in areas with low transmission of @ @ @ @ @ them in place in harder-hit places .
The ultimate decisions will remain with governors .
@ @ @ @ @ clash over path to reopening U.S. economy

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump says data indicates the U.S. is “past the peak” of the COVID-19 epidemic, clearing the way for his plans to roll out guidelines to begin to “reopen” the country.
READ MORE: Trump frustrated with Congress over appointments
Speaking during his daily press briefing, Trump called the latest data “encouraging,” saying they have “put us in a very strong position to finalize guidelines for states on reopening the country.” Trump said those guidelines will be unveiled Thursday at the White House.
The guidelines are expected to clear the way for an easing of social distancing guidelines in areas with low transmission of the coronavirus, while keeping them in place in harder-hit places. The ultimate decisions will remain with governors.
MORE: Trump, governors clash over path to reopening U.S. economy


pbs--2020-04-15--WATCH: Joe Biden holds virtual town hall

Former Vice President and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden will hold a virtual town hall Wednesday with individuals working @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus crisis .
The event is expected to begin at 3 p.m .
ET .
@ @ @ @ @ above .
On Tuesday former President Barack Obama endorsed Biden in a video message .
@ @ @ @ @ former 2020 rival Sen. Elizabeth Warren also officially endorsed Biden .

Former Vice President and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden will hold a virtual town hall Wednesday with individuals working on the frontlines of the coronavirus crisis.
The event is expected to begin at 3 p.m. ET. Watch in the video player above.
On Tuesday former President Barack Obama endorsed Biden in a video message. On Wednesday Biden’s former 2020 rival Sen. Elizabeth Warren also officially endorsed Biden.


pbs--2020-04-15--WATCH: Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser extends stay-at-home order through May 15

Washington , D.C. , Mayor Muriel Bowser has extended the city ’ s stay-at-home order through May 15 .
Watch @ @ @ @ @ the player above .
The mayor ’ s Wednesday announcement , which also extends the @ @ @ @ @ emergency , includes new regulations that require certain people to wear face masks , including @ @ @ @ @ ; hotel workers and guests ; and people using taxis , ride shares or private @ @ @ @ @ strongly encouraged people using public transit to wear face masks .
Nonessential businesses and schools @ @ @ @ @ closed through May 15 , the mayor said , promising additional guidance for D.C. ’ @ @ @ @ @ by the end of the week .
“ We know that we will need until @ @ @ @ @ continue flattening the curve , ” Bowser said .

Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser has extended the city’s stay-at-home order through May 15.
Watch Bowser’s remarks in the player above.
The mayor’s Wednesday announcement, which also extends the city’s state of emergency, includes new regulations that require certain people to wear face masks, including food service employees and customers; hotel workers and guests; and people using taxis, ride shares or private transportation.
The mayor also strongly encouraged people using public transit to wear face masks.
Nonessential businesses and schools in the city will remain closed through May 15, the mayor said, promising additional guidance for D.C.’s government offices and schools by the end of the week.
“We know that we will need until at least May 15 to continue flattening the curve,” Bowser said.


pbs--2020-04-15--5 questions about how the congressional relief bill could affect you and your family

Last month , Congress passed a $ 2.2 trillion coronavirus relief package focused on providing financial assistance to people and businesses affected by the virus — including a $ 1,200 check for many individuals .
But what could this bill — the largest government recovery measure in history — mean for you and your family ?
PBS NewsHour ’ s senior political reporter Dan Bush and correspondent Lisa Desjardins answered your questions about what the bill could mean for you , and how it fits into the context of the 2020 election .
Watch the video player above for answers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relief bill could affect you or your family .
You can also read highlights below .
Is there more relief money on its way ?
Though the initial coronavirus relief bill passed last month was a hefty $ 2.2 trillion , it will not be enough to support individuals and businesses should the economy continue to suffer from the ongoing pandemic in the coming months .
Some of the money from the coronavirus relief package , or CARES Act , such as funding that was allocated for small businesses , is already starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considering another stimulus bill that will provide more relief to Americans that have been affected by the financial downturn .
PBS NewsHour correspondent Lisa Desjardins said that this “ phase four ” stimulus has raised certain sticking points between Democrats and Republicans .
While the Trump administration has asked for $ 250 billion to support small businesses , Democrats argue funding should be better targeted to rural and under-served communities , as well as business owners who do not have access to large banks .
Democrats are also particularly concerned with securing more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as rural hospitals.
“ Both sides agree that all of these things will need more money .
Technically it ’ s a fight over what do you fund right now ?
What ’ s the most important thing , right now ?
” Desjardins said .
READ MORE : The fight over the next coronavirus aid package , explained Will recipients of the $ 1,200 relief check have to pay taxes on that money ?
A $ 1,200 relief payment started going out to those who qualify this week , and the IRS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ check on the status of your check .
In response to a question about whether or not this $ 1,200 payment would be taxed , Desjardins said that based on the legislation , it should not be , as it is considered a credit , not a deduction .
It is not taxable and Americans should not suffer losses as a result of it .
READ MORE : Millions of Americans are receiving relief payments this week , but who is being left out ?
She added that $ 1,200 is a credit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even Americans who pay no taxes are eligible to receive it .
There are upper income limits , so the check amounts start to decrease for individuals making $ 75,000 or more a year .
Desjardins specified that this is a tax credit for next year , so individuals who experience a loss of income this year can receive the $ 1,200 payment later on .
Individuals who rely on social security or are minimum-wage workers still qualify for this $ 1,200 payment , even if they did not pay taxes in recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go online , if they can , or find another way to contact the IRS and make sure that the IRS has them in the system to get them that money , ” Desjardins said .
Is there help available for farmers ?
Most farmers should be able to take out loans as a result of the relief bill , either through Economic Injury Disaster assistance or the Paycheck Protection Program , which gives business owners enough money to cover payroll for about two months .
The Small Business Administration said last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under which many farmers fall — do qualify for this money .
Desjardins said this means that if a farmer is the only employee of their business , they can get up to around $ 15,000 , meant to cover about eight weeks of pay .
“ For some farmers that will be a very big help .
For some … that ’ s not going to do it for this time of year , ” she said .
The hurdle may be finding a bank that is able to issue small business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one employee and you are a sole proprietor as a farmer , you should qualify for this money , and you should find a bank that can help you , ” Desjardins said , adding that all banks are likely to go online with the process eventually , it ’ s just a matter of which ones can do it right now .
When can we expect the economy to reopen ?
The Trump administration is already discussing “ reopening the economy ” from closures meant to slow the spread of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state and local officials are not all on the same page as the White House .
Virginia , for example , issued a stay-at-home order that is in effect until June 10 , with many other states extending restrictions into at least the middle of May .
The president earlier this week said he had “ total authority ” to reopen the economy , an argument which was countered by many U.S. mayors and governors .
Desjardins noted that the Tenth Amendment stipulates that powers not delegated to the president or Congress fall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received pushback from Democrats and Republicans alike for his efforts to exert total authority over the issue .
“ This has definitely never been tested , ” Desjardins said .
“ We are in uncharted territory right now.
” How will the coronavirus affect the 2020 presidential election ?
The coronavirus has drastically changed the trajectory of the 2020 presidential election , as candidates have had to shift their focus away from public rallies and campaign events to the digital space .
Last week , Sen. Bernie Sanders suspended his presidential campaign .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ vice president Joe Biden this week received coveted nominations from Sanders along with Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former president Barack Obama .
The question now is how Biden will direct his campaign over the next three months amid social distancing and continued stay-at-home orders in some states .
His campaign is pivoting to digital spaces , holding virtual town halls and livestreams that are open to the press .
And he is still seeking to connect with voters in states that had to postpone their primaries , even in the middle of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fight between Democrats and Republicans over how to conduct the Wisconsin primary .
While the state ’ s governor , Tony Evers , tried to postpone the election due to coronavirus concerns , he was overridden by both the state and U.S. Supreme Court .
This means that some voters headed to the polls in masks despite a stay-at-home order in the state .
The state did , however , see a huge surge in absentee voting in Wisconsin , which could play out in other upcoming primary contests .
Some Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while Democrats say this is a way to suppress the vote .
“ The Democratic position is , if this pandemic is still impacting in-person voting in the fall , they want as much unrestricted access to absentee balloting as possible , ” Dan Bush said .

Last month, Congress passed a $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief package focused on providing financial assistance to people and businesses affected by the virus — including a $1,200 check for many individuals. But what could this bill — the largest government recovery measure in history — mean for you and your family?
PBS NewsHour’s senior political reporter Dan Bush and correspondent Lisa Desjardins answered your questions about what the bill could mean for you, and how it fits into the context of the 2020 election.
Watch the video player above for answers to your questions about how the congressional relief bill could affect you or your family. You can also read highlights below.
Is there more relief money on its way?
Though the initial coronavirus relief bill passed last month was a hefty $2.2 trillion, it will not be enough to support individuals and businesses should the economy continue to suffer from the ongoing pandemic in the coming months. Some of the money from the coronavirus relief package, or CARES Act, such as funding that was allocated for small businesses, is already starting to run out. Lawmakers are already considering another stimulus bill that will provide more relief to Americans that have been affected by the financial downturn.
PBS NewsHour correspondent Lisa Desjardins said that this “phase four” stimulus has raised certain sticking points between Democrats and Republicans. While the Trump administration has asked for $250 billion to support small businesses, Democrats argue funding should be better targeted to rural and under-served communities, as well as business owners who do not have access to large banks. Democrats are also particularly concerned with securing more funding for state governments, as well as rural hospitals.“Both sides agree that all of these things will need more money. Technically it’s a fight over what do you fund right now? What’s the most important thing, right now?” Desjardins said.
READ MORE: The fight over the next coronavirus aid package, explained
Will recipients of the $1,200 relief check have to pay taxes on that money?
A $1,200 relief payment started going out to those who qualify this week, and the IRS recently launched a website where you can check on the status of your check. In response to a question about whether or not this $1,200 payment would be taxed, Desjardins said that based on the legislation, it should not be, as it is considered a credit, not a deduction. It is not taxable and Americans should not suffer losses as a result of it.
READ MORE: Millions of Americans are receiving relief payments this week, but who is being left out?
She added that $1,200 is a credit against any level of taxes, so even Americans who pay no taxes are eligible to receive it. There are upper income limits, so the check amounts start to decrease for individuals making $75,000 or more a year. Desjardins specified that this is a tax credit for next year, so individuals who experience a loss of income this year can receive the $1,200 payment later on.
Individuals who rely on social security or are minimum-wage workers still qualify for this $1,200 payment, even if they did not pay taxes in recent years. However, “they need to go online, if they can, or find another way to contact the IRS and make sure that the IRS has them in the system to get them that money,” Desjardins said.
Is there help available for farmers?
Most farmers should be able to take out loans as a result of the relief bill, either through Economic Injury Disaster assistance or the Paycheck Protection Program, which gives business owners enough money to cover payroll for about two months.
The Small Business Administration said last week that sole proprietors — a category under which many farmers fall — do qualify for this money. Desjardins said this means that if a farmer is the only employee of their business, they can get up to around $15,000, meant to cover about eight weeks of pay. “For some farmers that will be a very big help. For some … that’s not going to do it for this time of year,” she said.
The hurdle may be finding a bank that is able to issue small business loans. “If you have just one employee and you are a sole proprietor as a farmer, you should qualify for this money, and you should find a bank that can help you,” Desjardins said, adding that all banks are likely to go online with the process eventually, it’s just a matter of which ones can do it right now.
When can we expect the economy to reopen?
The Trump administration is already discussing “reopening the economy” from closures meant to slow the spread of the virus as soon as May 1.
But state and local officials are not all on the same page as the White House. Virginia, for example, issued a stay-at-home order that is in effect until June 10, with many other states extending restrictions into at least the middle of May.
The president earlier this week said he had “total authority” to reopen the economy, an argument which was countered by many U.S. mayors and governors. Desjardins noted that the Tenth Amendment stipulates that powers not delegated to the president or Congress fall to the states, and Trump has received pushback from Democrats and Republicans alike for his efforts to exert total authority over the issue. “This has definitely never been tested,” Desjardins said. “We are in uncharted territory right now.”
How will the coronavirus affect the 2020 presidential election?
The coronavirus has drastically changed the trajectory of the 2020 presidential election, as candidates have had to shift their focus away from public rallies and campaign events to the digital space.
Last week, Sen. Bernie Sanders suspended his presidential campaign. As the presumptive Democratic nominee, former vice president Joe Biden this week received coveted nominations from Sanders along with Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former president Barack Obama. The question now is how Biden will direct his campaign over the next three months amid social distancing and continued stay-at-home orders in some states. His campaign is pivoting to digital spaces, holding virtual town halls and livestreams that are open to the press. And he is still seeking to connect with voters in states that had to postpone their primaries, even in the middle of a public health crisis.
There was recently a fight between Democrats and Republicans over how to conduct the Wisconsin primary. While the state’s governor, Tony Evers, tried to postpone the election due to coronavirus concerns, he was overridden by both the state and U.S. Supreme Court. This means that some voters headed to the polls in masks despite a stay-at-home order in the state.
READ MORE: Record absentee ballots sustain turnout in Wisconsin primary
The state did, however, see a huge surge in absentee voting in Wisconsin, which could play out in other upcoming primary contests. Some Republicans have fought to limit mail-in voting, while Democrats say this is a way to suppress the vote. “The Democratic position is, if this pandemic is still impacting in-person voting in the fall, they want as much unrestricted access to absentee balloting as possible,” Dan Bush said.


pbs--2020-04-15--WATCH: Massachusetts governor gives coronavirus update

Massachusetts Gov .
Charlie Baker said his state is “ in the surge ” of the coronavirus outbreak .
In @ @ @ @ @ Baker talked about how the state is handling the outbreak , including its communication with @ @ @ @ @ Massachusetts has now seen more than 28,000 confirmed cases and more than 900 deaths from @ @ @ @ @ ’ s remarks in the video player above .

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker said his state is “in the surge” of the coronavirus outbreak.
In an April 15 update, Baker talked about how the state is handling the outbreak, including its communication with hospitals.
In total, Massachusetts has now seen more than 28,000 confirmed cases and more than 900 deaths from COVID-19.
Watch the governor’s remarks in the video player above.


pbs--2020-04-15--WATCH: Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon gives coronavirus update

Wyoming Gov .
Mark Gordon held a news conference to give an update on the state ’ s efforts to @ @ @ @ @ the governor ’ s remarks in the video player above .

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon held a news conference to give an update on the state’s efforts to fight novel coronavirus.
Watch the governor’s remarks in the video player above.


pbs--2020-04-15--EU blasts Trump's WHO funding cut during critical stage of pandemic

GENEVA — Nations around the world reacted with alarm Wednesday after President Donald Trump announced a halt to the sizable funding the United States sends to the World Health Organization .
Health experts warned the move could jeopardize global efforts to stop the coronavirus pandemic .
At a briefing in Washington , Trump said he was instructing his administration to halt funding for the WHO pending a review of its role “ in severely mismanaging and covering up the spread of the coronavirus.
” The United States is WHO ’ s largest single donor , contributing between $ 400 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Geneva-based agency in recent years .
Trump has repeatedly labelled COVID-19 the “ Chinese virus ” and criticized the U.N. health agency for being too lenient on China , where the novel virus first emerged late last year .
Outside experts have questioned China ’ s reported infections and deaths from the virus , calling them way too low and unreliable .
And an investigation by The Associated Press has found that s ix days of delays between when Chinese officials k new about the virus and when they warned the public allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health disaster .
The WHO has been particularly effusive in its praise for China , calling on other countries to emulate their approach and repeatedly praising their transparency .
WATCH : Trump announces he ’ ll direct WHO funding to be frozen during coronavirus briefing But China only agreed to a proposed WHO-led mission to investigate the coronavirus after WHO ’ s chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus personally paid a visit to Chinese President Xi Jinping , a highly unusual move to secure a country visit during an outbreak .
The European Union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason ” to freeze WHO funding at this critical stage and called for measures to promote unity instead of division .
Trudie Lang , a professor of global health research at Oxford University said attempts to hinder WHO ’ s work could have significant consequences for the pandemic response .
“ The reason we ’ re making such fast progress on diagnostics , vaccines and drugs is because of WHO ’ s role as a neutral broker , ” she said .
“ It ’ s their role to bring together the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — whose foundation was the second-largest donor to the WHO for its latest two-year budget , contributing over $ 530 million in 2018 and 2019 — wrote that stopping funding for WHO during a world health crisis “ is as dangerous as it sounds.
” “ Their work is slowing the spread of COVID-19 and if that work is stopped no other organization can replace them .
The world needs WHO now more than ever , ” Gates wrote .
Worldwide , the pandemic has infected nearly 2 million people and killed over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johns Hopkins University .
“ Placing blame doesn ’ t help , ” he wrote on Twitter .
“ The virus knows no borders .
We must work closely against COVID-19.
” The Netherlands has also thrown its support behind the WHO .
“ Now is not the time to hold back funding .
Once the pandemic is under control , lessons can be learned .
For now , focus on overcoming this crisis , ” Sigrid Kaag , minister for foreign trade and development cooperation , said on Twitter .
Devi Sridhar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the University of Edinburgh , called Trump ’ s decision “ extremely problematic , ” noting that WHO is leading efforts to help developing countries fight the spread of COVID-19 .
READ MORE : Trump leaves trail of unmet promises in coronavirus response “ This is the agency that ’ s looking out for other countries and leading efforts to stop the pandemic , ” Sridhar said .
“ This is exactly the time when they need more funding , not less.
” Sridhar said Trump ’ s move was a short-sighted political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Trump is angry , but his anger is being directed in a way that is going to ultimately hurt U.S. interests , ” she said .
Sridhar and others said it was still unclear what the precise impact of Trump ’ s funding cuts might be , but that other health priorities funded by the U.S. , like polio eradication , malaria and HIV , were likely to suffer .
Aid workers in developing countries worried they might be hardest hit by Trump ’ s decision .
“ President Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WHO , while allegedly only temporarily , will have significant and far-reaching impacts that won ’ t be felt by Americans or Europeans , but instead by the world ’ s most vulnerable populations , ” said Donald Brooks in Burkina Faso , chief executive officer for Initiative : Eau , an American aid group focused on increasing drinking water safety and quality in developing areas and conflict zones .
In Beijing , Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian says the country is “ seriously concerned ” about the U.S. government ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not respond to repeated requests from The Associated Press for comment .
Some experts say WHO dallied in declaring a pandemic ; it did so only on March 11 , long after the surging outbreaks on multiple continents met the agency ’ s own definition for a global crisis .
“ They were really behind the curve , ” said Mark Woolhouse , professor of infectious disease epidemiology at the University of Edinburgh .
The U.N. health agency also insisted for months that the virus could be contained and was not as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experts , including at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , say COVID-19 is spreading many times faster than flu and that its rate of spread was apparent in January .
Still , some global health academics said Trump ’ s attacks on WHO might actually strengthen the agency ’ s credibility .
“ If Trump was making a great success of the pandemic response in the U.S. , if there were minimal cases and deaths there , that might be different , ” said Sophie Harman , a professor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London .
“ But things are getting worse and that reinforces the need for WHO.
” Cheng reported from London .
Associated Press Writers Mike Corder in The Hague , Frank Jordans in Berlin and Sam Mednick in Ouagadougou , Burkina Faso , contributed to this report .

GENEVA — Nations around the world reacted with alarm Wednesday after President Donald Trump announced a halt to the sizable funding the United States sends to the World Health Organization. Health experts warned the move could jeopardize global efforts to stop the coronavirus pandemic.
At a briefing in Washington, Trump said he was instructing his administration to halt funding for the WHO pending a review of its role “in severely mismanaging and covering up the spread of the coronavirus.” The United States is WHO’s largest single donor, contributing between $400 million and $500 million annually to the Geneva-based agency in recent years.
Trump has repeatedly labelled COVID-19 the “Chinese virus” and criticized the U.N. health agency for being too lenient on China, where the novel virus first emerged late last year.
Outside experts have questioned China’s reported infections and deaths from the virus, calling them way too low and unreliable. And an investigation by The Associated Press has found that s ix days of delays between when Chinese officials k new about the virus and when they warned the public allowed the pandemic to bloom into an enormous public health disaster.
The WHO has been particularly effusive in its praise for China, calling on other countries to emulate their approach and repeatedly praising their transparency.
WATCH: Trump announces he’ll direct WHO funding to be frozen during coronavirus briefing
But China only agreed to a proposed WHO-led mission to investigate the coronavirus after WHO’s chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus personally paid a visit to Chinese President Xi Jinping, a highly unusual move to secure a country visit during an outbreak.
The European Union on Wednesday said Trump has “no reason” to freeze WHO funding at this critical stage and called for measures to promote unity instead of division.
Trudie Lang, a professor of global health research at Oxford University said attempts to hinder WHO’s work could have significant consequences for the pandemic response.
“The reason we’re making such fast progress on diagnostics, vaccines and drugs is because of WHO’s role as a neutral broker,” she said. “It’s their role to bring together the best science.”
On Twitter, Bill Gates — whose foundation was the second-largest donor to the WHO for its latest two-year budget, contributing over $530 million in 2018 and 2019 — wrote that stopping funding for WHO during a world health crisis “is as dangerous as it sounds.”
“Their work is slowing the spread of COVID-19 and if that work is stopped no other organization can replace them. The world needs WHO now more than ever,” Gates wrote.
Worldwide, the pandemic has infected nearly 2 million people and killed over 127,000, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.
Germany’s foreign minister, Heiko Maas, pushed back at Trump’s announcement.
“Placing blame doesn’t help,” he wrote on Twitter. “The virus knows no borders. We must work closely against COVID-19.”
The Netherlands has also thrown its support behind the WHO. “Now is not the time to hold back funding. Once the pandemic is under control, lessons can be learned. For now, focus on overcoming this crisis,” Sigrid Kaag, minister for foreign trade and development cooperation, said on Twitter.
Devi Sridhar, chair of global public health at the University of Edinburgh, called Trump’s decision “extremely problematic,” noting that WHO is leading efforts to help developing countries fight the spread of COVID-19.
READ MORE: Trump leaves trail of unmet promises in coronavirus response
“This is the agency that’s looking out for other countries and leading efforts to stop the pandemic,” Sridhar said. “This is exactly the time when they need more funding, not less.”
Sridhar said Trump’s move was a short-sighted political decision that would likely have lasting consequences.
“Trump is angry, but his anger is being directed in a way that is going to ultimately hurt U.S. interests,” she said.
Sridhar and others said it was still unclear what the precise impact of Trump’s funding cuts might be, but that other health priorities funded by the U.S., like polio eradication, malaria and HIV, were likely to suffer.
Aid workers in developing countries worried they might be hardest hit by Trump’s decision.
“President Trump’s decision to cut US funding of WHO, while allegedly only temporarily, will have significant and far-reaching impacts that won’t be felt by Americans or Europeans, but instead by the world’s most vulnerable populations,” said Donald Brooks in Burkina Faso, chief executive officer for Initiative: Eau, an American aid group focused on increasing drinking water safety and quality in developing areas and conflict zones.
In Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian says the country is “seriously concerned” about the U.S. government’s decision to suspend funding.
The WHO did not respond to repeated requests from The Associated Press for comment.
Some experts say WHO dallied in declaring a pandemic; it did so only on March 11, long after the surging outbreaks on multiple continents met the agency’s own definition for a global crisis.
“They were really behind the curve,” said Mark Woolhouse, professor of infectious disease epidemiology at the University of Edinburgh.
The U.N. health agency also insisted for months that the virus could be contained and was not as infectious as influenza. But many outbreak experts, including at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, say COVID-19 is spreading many times faster than flu and that its rate of spread was apparent in January.
Still, some global health academics said Trump’s attacks on WHO might actually strengthen the agency’s credibility.
“If Trump was making a great success of the pandemic response in the U.S., if there were minimal cases and deaths there, that might be different,” said Sophie Harman, a professor of international politics at Queen Mary University of London. “But things are getting worse and that reinforces the need for WHO.”
Cheng reported from London. Associated Press Writers Mike Corder in The Hague, Frank Jordans in Berlin and Sam Mednick in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, contributed to this report.


pbs--2020-04-15--WATCH: WHO chief says 'virus exploits the cracks between us' after Trump decides to halt funding

LONDON — The head of the World Health Organization says it regrets the U.S. decision to halt funding .
Tedros @ @ @ @ @ has been “ a longstanding and generous friend to WHO and we hope it will @ @ @ @ @ He made the comments after President Donald Trump announced a halt to U.S. funding , @ @ @ @ @ from the U.N health agency ’ s biggest funder .
Tedros says WHO remained committed @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic and it would work with its partners to ensure that any funding @ @ @ @ @ “ COVID-19 does not discriminate between rich nations and poor , large nations and small @ @ @ @ @ “ This is a time for all of us to be united in our common @ @ @ @ @ , a dangerous enemy .
When we ’ re divided , the virus exploits the @ @ @ @ @ says WHO ’ s member countries and independent organizations will assess the U.N. health agency @ @ @ @ @ later day .
But the focus must remain on ending the outbreak .

LONDON — The head of the World Health Organization says it regrets the U.S. decision to halt funding.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says the U.S. has been “a longstanding and generous friend to WHO and we hope it will continue to be so.”
He made the comments after President Donald Trump announced a halt to U.S. funding, temporarily suspending millions of dollars from the U.N health agency’s biggest funder.
Tedros says WHO remained committed to slowing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and it would work with its partners to ensure that any funding shortfall could be met.
“COVID-19 does not discriminate between rich nations and poor, large nations and small,” Tedros said. “This is a time for all of us to be united in our common struggle against a common threat, a dangerous enemy. When we’re divided, the virus exploits the cracks between us.”
Tedros says WHO’s member countries and independent organizations will assess the U.N. health agency’s performance at a later day. But the focus must remain on ending the outbreak.


pbs--2020-04-15--Warren is latest former 2020 presidential rival to back Biden

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — Elizabeth Warren endorsed Joe Biden on Wednesday , becoming the last of the former vice @ @ @ @ @ presidential rivals to formally back him .
The Massachusetts senator dropped out of the race @ @ @ @ @ a disappointing third-place finish in her home state .
She refused to immediately endorse Biden @ @ @ @ @ Sanders .
Sanders , who suspended his campaign last week , endorsed Biden on Monday @ @ @ @ @ former President Barack Obama announced his public backing of Biden .

WASHINGTON (AP) — Elizabeth Warren endorsed Joe Biden on Wednesday, becoming the last of the former vice president’s major Democratic presidential rivals to formally back him.
The Massachusetts senator dropped out of the race last month, shortly after a disappointing third-place finish in her home state. She refused to immediately endorse Biden or her fellow progressive Bernie Sanders.
Sanders, who suspended his campaign last week, endorsed Biden on Monday, A day later, former President Barack Obama announced his public backing of Biden.


pbs--2020-04-14--Kentucky lawmakers override veto of voter ID measure

FRANKFORT , Ky. ( AP ) — Republican lawmakers in Kentucky swept aside the Democratic governor ’ s veto of a bill to require the state ’ s residents to show a government-issued photo ID in order to vote .
Votes to override Gov .
Andy Beshear ’ s veto easily cleared the GOP-led Senate and House as lawmakers reconvened Tuesday for a wrap-up session amid the coronavirus outbreak .
The American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky promptly said it will consider filing legal action to try to halt the measure .
The measure would require Kentucky residents to produce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limited exceptions , starting with the November election .
The bill ’ s supporters have noted that a photo ID already is required for many other transactions , including opening a bank account , cashing a check or picking up sports tickets at will-call .
Republican Sen. Robby Mills , the bill ’ s lead sponsor , said Tuesday that it would add “ guardrails in our voting procedures that will help cure vulnerabilities that exist.
” The bill ’ s opponents pointed to the absence of voter impersonation cases in Kentucky .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce turnout among minorities , the poor , the elderly and disabled voters .
Currently , Kentucky voters are asked to show identification but it doesn ’ t have to be a photo ID .
In trying to block the measure , the governor said it would create an obstacle to voting , resulting in fewer people casting ballots and “ undermining our democracy.
” In his recent veto message , Beshear also objected to the bill ’ s timing , coming in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic .
The offices where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to vote are currently closed and it ’ s uncertain when they will reopen , the governor said .
Mills discounted that argument Tuesday during the Senate debate to override the veto .
“ I am sure that we will have those clerks ’ offices open and doing business later in the spring or summer , ” he said .
“ And there ’ s going to be ample opportunities for folks that do not have a valid photo ID to obtain that free photo ID that is allowed in this piece of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporters include Kentucky ’ s new Republican secretary of state , Michael Adams , who campaigned on the issue en route to his election victory last year .
Under the measure , people lacking their photo ID at the polls could vote by provisional ballot and later produce that ID to enable their ballot to be counted .
Or voters could cast their ballots if recognized by an election officer , who would have to sign a document affirming to knowing the voter .
ACLU of Kentucky legal director Corey Shapiro denounced the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measure in the name of election security.
” He also expressed concern about the bill ’ s “ rushed timeline , ” coming months before a hotly contested general election .
“ We are currently evaluating whether to seek court intervention to make sure every eligible voter can still cast a ballot under this oppressive measure , ” he said in a statement .
In November , Kentuckians will vote for a president and decide one of the nation ’ s highest-profile campaigns : Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ’ s bid @ @ @

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Republican lawmakers in Kentucky swept aside the Democratic governor’s veto of a bill to require the state’s residents to show a government-issued photo ID in order to vote.
Votes to override Gov. Andy Beshear’s veto easily cleared the GOP-led Senate and House as lawmakers reconvened Tuesday for a wrap-up session amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky promptly said it will consider filing legal action to try to halt the measure.
The measure would require Kentucky residents to produce a photo ID when voting, with limited exceptions, starting with the November election.
The bill’s supporters have noted that a photo ID already is required for many other transactions, including opening a bank account, cashing a check or picking up sports tickets at will-call.
READ MORE: Top Wisconsin court blocks governor’s move to delay election
Republican Sen. Robby Mills, the bill’s lead sponsor, said Tuesday that it would add “guardrails in our voting procedures that will help cure vulnerabilities that exist.”
The bill’s opponents pointed to the absence of voter impersonation cases in Kentucky. They said the photo ID requirement will reduce turnout among minorities, the poor, the elderly and disabled voters. Currently, Kentucky voters are asked to show identification but it doesn’t have to be a photo ID.
In trying to block the measure, the governor said it would create an obstacle to voting, resulting in fewer people casting ballots and “undermining our democracy.”
In his recent veto message, Beshear also objected to the bill’s timing, coming in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. The offices where people could obtain a photo ID needed to vote are currently closed and it’s uncertain when they will reopen, the governor said.
Mills discounted that argument Tuesday during the Senate debate to override the veto.
“I am sure that we will have those clerks’ offices open and doing business later in the spring or summer,” he said. “And there’s going to be ample opportunities for folks that do not have a valid photo ID to obtain that free photo ID that is allowed in this piece of legislation.”
The bill’s leading supporters include Kentucky’s new Republican secretary of state, Michael Adams, who campaigned on the issue en route to his election victory last year.
Under the measure, people lacking their photo ID at the polls could vote by provisional ballot and later produce that ID to enable their ballot to be counted. Or voters could cast their ballots if recognized by an election officer, who would have to sign a document affirming to knowing the voter.
ACLU of Kentucky legal director Corey Shapiro denounced the proposal Tuesday as a “voter suppression measure in the name of election security.” He also expressed concern about the bill’s “rushed timeline,” coming months before a hotly contested general election.
“We are currently evaluating whether to seek court intervention to make sure every eligible voter can still cast a ballot under this oppressive measure,” he said in a statement.
In November, Kentuckians will vote for a president and decide one of the nation’s highest-profile campaigns: Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s bid for reelection.