shareblue--2020-04-21--Widowed LGBTQ Americans who were denied benefits are struggling more than ever

Older LGBTQ Americans are struggling to support themselves amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak .
Helen Thornton , 64 , lost her income caring for people 's dogs while they 're away because her clients in Olympia , Washington , are staying home and have canceled appointments into May and June .
After Gov .
Jay Inslee issued an order prohibiting all non-essential businesses from conducting activities and operations on March 25 , Thornton was forced to contact her mortgage company to ensure she would n't have to make payments for the next six months , and she is trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ utility companies as well to tell them she ca n't pay those bills either .
On top of everything , Thornton , whose longtime partner , Marge Brown , died in 2006 , faces another cruel reality : Like a number of other LGBTQ Americans , she has been denied survivors benefits by the U.S. Social Security Administration , thanks to a requirement that someone be married to their spouse for at least nine months before their death .
Thornton , who spent 27 years with Brown , would have around $ 1,800 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been denied those benefits .
Brown died six years before Washington state allowed marriage equality .
The U.S. Supreme Court 's landmark decision that ruled that same-sex couples had the fundamental right to marry , Obergefell v. Hodges , occurred nearly a decade later .
Thornton has tried to limit shopping to once a week .
With money tight , she is n't able to hoard supplies because she ca n't afford to do so .
`` I do n't have those financial resources to stock up and buy a something huge at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who do n't have substantial checking or savings accounts .
The inequality in this country is large and the coronavirus is definitely [ shining ] a light on that , '' she said .
Countless numbers of other LGBTQ Americans are , like Thornton , losing out on hundreds or thousands of dollars each month on which they can survive while they remain in quarantine .
Josh Driggs , 65 , who lives in the Phoenix area , has found himself in such a situation .
Driggs was with his partner Glenn for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California in March 2014 , even though they knew their marriage would not be recognized in the state of Arizona .
Glenn Driggs passed away in June of 2014 .
Arizona legally recognized same-sex marriage in October of that same year .
Driggs has been denied $ 900 a month in survivors benefits as a result of that gap .
Driggs says he has to go to the local food bank to get his groceries .
He ca n't afford grocery delivery that would allow him to interact with fewer people despite the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing recommendations .
Although the food bank is taking precautions to keep people safe , Driggs would prefer not to go outside and wait in line , which carries health risks .
Karen Loewy , senior counsel for Lambda Legal , an organization focused on LGBTQ rights through litigation and policy work , said that the nine-month marriage requirement was established to stop people from taking advantage of elderly people and preventing fraudulent deathbed marriages that allow the surviving spouse to receive what was considered a large windfall at the time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ scenario seems `` far-fetched . ''
`` Given what benefit levels are now , that seems like a far-fetched situation , '' Loewy said , adding , `` ... Two folks who were either never able to marry because of discriminatory marriage laws or people who were only able to marry very soon in time before a spouse passed away is just incredibly unfair . ''
In 2018 , Lambda Legal filed a lawsuit on behalf of Thornton against the Social Security Administration .
A U.S. magistrate judge has since recommended her case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any denial of survivors benefits to surviving same-sex partners who were unable to marry because of discriminatory state bans be declared unconstitutional .
The judge ordered the Social Security Administration to provide those surviving partners a pathway to benefits .
Lambda Legal has also filed a lawsuit on behalf a Michael Ely , who was with his partner , James Taylor , for 43 years .
Taylor and Ely received a marriage license less than a week after Arizona struck down its ban on same-sex marriage in October 2014 , but Taylor died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ely has n't received any formal job training and is severely dyslexic and unable to work , so he has had to make do with the $ 800 a month that comes from Taylor 's pension benefits , according to the Washington Post .
If the lawsuit is certified as a class action , Driggs would also be a class member in Ely 's lawsuit .
Loewy said that although the provisions in the benefits statute apply to everyone , they 're treating people who are not similarly situated as if they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marriage ban .
`` The Social Security Administration is repeating and perpetuating the same discrimination that the Supreme Court has already held to be unconstitutional , '' she said .
`` It 's both about the incorporation of the underlying discrimination and state marriage bans but it ’ s also unconstitutional in and of itself that when you have a requirement that no LGBT people could have met . ''
The pandemic has additionally placed further strain on the courts — and , for people like Thornton , their legal proceedings must be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ awaiting a ruling from a U.S. District Court judge for her case that could come at any time without argument — or the judge could schedule a remote hearing .
Loewy said she would have preferred an argument before the decision , since they have requested it , and for Helen to be in the room for the judge to see who is being hurt by the nine-month requirement .
But if the judge wants to do so remotely , they will comply .
Time is of the essence : Every month , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ otherwise received in survivors benefits .
Both Driggs and Thornton , meanwhile , are grappling with how to pay bills and put food on the table during the pandemic .
And once social distancing ends and the infection rates and death tolls start to fall , they 'll still be living with that economic insecurity .
Before it became clear how severely the pandemic had hit the United States , both faced difficult choices that people in straight or straight-appearing relationships who have also lost a spouse have n't had to face .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and did n't visit friends in neighboring cities for fear of spending too much on gas .
Driggs said that although the monthly benefits he would have received from what his husband paid into the system likely would have been modest , `` They can make the life-changing difference between having enough food , medication , or a roof over one 's head . ''
Since the denial of these benefits , he has had to leave the home he shared with his late husband and has been homeless twice .
Once , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a van in a Walmart parking lot .
He has fallen behind on the rent .
`` I do n't want anyone else in our community to have to experience that indignity simply because of who they loved , '' he stated .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Older LGBTQ Americans are struggling to support themselves amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
Helen Thornton, 64, lost her income caring for people’s dogs while they’re away because her clients in Olympia, Washington, are staying home and have canceled appointments into May and June. After Gov. Jay Inslee issued an order prohibiting all non-essential businesses from conducting activities and operations on March 25, Thornton was forced to contact her mortgage company to ensure she wouldn’t have to make payments for the next six months, and she is trying to get in touch with her energy and utility companies as well to tell them she can’t pay those bills either.
On top of everything, Thornton, whose longtime partner, Marge Brown, died in 2006, faces another cruel reality: Like a number of other LGBTQ Americans, she has been denied survivors benefits by the U.S. Social Security Administration, thanks to a requirement that someone be married to their spouse for at least nine months before their death.
Thornton, who spent 27 years with Brown, would have around $1,800 more to live on had she not been denied those benefits. Brown died six years before Washington state allowed marriage equality. The U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision that ruled that same-sex couples had the fundamental right to marry, Obergefell v. Hodges, occurred nearly a decade later.
Thornton has tried to limit shopping to once a week. With money tight, she isn’t able to hoard supplies because she can’t afford to do so.
“I don’t have those financial resources to stock up and buy a something huge at Costco, so its definitely disenfranchising people who don’t have substantial checking or savings accounts. The inequality in this country is large and the coronavirus is definitely [shining] a light on that,” she said.
Countless numbers of other LGBTQ Americans are, like Thornton, losing out on hundreds or thousands of dollars each month on which they can survive while they remain in quarantine.
Josh Driggs, 65, who lives in the Phoenix area, has found himself in such a situation.
Driggs was with his partner Glenn for 40 years before they eventually married in California in March 2014, even though they knew their marriage would not be recognized in the state of Arizona.
Glenn Driggs passed away in June of 2014. Arizona legally recognized same-sex marriage in October of that same year.
Driggs has been denied $900 a month in survivors benefits as a result of that gap.
Driggs says he has to go to the local food bank to get his groceries. He can’t afford grocery delivery that would allow him to interact with fewer people despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s social distancing recommendations.
Although the food bank is taking precautions to keep people safe, Driggs would prefer not to go outside and wait in line, which carries health risks.
Karen Loewy, senior counsel for Lambda Legal, an organization focused on LGBTQ rights through litigation and policy work, said that the nine-month marriage requirement was established to stop people from taking advantage of elderly people and preventing fraudulent deathbed marriages that allow the surviving spouse to receive what was considered a large windfall at the time. But, she said, even that scenario seems “far-fetched.”
“Given what benefit levels are now, that seems like a far-fetched situation,” Loewy said, adding, “… Two folks who were either never able to marry because of discriminatory marriage laws or people who were only able to marry very soon in time before a spouse passed away is just incredibly unfair.”
In 2018, Lambda Legal filed a lawsuit on behalf of Thornton against the Social Security Administration. A U.S. magistrate judge has since recommended her case be certified as class action and that any denial of survivors benefits to surviving same-sex partners who were unable to marry because of discriminatory state bans be declared unconstitutional.
The judge ordered the Social Security Administration to provide those surviving partners a pathway to benefits.
Lambda Legal has also filed a lawsuit on behalf a Michael Ely, who was with his partner, James Taylor, for 43 years.
Taylor and Ely received a marriage license less than a week after Arizona struck down its ban on same-sex marriage in October 2014, but Taylor died six months later in May 2015. Ely hasn’t received any formal job training and is severely dyslexic and unable to work, so he has had to make do with the $800 a month that comes from Taylor’s pension benefits, according to the Washington Post.
If the lawsuit is certified as a class action, Driggs would also be a class member in Ely’s lawsuit.
Loewy said that although the provisions in the benefits statute apply to everyone, they’re treating people who are not similarly situated as if they are the same by essentially importing an underlying marriage ban.
“The Social Security Administration is repeating and perpetuating the same discrimination that the Supreme Court has already held to be unconstitutional,” she said.
“It’s both about the incorporation of the underlying discrimination and state marriage bans but it’s also unconstitutional in and of itself that when you have a requirement that no LGBT people could have met.”
The pandemic has additionally placed further strain on the courts — and, for people like Thornton, their legal proceedings must be adjusted accordingly.
Lambda Legal is currently awaiting a ruling from a U.S. District Court judge for her case that could come at any time without argument — or the judge could schedule a remote hearing.
Loewy said she would have preferred an argument before the decision, since they have requested it, and for Helen to be in the room for the judge to see who is being hurt by the nine-month requirement. But if the judge wants to do so remotely, they will comply.
Time is of the essence: Every month, Thornton loses more money she would have otherwise received in survivors benefits.
Both Driggs and Thornton, meanwhile, are grappling with how to pay bills and put food on the table during the pandemic. And once social distancing ends and the infection rates and death tolls start to fall, they’ll still be living with that economic insecurity.
Before it became clear how severely the pandemic had hit the United States, both faced difficult choices that people in straight or straight-appearing relationships who have also lost a spouse haven’t had to face.
Thornton put off repairs to her home and didn’t visit friends in neighboring cities for fear of spending too much on gas. Driggs said that although the monthly benefits he would have received from what his husband paid into the system likely would have been modest, “They can make the life-changing difference between having enough food, medication, or a roof over one’s head.”
Since the denial of these benefits, he has had to leave the home he shared with his late husband and has been homeless twice. Once, he spent the night before Thanksgiving in a van in a Walmart parking lot. He has fallen behind on the rent.
“I don’t want anyone else in our community to have to experience that indignity simply because of who they loved,” he stated.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-04-21--Alabama secretary of state mocks voter who asked about strict photo ID law

Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill used his personal Twitter account this week to mock a voter who asked about Alabama 's strict photo ID requirement for absentee voting .
A constituent tweeted at Merrill Tuesday morning to ask about voting in Alabama 's July 14 runoff .
`` I have found the PDF of the application and am fortunate enough to have a printer .
But it also requires a copy of my drivers license .
Do I have to go find a photocopier ? ''
After being told by the Alabama secretary of state 's office account that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law to vote in Alabama , '' the voter asked for clarification , `` Are folks going to need cameras , scanners and photocopiers to show proof of ID ? ''
Merrill , from his verified personal account , replied , `` People that have a hard time figuring out the answer to that question probably need to vote in person . ''
Eddie Burkhalter of Alabama Political Reporter first flagged the tweets Tuesday afternoon .
Soon after , Merrill responded with more insults .
`` When I come to your house and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can also teach you how to tie your shoes and to tie your tie .
I could also go with you to Walmart or Kinko 's and make sure that you know how to get a copy of your ID made while you 're buying cigarettes or alcohol , '' he tweeted .
Alabama has one of the nation 's strictest photo ID laws .
To vote absentee , a voter must include a photocopy of their photo identification with the absentee ballot application .
Merrill , a strong advocate of that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ es ] it easier to vote and harder to cheat ! ''
Alabama is currently under a statewide stay-at-home order , due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
While the order defines office supply stores as `` essential retailers '' that can remain open , more than 90 % of Americans are `` staying home as much as possible '' to avoid spread of the coronavirus , making photocopying an ID a challenge for many .
Merrill has a long history of spreading conspiracy theories about voter fraud and working to make it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 , he referred the names of 674 crossover voters to local elections officials , claiming that they had cast ballots in the Democratic primary and the subsequent Republican runoff election , in violation of a state law .
He vowed to prosecute and send any knowing violators to jail for five years .
It was later discovered that approximately half of the names on his list were there due to clerical error .
Merrill was eventually forced to backtrack .
Merrill made national news last year during his since-abandoned U.S. Senate campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are no more good TV shows on like 'Gunsmoke , ' 'Bonanza , ' 'The Virginian , ' 'Andy Griffith , ' [ and ] ' I Love Lucy . '
'' `` We do n't have those shows anymore , '' he said .
`` We 're too interested in homosexual activities . ''
Merrill also lamented that television has no `` shows that promote family and culture with a father , a mother and children based on biblical teachings and biblical principles on which our nation was founded . ''
Published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill used his personal Twitter account this week to mock a voter who asked about Alabama’s strict photo ID requirement for absentee voting.
A constituent tweeted at Merrill Tuesday morning to ask about voting in Alabama’s July 14 runoff.
“I have found the PDF of the application and am fortunate enough to have a printer. But it also requires a copy of my drivers license. Do I have to go find a photocopier?”
After being told by the Alabama secretary of state’s office account that a “photo ID is required by law to vote in Alabama,” the voter asked for clarification, “Are folks going to need cameras, scanners and photocopiers to show proof of ID?”
Merrill, from his verified personal account, replied, “People that have a hard time figuring out the answer to that question probably need to vote in person.”
Eddie Burkhalter of Alabama Political Reporter first flagged the tweets Tuesday afternoon. Soon after, Merrill responded with more insults.
“When I come to your house and show you how to use your printer I can also teach you how to tie your shoes and to tie your tie. I could also go with you to Walmart or Kinko’s and make sure that you know how to get a copy of your ID made while you’re buying cigarettes or alcohol,” he tweeted.
Alabama has one of the nation’s strictest photo ID laws. To vote absentee, a voter must include a photocopy of their photo identification with the absentee ballot application.
Merrill, a strong advocate of that law, has claimed it “mak[es] it easier to vote and harder to cheat!”
Alabama is currently under a statewide stay-at-home order, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the order defines office supply stores as “essential retailers” that can remain open, more than 90% of Americans are “staying home as much as possible” to avoid spread of the coronavirus, making photocopying an ID a challenge for many.
Merrill has a long history of spreading conspiracy theories about voter fraud and working to make it difficult for citizens to vote.
In 2017, he referred the names of 674 crossover voters to local elections officials, claiming that they had cast ballots in the Democratic primary and the subsequent Republican runoff election, in violation of a state law. He vowed to prosecute and send any knowing violators to jail for five years.
It was later discovered that approximately half of the names on his list were there due to clerical error. Merrill was eventually forced to backtrack.
Merrill made national news last year during his since-abandoned U.S. Senate campaign, when he complained that “There are no more good TV shows on like ‘Gunsmoke,’ ‘Bonanza,’ ‘The Virginian,’ ‘Andy Griffith,’ [and] ‘I Love Lucy.'”
“We don’t have those shows anymore,” he said. “We’re too interested in homosexual activities.”
Merrill also lamented that television has no “shows that promote family and culture with a father, a mother and children based on biblical teachings and biblical principles on which our nation was founded.”
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-04-21--GOP senator who pushed 'miracle' drug rejects study showing it may lead to death

Sen. John Cornyn ( R-TX ) on Tuesday questioned a study by U.S. researchers that found a malaria drug Donald Trump has been pushing as a `` miracle '' cure for COVID-19 is no miracle at all — and might lead to death for some patients who take it .
`` How about real clinical trials ? ''
Cornyn tweeted , calling into question the validity of the government-funded study that found the drug , hydroxychloroquine , offered no apparent benefits .
The researchers also found that more patients who received the drug died than those who received routine care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was posted on an online site for researchers and has been submitted to the New England Journal of Medicine , but has not been reviewed by other scientists , '' Cornyn added , suggesting that it was not valid .
Cornyn himself has touted smaller — and more widely criticized — studies previously to push hydroxychloroquine .
Back in March , when Trump was under fire for calling the drug a `` game changer , '' Cornyn cited a study in France that claimed it was effective in treating patients .
The study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr. Mehmet Oz on Fox News — is what Trump initially based his support for the drug on , according to multiple outlets .
`` Anecdotal but promising : France Officially Sanctions Drug After 78 Of 80 Patients Recover From COVID-19 Within Five Days , '' Cornyn tweeted on March 30 , linking to an article from the right wing site Daily Wire .
The French study Cornyn tweeted about has been widely panned by the medical community .
According to CNN , the study included only 20 people .
Some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outcomes , but those outcomes were not reported in the researchers ' final report .
Ultimately , the publisher of the journal in which the study appeared issued a statement acknowledging that `` concerns have been raised regarding the content , the ethical approval of the trial and the process that this paper underwent to be published within International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents . ''
Trump has come under a bevy of criticism for pushing hydroxychloroquine , despite its unproven effects .
`` Look , I feel , as the expression goes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' Because , you know , I feel very — I feel very good about it , '' Trump said of the drug at a March 21 White House news conference .
Trump also tweeted on March 21 that , `` HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE & AZITHROMYCIN , taken together , have a real chance to be one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine . ''
He did not cite any substantial proof to back that claim .
When Democrats and medical professionals said it was irresponsible for Trump to push the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or possible side effects , some in Trump 's orbit claimed baselessly that those who were against using the drug were simply anti-Trump and wanted to see him fail .
`` The politicization of decisions like hydroxychloroquine have been amazing to me , '' Attorney General William Barr said in an interview with Fox News ' Laura Ingraham on April 9 .
`` Before the president said anything about it , there was fair and balanced coverage of this very promising drug , and the fact that [ it ] had such a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pretty well-known .
As soon as he said something positive about it , the media has been on a jihad to discredit the drug .
It 's quite strange . ''
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) on Tuesday questioned a study by U.S. researchers that found a malaria drug Donald Trump has been pushing as a “miracle” cure for COVID-19 is no miracle at all — and might lead to death for some patients who take it.
“How about real clinical trials?” Cornyn tweeted, calling into question the validity of the government-funded study that found the drug, hydroxychloroquine, offered no apparent benefits.
The researchers also found that more patients who received the drug died than those who received routine care for the disease.
“The study was posted on an online site for researchers and has been submitted to the New England Journal of Medicine, but has not been reviewed by other scientists,” Cornyn added, suggesting that it was not valid.
Cornyn himself has touted smaller — and more widely criticized — studies previously to push hydroxychloroquine.
Back in March, when Trump was under fire for calling the drug a “game changer,” Cornyn cited a study in France that claimed it was effective in treating patients.
The study — which was also promoted by celebrity Dr. Mehmet Oz on Fox News — is what Trump initially based his support for the drug on, according to multiple outlets.
“Anecdotal but promising: France Officially Sanctions Drug After 78 Of 80 Patients Recover From COVID-19 Within Five Days,” Cornyn tweeted on March 30, linking to an article from the right wing site Daily Wire.
The French study Cornyn tweeted about has been widely panned by the medical community.
According to CNN, the study included only 20 people. Some of the subjects eventually dropped out due to poor outcomes, but those outcomes were not reported in the researchers’ final report.
Ultimately, the publisher of the journal in which the study appeared issued a statement acknowledging that “concerns have been raised regarding the content, the ethical approval of the trial and the process that this paper underwent to be published within International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents.”
Trump has come under a bevy of criticism for pushing hydroxychloroquine, despite its unproven effects.
“Look, I feel, as the expression goes, ‘What do we have to lose?’ Because, you know, I feel very — I feel very good about it,” Trump said of the drug at a March 21 White House news conference.
Trump also tweeted on March 21 that, “HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE & AZITHROMYCIN, taken together, have a real chance to be one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine.” He did not cite any substantial proof to back that claim.
When Democrats and medical professionals said it was irresponsible for Trump to push the drug without robust studies showing its effectiveness or possible side effects, some in Trump’s orbit claimed baselessly that those who were against using the drug were simply anti-Trump and wanted to see him fail.
“The politicization of decisions like hydroxychloroquine have been amazing to me,” Attorney General William Barr said in an interview with Fox News’ Laura Ingraham on April 9. “Before the president said anything about it, there was fair and balanced coverage of this very promising drug, and the fact that [it] had such a long track record that the risk were pretty well-known. As soon as he said something positive about it, the media has been on a jihad to discredit the drug. It’s quite strange.”
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-04-21--GOP governor: Trump's new immigration ban 'doesn't make us any safer'

Donald Trump this week announced his intention to sign an executive order suspending immigration to the United States .
`` In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy , as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens , I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States ! ''
he tweeted on Monday night .
A draft of the order obtained by Bloomberg News reportedly targets `` people seeking most types of work visas , '' denying them entry into the country `` for at least 90 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the ban `` includes exceptions for people seeking jobs in 'food production and directly helping to protect the supply chain , ' which could apply to farm workers . ''
Trump has frequently described the coronavirus as an `` invisible enemy . ''
Massachusetts Gov .
Charlie Baker ( R ) was asked about Trump 's latest attack on immigration on Tuesday .
REPORTER : Can you respond to the president 's immigration order ?
CHARLIE BAKER : I 'm opposed to the decision that the president made , I 'm opposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make any sense , and I do n't think it makes us any safer .
I mean , I just pointed out that the first two people who created the biggest part of the eastern [ Massachusetts ] spread of the virus were two folks who were here at a business conference , right ?
So I do n't support it ; it does n't make us any safer .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Donald Trump this week announced his intention to sign an executive order suspending immigration to the United States.
“In light of the attack from the Invisible Enemy, as well as the need to protect the jobs of our GREAT American Citizens, I will be signing an Executive Order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States!” he tweeted on Monday night.
A draft of the order obtained by Bloomberg News reportedly targets “people seeking most types of work visas,” denying them entry into the country “for at least 90 days.” According to the outlet, the ban “includes exceptions for people seeking jobs in ‘food production and directly helping to protect the supply chain,’ which could apply to farm workers.”
Trump has frequently described the coronavirus as an “invisible enemy.”
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) was asked about Trump’s latest attack on immigration on Tuesday.
From an April 21 press conference:
REPORTER: Can you respond to the president’s immigration order? CHARLIE BAKER: I’m opposed to the decision that the president made, I’m opposed to the order. It doesn’t make any sense, and I don’t think it makes us any safer. I mean, I just pointed out that the first two people who created the biggest part of the eastern [Massachusetts] spread of the virus were two folks who were here at a business conference, right? So I don’t support it; it doesn’t make us any safer.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-04-21--Texas Democrats launch site to make sure residents can still register to vote

The Texas Democratic Party on Tuesday announced a creative way to expand voting rights during the coronavirus crisis , a move that comes as Republicans in the state and around the country are attempting to make it harder to vote .
The party announced Tuesday that it had created RegisterTexas.com , a site on which voters can safely register to vote from home without having to risk their health during the coronavirus pandemic .
The site automatically redirects to a page hosted by the party where Texans can check their voter registration status , update their registration , or begin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of several states that does not allow online voter registration , so the Texas Democratic Party came up with a workaround .
After Texans enter their information on the site , the party will mail them a pre-filled registration application along with a postage-paid envelope addressed to their registrar 's office .
`` All the voter has to do is sign the pre-filled application and then put it in the mail , '' a party press release noted .
The site `` is about inclusion and ensuring that every eligible Texan can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote safely , '' Luke Warford , the party 's voter expansion director , said .
It is a way to `` fight back against Republican attempts to suppress the vote . ''
The site launch came less than a week after Texas ' Republican attorney general tried to stop the state from making voting less dangerous .
On Wednesday , Attorney General Ken Paxton tried to deny voters the option of requesting an absentee ballot on the grounds that they feared contracting the coronavirus by voting in person .
`` Fear of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sickness or physical condition as required by the Legislature , '' Paxton wrote in a letter to state Rep. Stephanie Klick , who had requested information about the issue .
Paxton 's office threatened possible `` criminal sanctions '' against any group that encouraged voters to request mail-in ballots due to coronavirus fears .
Later that same day , a Texas district court judge ruled that voters could request absentee ballots for elections in both July and November on the basis of fear of contracting the coronavirus .
Around the country , Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citizens to vote during the pandemic .
In Missouri , Republican Gov .
Mike Parson declared that the pandemic is not an adequate reason for residents to request absentee ballots .
Rather than a health and safety issue , Parson dismissed the desire for safe voting options as `` more a political issue than it is anything . ''
In Wisconsin , Republican lawmakers and conservative judges refused to postpone an April 7 election , overriding Democratic Gov .
Tony Evers ' attempts to do so .
As a result , at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have contracted the coronavirus , including one election worker .
Donald Trump falsely claimed that `` cheaters '' vote by absentee ballot , even though he and his family have repeatedly voted by mail .
There is no evidence that absentee ballots are used by cheaters or are any less secure than in-person voting methods .
A Tuesday poll showed 58 % of registered voters support a permanent rule allowing eligible voters to cast ballots by mail .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

The Texas Democratic Party on Tuesday announced a creative way to expand voting rights during the coronavirus crisis, a move that comes as Republicans in the state and around the country are attempting to make it harder to vote.
The party announced Tuesday that it had created RegisterTexas.com, a site on which voters can safely register to vote from home without having to risk their health during the coronavirus pandemic. The site automatically redirects to a page hosted by the party where Texans can check their voter registration status, update their registration, or begin the voter registration process.
Texas is one of several states that does not allow online voter registration, so the Texas Democratic Party came up with a workaround.
After Texans enter their information on the site, the party will mail them a pre-filled registration application along with a postage-paid envelope addressed to their registrar’s office. “All the voter has to do is sign the pre-filled application and then put it in the mail,” a party press release noted.
The site “is about inclusion and ensuring that every eligible Texan can access their constitutional right to register and vote safely,” Luke Warford, the party’s voter expansion director, said. It is a way to “fight back against Republican attempts to suppress the vote.”
The site launch came less than a week after Texas’ Republican attorney general tried to stop the state from making voting less dangerous.
On Wednesday, Attorney General Ken Paxton tried to deny voters the option of requesting an absentee ballot on the grounds that they feared contracting the coronavirus by voting in person. “Fear of contracting COVID-19 does not amount to a sickness or physical condition as required by the Legislature,” Paxton wrote in a letter to state Rep. Stephanie Klick, who had requested information about the issue.
Paxton’s office threatened possible “criminal sanctions” against any group that encouraged voters to request mail-in ballots due to coronavirus fears.
Later that same day, a Texas district court judge ruled that voters could request absentee ballots for elections in both July and November on the basis of fear of contracting the coronavirus.
Around the country, Republicans have tried to make it harder for citizens to vote during the pandemic.
In Missouri, Republican Gov. Mike Parson declared that the pandemic is not an adequate reason for residents to request absentee ballots. Rather than a health and safety issue, Parson dismissed the desire for safe voting options as “more a political issue than it is anything.”
In Wisconsin, Republican lawmakers and conservative judges refused to postpone an April 7 election, overriding Democratic Gov. Tony Evers’ attempts to do so. As a result, at least seven people in the state so far have contracted the coronavirus, including one election worker.
Donald Trump falsely claimed that “cheaters” vote by absentee ballot, even though he and his family have repeatedly voted by mail.
There is no evidence that absentee ballots are used by cheaters or are any less secure than in-person voting methods.
A Tuesday poll showed 58% of registered voters support a permanent rule allowing eligible voters to cast ballots by mail.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-04-21--Nebraska governor refuses to issue safety measures even as outbreaks rise

Nebraska Gov .
Pete Ricketts said Monday he would still not issue a statewide stay-at-home order , even as two meatpacking communities reported hundreds of new COVID-19 cases in the past week alone .
Ricketts has encouraged residents to `` stay home '' amid the pandemic to prevent further spread but has so far refused to issue an official order forcing them to shelter in place .
According to the Omaha World-Herald , Hall and Dawson Counties — both home to major meatpacking facilities — have become `` two of the nation 's biggest hot spots '' for the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since April 8 and 462 new cases in Hall during that same time frame , the two account for nearly 60 % of the state 's new cases .
Both were in the top 15 counties nationally for percentage growth over the past 10 days , according to the World-Herald 's analysis .
Ricketts acknowledged Monday that a significant percentage of the new cases over the weekend were from the two counties `` where we 've got some of these food-processing plants . ''
Still , the governor said he would not tell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I really do n't know that you necessarily get a lot from the shelter in place , '' Ricketts told reporters .
`` What we need is people to follow the [ existing ] rules .
And that 's what we 're working on , is to get people to follow the rules . ''
Ricketts is one of just eight governors who have refused to issue a statewide stay-at-home order to curb the spread of COVID-19 .
Other states have also seen a recent spike in COVID-19 cases in and around meatpacking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Dakota closed last week after more than 300 workers tested positive for coronavirus .
Another pork facility in Minnesota shut down Monday due to a similar outbreak .
And dozens of workers at a Tyson Foods plant in Waterloo , Iowa , have also become infected with the coronavirus .
Cases have also been reported recently at several other meatpacking plants in Nebraska .
Ricketts got the Trump administration to declare his state a `` major federal disaster '' on April 4 .
But he declined to tell residents to stay home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary in the state .
So far , Nebraska has reported 1,648 positive cases and 33 deaths .
Both the surgeon general and the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have urged a national stay-at-home approach to flatten the curve and curb its spread .
Nebraska state Sen. Megan Hunt told the World-Herald this week that , while she supports a statewide stay-at-home order , `` Anything the governor would do would be better than what he 's doing now . ''
`` Even a regional stay-in-place for Dawson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hunt added .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts said Monday he would still not issue a statewide stay-at-home order, even as two meatpacking communities reported hundreds of new COVID-19 cases in the past week alone.
Ricketts has encouraged residents to “stay home” amid the pandemic to prevent further spread but has so far refused to issue an official order forcing them to shelter in place.
According to the Omaha World-Herald, Hall and Dawson Counties — both home to major meatpacking facilities — have become “two of the nation’s biggest hot spots” for the virus. With 171 new cases in Dawson since April 8 and 462 new cases in Hall during that same time frame, the two account for nearly 60% of the state’s new cases.
Both were in the top 15 counties nationally for percentage growth over the past 10 days, according to the World-Herald’s analysis.
Ricketts acknowledged Monday that a significant percentage of the new cases over the weekend were from the two counties “where we’ve got some of these food-processing plants.” Still, the governor said he would not tell residents to stay at home.
“I really don’t know that you necessarily get a lot from the shelter in place,” Ricketts told reporters. “What we need is people to follow the [existing] rules. And that’s what we’re working on, is to get people to follow the rules.”
Ricketts is one of just eight governors who have refused to issue a statewide stay-at-home order to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Other states have also seen a recent spike in COVID-19 cases in and around meatpacking plants. A major pork facility in South Dakota closed last week after more than 300 workers tested positive for coronavirus. Another pork facility in Minnesota shut down Monday due to a similar outbreak. And dozens of workers at a Tyson Foods plant in Waterloo, Iowa, have also become infected with the coronavirus.
Cases have also been reported recently at several other meatpacking plants in Nebraska.
Ricketts got the Trump administration to declare his state a “major federal disaster” on April 4. But he declined to tell residents to stay home, arguing such a move was not necessary in the state.
So far, Nebraska has reported 1,648 positive cases and 33 deaths. Both the surgeon general and the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have urged a national stay-at-home approach to flatten the curve and curb its spread.
Nebraska state Sen. Megan Hunt told the World-Herald this week that, while she supports a statewide stay-at-home order, “Anything the governor would do would be better than what he’s doing now.”
“Even a regional stay-in-place for Dawson and Hall would be better,” Hunt added.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-04-21--Barr: Stay-at-home orders are like 'killing the patient' who has cancer

From the April 21 edition of `` The Hugh Hewitt Show '' : ATTORNEY GENERAL WILLIAM BARR : I think , you know , one of the key things that I think is being missed in this whole debate that 's going on now is that we adopted these very strong measures — these are unprecedented burdens on civil liberties right now .
And the idea that you have to stay in your house is disturbingly close to house arrest .
I 'm not saying it was n't justified , I 'm not saying in some places it might be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ onerous , as is shutting down your livelihood .
So , these are very , very burdensome infringements on civil liberties and we adopted them — you have to remember — for the limited purpose of slowing down the spread , that is bending the curve .
We did n't adopt them as a comprehensive way of dealing with this disease .
And we are now seeing that these are bending the curve , and now we have to come up with more targeted approaches .
To me this is a little bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sometimes cancer is spreading and one of the treatments you can use is chemotherapy to drive it back and localize it and make it more susceptible to surgery or a more targeted thing like radiation or even immunotherapy , but your first thing is to drive it back to a more manageable state .
And that 's what we 're doing and have done and the question is : You ca n't just keep on feeding the patient chemotherapy and say , `` Well , we 're killing the cancer . ''
Because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 're killing the patient .
And now is the time that we have to start looking ahead and checking for a more targeted therapy .

From the April 21 edition of “The Hugh Hewitt Show”:
ATTORNEY GENERAL WILLIAM BARR: I think, you know, one of the key things that I think is being missed in this whole debate that’s going on now is that we adopted these very strong measures — these are unprecedented burdens on civil liberties right now.
And the idea that you have to stay in your house is disturbingly close to house arrest. I’m not saying it wasn’t justified, I’m not saying in some places it might be still justified, but it’s very onerous, as is shutting down your livelihood.
So, these are very, very burdensome infringements on civil liberties and we adopted them — you have to remember — for the limited purpose of slowing down the spread, that is bending the curve. We didn’t adopt them as a comprehensive way of dealing with this disease. And we are now seeing that these are bending the curve, and now we have to come up with more targeted approaches.
To me this is a little bit like fighting a cancer, which is sometimes cancer is spreading and one of the treatments you can use is chemotherapy to drive it back and localize it and make it more susceptible to surgery or a more targeted thing like radiation or even immunotherapy, but your first thing is to drive it back to a more manageable state.
And that’s what we’re doing and have done and the question is: You can’t just keep on feeding the patient chemotherapy and say, “Well, we’re killing the cancer.” Because we’re getting to the point where we’re killing the patient. And now is the time that we have to start looking ahead and checking for a more targeted therapy.


shareblue--2020-04-21--Study finds no benefit in drug Trump keeps pushing to treat coronavirus

A malaria drug widely touted by Donald Trump for treating the new coronavirus showed no benefit in a large analysis of its use in U.S. veterans hospitals .
There were more deaths among those given hydroxychloroquine versus standard care , researchers reported .
The nationwide study was not a rigorous experiment .
But with 368 patients , it 's the largest look so far at hydroxychloroquine with or without the antibiotic azithromycin for COVID-19 , which has killed more than 171,000 people as of Tuesday .
The study was posted on an online site for researchers and has been submitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but has not been reviewed by other scientists .
Grants from the National Institutes of Health and the University of Virginia paid for the work .
Researchers analyzed medical records of 368 male veterans hospitalized with confirmed coronavirus infection at Veterans Health Administration medical centers who died or were discharged by April 11 .
About 28 % who were given hydroxychloroquine plus usual care died , versus 11 % of those getting routine care alone .
About 22 % of those getting the drug plus azithromycin died too , but the difference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not considered large enough to rule out other factors that could have affected survival .
Hydroxychloroquine made no difference in the need for a breathing machine , either .
Researchers did not track side effects , but noted hints that hydroxychloroquine might have damaged other organs .
The drug has long been known to have potentially serious side effects , including altering the heartbeat in a way that could lead to sudden death .
Earlier this month , scientists in Brazil stopped part of a hydroxychloroquine study after heart rhythm problems developed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two doses being tested .
Many doctors have been leery of the drug .
At the University of Wisconsin , Madison , `` I think we 're all rather underwhelmed '' at what 's been seen among the few patients there who 've tried it , said Dr. Nasia Safdar , medical director of infection control and prevention .
Patients asked about it soon after Trump started promoting its use , `` but now I think that people have realized we do n't know if it works or not '' and it needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had no role in the VA analysis .
The NIH and others have more rigorous tests underway .

A malaria drug widely touted by Donald Trump for treating the new coronavirus showed no benefit in a large analysis of its use in U.S. veterans hospitals. There were more deaths among those given hydroxychloroquine versus standard care, researchers reported.
The nationwide study was not a rigorous experiment. But with 368 patients, it’s the largest look so far at hydroxychloroquine with or without the antibiotic azithromycin for COVID-19, which has killed more than 171,000 people as of Tuesday.
The study was posted on an online site for researchers and has been submitted to the New England Journal of Medicine, but has not been reviewed by other scientists. Grants from the National Institutes of Health and the University of Virginia paid for the work.
Researchers analyzed medical records of 368 male veterans hospitalized with confirmed coronavirus infection at Veterans Health Administration medical centers who died or were discharged by April 11.
About 28% who were given hydroxychloroquine plus usual care died, versus 11% of those getting routine care alone. About 22% of those getting the drug plus azithromycin died too, but the difference between that group and usual care was not considered large enough to rule out other factors that could have affected survival.
Hydroxychloroquine made no difference in the need for a breathing machine, either.
Researchers did not track side effects, but noted hints that hydroxychloroquine might have damaged other organs. The drug has long been known to have potentially serious side effects, including altering the heartbeat in a way that could lead to sudden death.
Earlier this month, scientists in Brazil stopped part of a hydroxychloroquine study after heart rhythm problems developed in one-quarter of people given the higher of two doses being tested.
Many doctors have been leery of the drug.
At the University of Wisconsin, Madison, “I think we’re all rather underwhelmed” at what’s been seen among the few patients there who’ve tried it, said Dr. Nasia Safdar, medical director of infection control and prevention.
Patients asked about it soon after Trump started promoting its use, “but now I think that people have realized we don’t know if it works or not” and it needs more study, said Safdar, who had no role in the VA analysis.
The NIH and others have more rigorous tests underway.


shareblue--2020-04-21--Advocates to Congress: Don't use relief bill to discriminate against LGBTQ Americans

Nearly 200 organizations , including progressive think tanks and LGBTQ advocacy groups , sent a letter to members of Congress this week , asking them to include language that bars anti-LGBTQ discrimination in any programs and services funded by coronavirus relief legislation .
Lambda Legal , the Human Rights Campaign , the Center for American Progress , and the National LGBTQ+ Task Force Action Fund were among the groups that signed the letter sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy , and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provisions in response legislation that clarifies no one eligible for these programs and services should be excluded from participation in them , denied their benefits , or face discrimination in how the programs and services are administered based on sex .
The letter makes it clear that `` sex '' includes sexual orientation , gender identity , pregnancy , and childbirth .
The groups also called for any legislation to include language prohibiting discrimination based on age , disability , race , immigration status , national origin , and religion .
They asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funds provided in COVID-19 relief packages treat all legal marriages as valid .
`` LGBTQ people have long faced discrimination in the health care system which has negatively impacted their health outcomes and has additionally made them wary of accessing services in the first place , '' they wrote .
`` ... We must not exacerbate existing health and economic inequities by allowing qualified individuals to be turned away from federally funded services . ''
Congress has been working on more COVID-19 relief legislation , including an aid bill for businesses and hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small business lending program , $ 75 billion for hospitals , and $ 25 billion to expand testing .
Rea Carey , executive director of the National LGBTQ+ Task Force Action Fund , spoke out about the need for the things outlined in the letter , in a statement to the press this week .
`` As a queer , gender non-conforming woman , I worry about the people I know and love who are not currently explicitly protected from discrimination in the programs Congress has created or strengthened in the wake of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Carey said .
`` If someone like me , a woman with short hair who dresses in more masculine attire , was laid off their job tomorrow , they could legally be turned away from a soup kitchen , homeless shelter , or in some cases government programs because of gaps in our nation 's civil rights laws . ''
House Democrats tried to rectify the discriminatory gaps in congressional legislation last year when they voted to pass the Equality Act , which would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation .
Under the Equality Act , LGBTQ people would have stronger protections against discrimination in housing , employment , education , federal programs , jury service , public accommodations , and credit and lending .
Only 22 states , two territories , and the District of Columbia explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity .
One hundred and seventy-three Republicans voted against the bill .
Only eight Republicans voted for the legislation .
The Senate , where Republicans have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislation .
Donald Trump opposed the bill .
Legal advocacy groups have argued that LGBTQ people should already be protected under federal law because discrimination against them is a form of sex discrimination .
The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments last year on whether those workers are protected by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 .
The court could announce its opinion as soon as this week .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Nearly 200 organizations, including progressive think tanks and LGBTQ advocacy groups, sent a letter to members of Congress this week, asking them to include language that bars anti-LGBTQ discrimination in any programs and services funded by coronavirus relief legislation.
Lambda Legal, the Human Rights Campaign, the Center for American Progress, and the National LGBTQ+ Task Force Action Fund were among the groups that signed the letter sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Monday.
The groups urged Congress to include provisions in response legislation that clarifies no one eligible for these programs and services should be excluded from participation in them, denied their benefits, or face discrimination in how the programs and services are administered based on sex.
The letter makes it clear that “sex” includes sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, and childbirth.
The groups also called for any legislation to include language prohibiting discrimination based on age, disability, race, immigration status, national origin, and religion. They asked that Congress ensure that any recipients of funds provided in COVID-19 relief packages treat all legal marriages as valid.
“LGBTQ people have long faced discrimination in the health care system which has negatively impacted their health outcomes and has additionally made them wary of accessing services in the first place,” they wrote. “…We must not exacerbate existing health and economic inequities by allowing qualified individuals to be turned away from federally funded services.”
Congress has been working on more COVID-19 relief legislation, including an aid bill for businesses and hospitals that includes $350 billion for a small business lending program, $75 billion for hospitals, and $25 billion to expand testing.
Rea Carey, executive director of the National LGBTQ+ Task Force Action Fund, spoke out about the need for the things outlined in the letter, in a statement to the press this week.
“As a queer, gender non-conforming woman, I worry about the people I know and love who are not currently explicitly protected from discrimination in the programs Congress has created or strengthened in the wake of our current economic and health crisis,” Carey said.
“If someone like me, a woman with short hair who dresses in more masculine attire, was laid off their job tomorrow, they could legally be turned away from a soup kitchen, homeless shelter, or in some cases government programs because of gaps in our nation’s civil rights laws.”
House Democrats tried to rectify the discriminatory gaps in congressional legislation last year when they voted to pass the Equality Act, which would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to make it explicit that the law bans discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation.
Under the Equality Act, LGBTQ people would have stronger protections against discrimination in housing, employment, education, federal programs, jury service, public accommodations, and credit and lending.
Only 22 states, two territories, and the District of Columbia explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
One hundred and seventy-three Republicans voted against the bill. Only eight Republicans voted for the legislation.
The Senate, where Republicans have a majority, did not take up the legislation. Donald Trump opposed the bill.
Legal advocacy groups have argued that LGBTQ people should already be protected under federal law because discrimination against them is a form of sex discrimination. The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments last year on whether those workers are protected by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The court could announce its opinion as soon as this week.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-04-22--Small-business owners blocked from accessing aid funds over old criminal records

Damon West was hoping the government 's coronavirus rescue package for small-business owners would help replace the income he 's lost now that he ca n't travel the country as a keynote speaker .
But then he got a call from his accountant .
A question on the application form asked whether , within the last five years , he had been convicted of or pleaded guilty or no contest to a felony or `` been placed on any form of parole or probation . ''
Another asked whether anyone who owns at least 20 % of the company was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probation or parole .
If so , they are ineligible .
It was a gut punch for West .
In 2009 , he was sentenced to life in prison but made parole in 2015 and now works as an author , teacher , and speaker , visiting schools and correctional facilities to talk about how he turned his life around .
`` You go and you pay your debt , and you 're still paying your bill , '' he said .
The Paycheck Protection Program , which already doled out $ 350 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infusion , is supposed to be a lifeline for businesses teetering on the edge , helping them stay afloat and keep their employees on the payroll during the pandemic .
Independent contractors and the self-employed also qualify .
But not , it turns out , if they have had certain run-ins with the law .
The Small Business Administration , which oversees the program , did not respond to questions about the reasoning .
And Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Tuesday evening that there were no plans to lift the rules , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ originally envisioned .
But ineligible would-be applicants and their advocates say they are a slap in the face for those who have served their time , especially from an administration that has trumpeted second chances .
They note many businesses run by formerly incarcerated people employ other people with criminal records who could be driven back to crime if they lose jobs .
Robert Rooks , co-founder of the Alliance for Safety and Justice , a national criminal justice reform organization , said he 'd heard from multiple small-business owners frustrated by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have worked their entire life to get to this place where they have something they can call their own .
They 've paid their debt to society , clawed their way to this point , and should be able to get what everybody else is able to get to keep their business afloat , '' he said .
Many people with felony convictions , he noted , have been forced to start their own businesses and become entrepreneurs because it 's so hard to get hired with a record .
For West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ describes himself as the `` poster child '' of someone who reformed their life after years in prison for organizing dozens of burglaries , the restriction `` felt kind of like a kick in the gut , a punch in the gut , '' especially given the administration 's talk of second chances .
`` If this administration truly feels like those that have done their time should have a second chance , those that have paid their debt should get a second chance , '' then the rule does n't make sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rare bipartisan victory in 2018 when he signed criminal justice reform legislation called the First Step Act .
He has since highlighted efforts to help formerly incarcerated people find jobs and talked about helping the `` forgotten '' men and women .
His campaign spent millions on a Super Bowl ad that featured the story of Alice Marie Johnson , a nonviolent drug offender whose life sentence Trump commuted after reality TV star Kim Kardashian West championed her case .
The ad showed footage of the emotional moment when Johnson was released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Thanks to President Trump , people like Alice are getting a second chance , '' the ad said .
Johnson said in an interview Monday that she was aware of the small-business rule and that she and others had succeeded in getting the administration to scale back an earlier version of the restrictions , which would have included those with misdemeanor records and gone back seven years instead of five .
`` I 'm so sorry for the small-business owners , '' she said , blaming the speed with which the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's really heartbreaking that this could n't have been fixed .
... We are ringing this bell of what is going on .
I want you to know that we are not being silent on this . ''
Trump said he 'd `` look into '' the issue when asked about it during his daily briefing Monday .
But Mnuchin on Tuesday said the rule already reflected changes that had been made because of the White House 's work on criminal justice issues .
`` There were actually much more onerous restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who had misdemeanors that were n't allowed to access the programs , it was much longer than five years , '' he said .
`` We did take this into account . ''
The comments were bad news for advocates like Mark Holden from the Koch-backed Americans for Prosperity , who have been making calls and sending letters to the White House and congressional leaders urging them to amend the policy as they finalize a package to give the program another cash infusion .
`` Secretary Mnuchin 's comments are little solace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criminal histories who have bounced back from tremendous adversity to become job creators and entrepreneurs — only to be locked out of this critical program , '' said Michael Mendoza , national director of # cut50 , a criminal justice reform group .
Holly Harris , executive director of the Justice Action Network , said her group had been reaching out to Republicans on Capitol Hill to try to get their support .
`` It 's just absurd to cripple people who have done everything you 've asked of them , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also a matter of public safety .
`` When people ca n't work , what do these geniuses who wrote this language think they 're going to do ?
They 're going to return to crime , return to addiction , all the things they 've done the hard work to get away from . ''

Damon West was hoping the government’s coronavirus rescue package for small-business owners would help replace the income he’s lost now that he can’t travel the country as a keynote speaker.
But then he got a call from his accountant. A question on the application form asked whether, within the last five years, he had been convicted of or pleaded guilty or no contest to a felony or “been placed on any form of parole or probation.” Another asked whether anyone who owns at least 20% of the company was incarcerated, under indictment, or on probation or parole. If so, they are ineligible.
It was a gut punch for West. In 2009, he was sentenced to life in prison but made parole in 2015 and now works as an author, teacher, and speaker, visiting schools and correctional facilities to talk about how he turned his life around.
“You go and you pay your debt, and you’re still paying your bill,” he said.
The Paycheck Protection Program, which already doled out $350 billion and is now awaiting another cash infusion, is supposed to be a lifeline for businesses teetering on the edge, helping them stay afloat and keep their employees on the payroll during the pandemic. Independent contractors and the self-employed also qualify. But not, it turns out, if they have had certain run-ins with the law.
The Small Business Administration, which oversees the program, did not respond to questions about the reasoning. And Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Tuesday evening that there were no plans to lift the rules, which he said were less onerous than those originally envisioned. But ineligible would-be applicants and their advocates say they are a slap in the face for those who have served their time, especially from an administration that has trumpeted second chances. They note many businesses run by formerly incarcerated people employ other people with criminal records who could be driven back to crime if they lose jobs.
Robert Rooks, co-founder of the Alliance for Safety and Justice, a national criminal justice reform organization, said he’d heard from multiple small-business owners frustrated by the provision.
“I’m hearing that people have worked their entire life to get to this place where they have something they can call their own. They’ve paid their debt to society, clawed their way to this point, and should be able to get what everybody else is able to get to keep their business afloat,” he said.
Many people with felony convictions, he noted, have been forced to start their own businesses and become entrepreneurs because it’s so hard to get hired with a record.
For West, who lives in southeast Texas and describes himself as the “poster child” of someone who reformed their life after years in prison for organizing dozens of burglaries, the restriction “felt kind of like a kick in the gut, a punch in the gut,” especially given the administration’s talk of second chances.
“If this administration truly feels like those that have done their time should have a second chance, those that have paid their debt should get a second chance,” then the rule doesn’t make sense, he said.
Donald Trump achieved a rare bipartisan victory in 2018 when he signed criminal justice reform legislation called the First Step Act. He has since highlighted efforts to help formerly incarcerated people find jobs and talked about helping the “forgotten” men and women. His campaign spent millions on a Super Bowl ad that featured the story of Alice Marie Johnson, a nonviolent drug offender whose life sentence Trump commuted after reality TV star Kim Kardashian West championed her case. The ad showed footage of the emotional moment when Johnson was released from prison and reunited with her family.
“Thanks to President Trump, people like Alice are getting a second chance,” the ad said.
Johnson said in an interview Monday that she was aware of the small-business rule and that she and others had succeeded in getting the administration to scale back an earlier version of the restrictions, which would have included those with misdemeanor records and gone back seven years instead of five.
“I’m so sorry for the small-business owners,” she said, blaming the speed with which the program had been pulled together. “It’s really heartbreaking that this couldn’t have been fixed. … We are ringing this bell of what is going on. I want you to know that we are not being silent on this.”
Trump said he’d “look into” the issue when asked about it during his daily briefing Monday. But Mnuchin on Tuesday said the rule already reflected changes that had been made because of the White House’s work on criminal justice issues.
“There were actually much more onerous restrictions in the SBA program. There were people who had misdemeanors that weren’t allowed to access the programs, it was much longer than five years,” he said. “We did take this into account.”
The comments were bad news for advocates like Mark Holden from the Koch-backed Americans for Prosperity, who have been making calls and sending letters to the White House and congressional leaders urging them to amend the policy as they finalize a package to give the program another cash infusion.
“Secretary Mnuchin’s comments are little solace to the thousands of small-business owners with criminal histories who have bounced back from tremendous adversity to become job creators and entrepreneurs — only to be locked out of this critical program,” said Michael Mendoza, national director of #cut50, a criminal justice reform group.
Holly Harris, executive director of the Justice Action Network, said her group had been reaching out to Republicans on Capitol Hill to try to get their support.
“It’s just absurd to cripple people who have done everything you’ve asked of them,” she said, adding that the issue was also a matter of public safety. “When people can’t work, what do these geniuses who wrote this language think they’re going to do? They’re going to return to crime, return to addiction, all the things they’ve done the hard work to get away from.”


shareblue--2020-04-22--Pastors claim LGBTQ anti-discrimination effort 'targets' them unfairly

Michigan Pastor 's Alliance , which describes itself as a `` network of pastors and Christian leaders , '' has come out against a petition drive initiative that would ensure LGBTQ are protected by a state anti-discrimination law .
If successful , the initiative would clarify that `` sex '' under the Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act of 1976 includes sexual orientation and gender identity or expression , so that trans and queer people would have stronger shields against discrimination in housing , employment , and public accommodation .
Trevor Thomas , co-chair and president of Fair and Equal Michigan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said , `` Every Michigander should have an equal chance at success , without threat of being fired , harassed , or demoted just because the boss does n't like that they 're gay or transgender . ''
But the pastors group claims the ballot proposal would promote religious discrimination .
Dr. R.B .
Ouellette , pastor emeritus at First Baptist Church of Bridgeport , said , `` Far from promoting fairness or equality , this initiative deliberately targets religious institutions and people of faith .
It attempts to coerce them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the past , Ouellette has also tweeted , `` Christians should stand for LGBT .
( As long as LGBT stands for 'Let God Be True . '
) '' and `` I deeply appreciate our Presidents ' support of Religious Liberty . ''
Fair and Equal Michigan said there is support for the anti-discrimination initiative from other faith leaders , however .
In January , a group convened in Grand Rapids , Michigan , to voice their support for the protections .
Rev .
Roland Stringfellow , a senior pastor and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; Reverend Rachel Bahr , pastor of Plymouth United Church of Christ in Grand Rapids ; and Reverend Fred Wooden , senior minister of Fountain Street Church in downtown Grand Rapids were among the faith leaders who gathered to speak in favor of updates to the state 's civil rights law .
Bahr said she , her wife , and many members of her church who belong to the LGBTQ community deserve changes to the law .
`` We really need to stand by and provide equal protections under the law for all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The protections also have the support of Rev .
Dr. Wendell Anthony , senior pastor of the Fellowship Chapel in Detroit .
He is on Fair and Equal Michigan 's honorary leadership committee .
This is the first time that advocacy groups have tried this pathway to enacting these legal protections for LGBTQ people — instead of continuing to wait for more lawmakers who support changes to the law to enter the state Legislature .
They are currently trying to get 340,047 signatures for their petition drive .
Then the legislature will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or send this question to voters for the November ballot .
Although many ballot committees suspended their signature drives once social distancing began , Fair and Equal Michigan is moving forward by collecting electronic signatures instead of in-person signatures .
The Trump administration has frequently wielded the claim that nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people would damage religious freedom to roll back Obama administration regulations that included safeguards for LGBTQ people .
The Labor Department proposed a rule last summer that allows for broad religious exemptions for businesses that have federal contracts .
LGBTQ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enable discrimination against workers , including pregnant workers and LGBTQ workers .
At the time , the Labor Department said it would `` provide the broadest protection of religious exercise recognized by the Constitution and other laws . ''
In November , the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services proposed a rule that would remove Obama-era language that ensures protection against anti-LGBTQ discrimination in all of its grant programs .
In its announcement of the rule , HUD said it would ensure that the federal government `` not infringe on religious freedom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Michigan Pastor’s Alliance, which describes itself as a “network of pastors and Christian leaders,” has come out against a petition drive initiative that would ensure LGBTQ are protected by a state anti-discrimination law.
If successful, the initiative would clarify that “sex” under the Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act of 1976 includes sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, so that trans and queer people would have stronger shields against discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodation.
Trevor Thomas, co-chair and president of Fair and Equal Michigan, the ballot committee for the initiative, said, “Every Michigander should have an equal chance at success, without threat of being fired, harassed, or demoted just because the boss doesn’t like that they’re gay or transgender.”
But the pastors group claims the ballot proposal would promote religious discrimination.
Dr. R.B. Ouellette, pastor emeritus at First Baptist Church of Bridgeport, said, “Far from promoting fairness or equality, this initiative deliberately targets religious institutions and people of faith. It attempts to coerce them to violate deeply held faith-based beliefs.”
In the past, Ouellette has also tweeted, “Christians should stand for LGBT. (As long as LGBT stands for ‘Let God Be True.’)” and “I deeply appreciate our Presidents’ support of Religious Liberty.”
Fair and Equal Michigan said there is support for the anti-discrimination initiative from other faith leaders, however.
In January, a group convened in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to voice their support for the protections. Rev. Roland Stringfellow, a senior pastor and teacher of Metropolitan Community Church of Detroit; Reverend Rachel Bahr, pastor of Plymouth United Church of Christ in Grand Rapids; and Reverend Fred Wooden, senior minister of Fountain Street Church in downtown Grand Rapids were among the faith leaders who gathered to speak in favor of updates to the state’s civil rights law.
Bahr said she, her wife, and many members of her church who belong to the LGBTQ community deserve changes to the law.
“We really need to stand by and provide equal protections under the law for all people,” she told Michigan Radio.
The protections also have the support of Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, senior pastor of the Fellowship Chapel in Detroit. He is on Fair and Equal Michigan’s honorary leadership committee.
This is the first time that advocacy groups have tried this pathway to enacting these legal protections for LGBTQ people — instead of continuing to wait for more lawmakers who support changes to the law to enter the state Legislature.
They are currently trying to get 340,047 signatures for their petition drive. Then the legislature will have 40 days to adopt the measure or send this question to voters for the November ballot.
Although many ballot committees suspended their signature drives once social distancing began, Fair and Equal Michigan is moving forward by collecting electronic signatures instead of in-person signatures.
The Trump administration has frequently wielded the claim that nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people would damage religious freedom to roll back Obama administration regulations that included safeguards for LGBTQ people.
The Labor Department proposed a rule last summer that allows for broad religious exemptions for businesses that have federal contracts. LGBTQ advocacy groups have said that this will enable discrimination against workers, including pregnant workers and LGBTQ workers. At the time, the Labor Department said it would “provide the broadest protection of religious exercise recognized by the Constitution and other laws.”
In November, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services proposed a rule that would remove Obama-era language that ensures protection against anti-LGBTQ discrimination in all of its grant programs. In its announcement of the rule, HUD said it would ensure that the federal government “not infringe on religious freedom in its operation of HHS grant programs.”
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-04-22--GOP senator on Trump immigration ban: 'I don't necessarily see how that helps the economy'

Donald Trump has used the coronavirus pandemic as an excuse for another crackdown on immigrants .
From the April 22 edition of Fox Business ' `` Mornings with Maria '' : MARIA BARTIROMO , Host : President Trump is announcing now that he plans to bar legal immigrants with green cards from entering the country for at least 60 days in an effort to protect American jobs , he said , amidst this pandemic .
Exceptions , he said , will be made for certain temporary workers with nonimmigrant visas , including seasonal farm laborers .
Senator , your reaction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent plans to stop immigration for 60 days .
SEN .
ROB PORTMAN ( R-OH ) : Well , I 'm glad it 's temporary , because I do n't see how that necessarily helps the economy right now .
Because we do need some of these people who have skills , you know , who are providing help to our economy .
But I do n't think there 's much immigration going on anyway , to be honest with you , right now , because things have really slowed down , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of other priorities .

From the April 22 edition of Fox Business’ “Mornings with Maria”:
MARIA BARTIROMO, Host: President Trump is announcing now that he plans to bar legal immigrants with green cards from entering the country for at least 60 days in an effort to protect American jobs, he said, amidst this pandemic. Exceptions, he said, will be made for certain temporary workers with nonimmigrant visas, including seasonal farm laborers.
Senator, your reaction to this and the president’s most recent plans to stop immigration for 60 days.
SEN. ROB PORTMAN (R-OH): Well, I’m glad it’s temporary, because I don’t see how that necessarily helps the economy right now. Because we do need some of these people who have skills, you know, who are providing help to our economy.
But I don’t think there’s much immigration going on anyway, to be honest with you, right now, because things have really slowed down, and Customs and Border Protection has a lot of other priorities.


shareblue--2020-04-22--Republican lawmakers sue to stop governors from protecting the public

Republican legislators in two states have filed lawsuits aimed at overturning stay-at-home orders and non-essential business closures issued to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic .
On Tuesday , Virginia state Sens .
Ryan McDougle and Bill Stanley filed a lawsuit on behalf of the owner of several Gold Gym locations , claiming Gov .
Ralph Northam 's March 23 order temporarily closing fitness centers , gymnasiums , and other non-essential businesses exceeded his constitutional power .
`` The doors of these health clubs should no longer be shuttered , '' Stanley said in a press release .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Also on Tuesday , Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald asked the state 's Supreme Court to overturn a stay-at-home order .
Gov .
Tony Evers and his Health Services secretary extended the temporary rule on Monday , while laying out a plan to reopen the state in phases .
`` The virus has never given us a timeline .
... No wants to reopen our economy as much as I do , '' Evers explained at the time .
The legislative leaders subsequently accused the governor 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` There 's immense frustration regarding the extension , as it goes beyond the executive branch 's statutory powers , '' Vox and Fitzgerald claimed .
`` Wisconsinites are forced to sit by with no voice in the process . ''
Virginia has seen more than 9,600 COVID-19 cases and 324 deaths .
Wisconsin has reported more than 4,600 cases and at least 242 deaths .
These suits are the latest efforts by Republican officials to undermine governors ' orders and reopen the economy regardless of public health consequences .
Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nationwide stay-at-home order , laid out a plan last week for states to gradually reopen .
`` You 're going to call your own shots , '' he reportedly told governors on Thursday .
`` We 're going to be standing alongside of you . ''
Hours later , he issued a series of tweets demanding people `` liberate '' their states from the stay-at-home orders .
Republican lawmakers in other states have tried to use the legislative process to undermine stay-at-home orders .
In Kansas , Michigan , and Pennsylvania , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Democratic governors , with mixed results .
Public health officials have warned that ending social distancing could cause another deadly wave of COVID-19 cases .
The nation 's top epidemiologist , Dr. Anthony Fauci said Monday that `` unless we get the virus under control , the real recovery economically is not going to happen . ''
`` So what you do if you jump the gun and go into a situation where you have a big spike , you ’ re going to set yourself back , '' he told ABC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is to go by the careful guidelines of gradually phasing into a reopening , it ’ s going to backfire .
That ’ s the problem . ''
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Republican legislators in two states have filed lawsuits aimed at overturning stay-at-home orders and non-essential business closures issued to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Tuesday, Virginia state Sens. Ryan McDougle and Bill Stanley filed a lawsuit on behalf of the owner of several Gold Gym locations, claiming Gov. Ralph Northam’s March 23 order temporarily closing fitness centers, gymnasiums, and other non-essential businesses exceeded his constitutional power.
“The doors of these health clubs should no longer be shuttered,” Stanley said in a press release. “They need to be reopened.”
Also on Tuesday, Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald asked the state’s Supreme Court to overturn a stay-at-home order. Gov. Tony Evers and his Health Services secretary extended the temporary rule on Monday, while laying out a plan to reopen the state in phases.
“The virus has never given us a timeline. … No wants to reopen our economy as much as I do,” Evers explained at the time.
The legislative leaders subsequently accused the governor’s office of asserting “czar-like powers.”
“There’s immense frustration regarding the extension, as it goes beyond the executive branch’s statutory powers,” Vox and Fitzgerald claimed. “Wisconsinites are forced to sit by with no voice in the process.”
Virginia has seen more than 9,600 COVID-19 cases and 324 deaths. Wisconsin has reported more than 4,600 cases and at least 242 deaths.
These suits are the latest efforts by Republican officials to undermine governors’ orders and reopen the economy regardless of public health consequences.
Donald Trump, who has patently refused to issued a nationwide stay-at-home order, laid out a plan last week for states to gradually reopen.
“You’re going to call your own shots,” he reportedly told governors on Thursday. “We’re going to be standing alongside of you.”
Hours later, he issued a series of tweets demanding people “liberate” their states from the stay-at-home orders.
Republican lawmakers in other states have tried to use the legislative process to undermine stay-at-home orders. In Kansas, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, GOP-controlled legislatures have sought to override efforts by Democratic governors, with mixed results.
Public health officials have warned that ending social distancing could cause another deadly wave of COVID-19 cases. The nation’s top epidemiologist, Dr. Anthony Fauci said Monday that “unless we get the virus under control, the real recovery economically is not going to happen.”
“So what you do if you jump the gun and go into a situation where you have a big spike, you’re going to set yourself back,” he told ABC News. “So as painful as it is to go by the careful guidelines of gradually phasing into a reopening, it’s going to backfire. That’s the problem.”
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-04-22--McConnell: Bringing back retired judges to block Democrats 'worth taking a look at'

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R ) endorsed the idea of a retired conservative federal judge rescinding their resignation if their vacated seat would be filled by someone with a different ideology .
McConnell was asked by conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt about a hypothetical situation in which a conservative judge retires before the fall election , and then Vice President Joe Biden wins the election , leaving the vacancy to be offered most likely to a more progressive nominee .
McConnell has previously said he would block progressive initiatives if Democrats regained the White House in the 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Democratic administrations before , successfully blocking President Barack Obama 's nomination of Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court and refusing even to schedule Senate hearings for the nominee .
From the April 22 edition of `` The Hugh Hewitt Show '' : HUGH HEWITT , Host : Now I want to close , Sen. McConnell , by talking about judges again .
I raised a hypothetical with Attorney General Barr yesterday , which he was not comfortable with , but I need an answer to it , I think a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answer to it .
They would retire if they knew they could revoke their retirement if their replacement was n't confirmed .
Do you believe it 's constitutional for a federal judge at any level to turn in a resignation letter saying , `` I will retire provided a successor is confirmed by Dec. 31 , and if not , I am not retiring '' ?
Do you think that 's constitutional ?
MITCH MCCONNELL : I could be wrong , but I think that 's been done before .
That retirements have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm not certain about that , but that 's a good way to — that 's something worth taking a look at .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R) endorsed the idea of a retired conservative federal judge rescinding their resignation if their vacated seat would be filled by someone with a different ideology.
McConnell was asked by conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt about a hypothetical situation in which a conservative judge retires before the fall election, and then Vice President Joe Biden wins the election, leaving the vacancy to be offered most likely to a more progressive nominee.
McConnell has previously said he would block progressive initiatives if Democrats regained the White House in the 2020 election. He has obstructed the initiatives of Democratic administrations before, successfully blocking President Barack Obama’s nomination of Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court and refusing even to schedule Senate hearings for the nominee.
From the April 22 edition of “The Hugh Hewitt Show”:
HUGH HEWITT, Host: Now I want to close, Sen. McConnell, by talking about judges again. I raised a hypothetical with Attorney General Barr yesterday, which he was not comfortable with, but I need an answer to it, I think a lot of federal judges who could retire need an answer to it. They would retire if they knew they could revoke their retirement if their replacement wasn’t confirmed. Do you believe it’s constitutional for a federal judge at any level to turn in a resignation letter saying, “I will retire provided a successor is confirmed by Dec. 31, and if not, I am not retiring”? Do you think that’s constitutional? MITCH MCCONNELL: I could be wrong, but I think that’s been done before. That retirements have been announced contingent upon replacement. I’m not certain about that, but that’s a good way to — that’s something worth taking a look at.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-04-22--Matt Gaetz hit with multiple complaints over lease arrangement scandal

A government watchdog group on Wednesday announced it had filed multiple complaints against Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz , demanding an investigation into a lease agreement for congressional office space .
Politico reported on Friday that Gaetz rented office space in Florida for below market value from Collier Merrill — a Florida-based developer who Politico reported is a longtime friend and donor to Gaetz 's campaign .
Gaetz admitted in a tweet that he both did not pay fair market value for the office space in his Pensacola-based district , and told Politico through a spokesperson that he felt he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Merrill .
However , the rental agreement violates House rules , which state that lawmakers must rent office space `` at fair market value as the result of a bona fide , arms-length , marketplace transaction . ''
`` The Lessor and Lessee certify that the parties are not relatives nor have had , or continue to have , a professional or legal relationship ( except as a landlord and tenant ) , '' House rules state .
Common Cause — a watchdog group that seeks to `` rebuild trust in our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice Department , the House Committee on House Administration , and the Office of Congressional Ethics .
`` The complaints urge an investigation into whether both men violated the criminal law prohibition on concealment of material facts in filings or statements to the federal government , and whether Rep. Gaetz is violating House gift rules by paying less than market value for his office rent , '' Common Cause said in a statement linking to the complaints .
In the series of tweets on Friday right before Politico published its story , Gaetz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' for Sen. Richard Burr , the North Carolina Republican currently in hot water over selling off as much as $ 1.7 million in stock before the market collapsed over coronavirus fears .
Gaetz criticized Burr for the stock sell-off .
Gaetz went on to claim he was simply helping save taxpayer money .
Common Cause says the situation deserves scrutiny and that Gaetz should be held accountable .
`` Floridians expect and deserve elected officials who obey the laws on the books , including those laws they may find inconvenient , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Common Cause Florida , said in a statement .
`` This lease arrangement seems to represent exactly the type of relationship House rules were written to prevent and why Members of Congress and their landlords are required disclose any relationship beyond that of landlord and tenant . ''
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

A government watchdog group on Wednesday announced it had filed multiple complaints against Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz, demanding an investigation into a lease agreement for congressional office space.
Politico reported on Friday that Gaetz rented office space in Florida for below market value from Collier Merrill — a Florida-based developer who Politico reported is a longtime friend and donor to Gaetz’s campaign.
Gaetz admitted in a tweet that he both did not pay fair market value for the office space in his Pensacola-based district, and told Politico through a spokesperson that he felt he didn’t need to disclose his relationship with Merrill.
However, the rental agreement violates House rules, which state that lawmakers must rent office space “at fair market value as the result of a bona fide, arms-length, marketplace transaction.”
“The Lessor and Lessee certify that the parties are not relatives nor have had, or continue to have, a professional or legal relationship (except as a landlord and tenant),” House rules state.
Common Cause — a watchdog group that seeks to “rebuild trust in our government” — filed complaints with the Justice Department, the House Committee on House Administration, and the Office of Congressional Ethics.
“The complaints urge an investigation into whether both men violated the criminal law prohibition on concealment of material facts in filings or statements to the federal government, and whether Rep. Gaetz is violating House gift rules by paying less than market value for his office rent,” Common Cause said in a statement linking to the complaints.
In the series of tweets on Friday right before Politico published its story, Gaetz baselessly accused Politico of being “shills” for Sen. Richard Burr, the North Carolina Republican currently in hot water over selling off as much as $1.7 million in stock before the market collapsed over coronavirus fears. Gaetz criticized Burr for the stock sell-off.
Gaetz went on to claim he was simply helping save taxpayer money.
Common Cause says the situation deserves scrutiny and that Gaetz should be held accountable.
“Floridians expect and deserve elected officials who obey the laws on the books, including those laws they may find inconvenient,” Anjenys Gonzalez-Eilert, the executive director of Common Cause Florida, said in a statement.
“This lease arrangement seems to represent exactly the type of relationship House rules were written to prevent and why Members of Congress and their landlords are required disclose any relationship beyond that of landlord and tenant.”
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.