shareblue--2020-08-07--These groups gave $1.2M to senators leading fight against workers' rights

Business groups pushing to make it harder for employees to sue the companies they work for if they contract the coronavirus on the job have given more than $ 1.2 million to the two Senate Republicans leading the charge to include a corporate `` liability shield '' in any new pandemic relief legislation .
And one of those senators is threatening to block any relief legislation until the shield becomes law .
Sen. John Cornyn of Texas and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell are the co-authors of the so-called Safeguarding America 's Frontline Employees To Offer Work Opportunities Required to Kickstart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers who contract the coronavirus to show that they did so due to their employer 's `` reckless disregard '' for safety measures .
The act says that a plaintiff must establish `` clear and convincing evidence that the individual or entity was not making reasonable efforts in light of all the circumstances to comply with any of the conflicting applicable government standards and guidance issued by any government to whose jurisdiction the individual or entity is subject . ''
Cornyn has received more than $ 430,000 from trade associations ' political action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than $ 825,000 .
Under current law , if a business 's customer or employee gets sick , in most states they can sue if they can prove the business was responsible and did not take reasonable precautions .
Proving this is already an `` uphill battle , '' employment lawyer Jonathan Segal told USA Today in April .
Corporations are pushing to make that hill even steeper .
Though relatively few cases have been brought by employees so far , businesses have argued that expensive bogus lawsuits could bankrupt them without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a law would put them at even greater risk than they already are .
`` We 're getting $ 12 an hour .
We have no sick days , '' airport security guard Mercedes Taylor told Time magazine last Thursday .
`` For them to be concerned about the liability of employers and them not being sued versus the employees who have been consistently showing for work and providing a service ?
I 'm very disappointed . ''
`` Black , Latinx , and workers of color will be most directly impacted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Employment Law Project staff attorney Hugh Baran told the American Independent Foundation in a recent interview .
`` Gross negligence is already as a general manner an extremely difficult thing to prove .
You virtually have to prove intent — that you wanted your workers to get hurt or sick .
This actually raises the bar so high that no worker or consumer will ever be able to '' meet its standard .
Last week , the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and 494 other business groups sent Congress what they titled a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` The undersigned organizations urge you to support the timely , targeted , and temporary liability relief provisions contained in S. 4317 , the 'SAFE TO WORK Act , ' '' the groups wrote : Cornyn wrote last month , `` As states gradually reopen their economies , frontline health care workers , small businesses , and schools face a second pandemic of frivolous lawsuits threatening to bankrupt them .
This legislation would protect those acting in good faith from being sued into oblivion while ensuring bad actors who willingly put their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ danger will still be held accountable . ''
McConnell said in April that the Republican majority would not let the Senate pass any new virus relief legislation that does not contain the provision .
`` Let me make it perfectly clear that the Senate is not interested in passing a bill that does not have liability protection , '' he told Fox News .
`` So , that 's an integral part of our economy getting back to normal .
... What I 'm saying is , we have a red line on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate without it . ''
A review of Federal Election Commission data finds that of the 495 trade groups pushing for the shield , at least 72 have sent political action committee contributions to Cornyn , McConnell , or both in the past few years .
Their combined donations exceeded $ 1.2 million .
The contributions were made over the 2016 , 2018 , and 2020 campaign cycles and included donations to both the senators ' campaign committees and their leadership political action committees .
• AdvaMed - Advanced Medical Technology Association : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5,000 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• Airlines for America : Gave $ 10,000 to McConnell .
A spokesperson said in an email that the group supports `` candidates who understand and appreciate the value that U.S. airlines deliver to our nation 's economy , jobs and the traveling public '' and appreciates `` the efforts of the Senate as they work to provide relief for both individuals and businesses that are critical to relaunching the economy as our country continues to combat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We look forward to working with Congress as they address vital economic needs including measures that would ensure liability protections , help businesses retain employees and provide safe workplaces . ''
• American Academy of PAs : Gave $ 1,500 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• American Bakers Association : Gave $ 2,500 to Cornyn and $ 5,000 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• American Bankers Association : Gave $ 20,000 to Cornyn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• American Chemistry Council : Gave $ 10,000 to Cornyn and $ 7,000 to McConnell .
A spokesperson said in an email that the group backs the liability protection : `` We believe that companies that are following federal , state and local public health guidelines , and are committed to controlling the spread of this disease , deserve appropriate legal protection to help ensure businesses are not hampered by unnecessary litigation , so that the U.S. economy is well positioned for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group 's donations go to members of Congress in both parties who `` are working to advance sensible policies and regulations that drive creation of groundbreaking products that improve lives and our environment and enhance the economic vitality of communities everywhere . ''
• American Council of Engineering Companies : Gave $ 2,500 to Cornyn and $ 5,000 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• American Council of Life Insurers : Gave $ 5,000 to Cornyn and $ 12,000 to McConnell .
A spokesperson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insurers have been providing invaluable support to consumers and the U.S. economy '' throughout the pandemic .
• American Dental Association : Gave $ 25,000 to Cornyn and $ 30,000 to McConnell .
In an emailed statement , the group said , `` Dentists continue to care for patients throughout this pandemic helping people maintain both oral and overall health .
Yet dentists remain vulnerable to the threat of unwarranted and unfair lawsuits , '' adding that it `` urges Congress to consider targeted and limited liability protections for dentists in the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other health care professionals who continue to treat COVID-19 under unprecedented conditions .
...
The American Dental Political Action Committee ( ADPAC ) is a bipartisan political action committee that supports candidates from all political parties , in order to provide dentists a voice in the public policy arena on behalf of their patients , dental practice and profession . ''
• American Forest and Paper Association : Gave $ 6,000 to Cornyn and $ 10,000 to McConnell .
A spokesperson said in an email that the group 's political donations `` are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give to both Democrats and Republicans in House and Senate leadership , '' and that the group signed on to the letter because `` Essential businesses are facing unprecedented challenges .
They deserve commonsense protections so they can continue to focus on fueling our recovery and helping manufacturers respond to this crisis . ''
• American Gas Association : Gave $ 11,000 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• American Health Care Association & National Center for Assisted Living : Gave $ 3,000 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A spokesperson said in an email that the group is `` advocating for limited and reasonable liability protection to cover providers and staff members for making good faith efforts .
Our health care heroes in long term care are on the frontline of this pandemic response , and it is critical that the federal government and states provide the necessary liability protection staff and providers need to continue to offer quality care during this challenging time without fear of reprisal . ''
• American Hotel & Lodging Association : Gave $ 25,000 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to an inquiry for this story .
• American Institute of CPAs : Gave $ 22,500 to Cornyn and $ 28,000 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• American Medical Association : Gave $ 20,000 to Cornyn and $ 5,000 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• American Property Casualty Insurance Association : Gave $ 7,000 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• American Resort Development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• American Trucking Associations : Gave $ 3,000 to Cornyn and $ 2,500 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• American Veterinary Medical Association : Gave $ 2,000 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• Argentum : Gave $ 12,500 to Cornyn .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• Asian American Hotel Owners Association : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• Associated Builders and Contractors : Gave $ 20,000 to Cornyn and $ 30,000 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• Associated Equipment Distributors : Gave $ 10,000 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• Associated General Contractors of America : Gave $ 40,000 to McConnell .
A spokesperson confirmed the information in an email , writing that the group 's political action committee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support common-sense , pro-growth economic measures that stimulate demand for new infrastructure and development projects '' and that `` the majority of our members tell us the measure they need most out of Washington is liability reform so that employers who have put in place all appropriate coronavirus safety precautions are not forced to endure needless litigation . ''
• Biotechnology Innovation Organization : Gave $ 1,000 to Cornyn and $ 1,000 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Association @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 30,000 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• Consumer Bankers Association : Gave $ 7,500 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers : Gave $ 2,500 to Cornyn and $ 5,000 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• Credit Union National Association : Gave $ 1,000 to Cornyn and $ 32,500 to McConnell .
The group did not respond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • CTIA-The Wireless Association : Gave $ 2,000 to Cornyn and $ 7,500 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• Distilled Spirits Council of the United States : Gave $ 10,000 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• Edison Electric Institute : Gave $ 25,000 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• Federation of American Hospitals : Gave $ 10,000 to Cornyn and $ 28,500 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to an inquiry for this story .
• Independent Electrical Contractors : Gave $ 1,500 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America : Gave $ 2,500 to Cornyn and $ 5,000 to McConnell .
A spokesperson said in an email that the group 's PAC `` is bipartisan and distributes millions of dollars each election cycle , supporting the campaigns of Democratic and Republican candidates for federal office that support small business . ''
• International Association @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 1,000 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• International Council of Shopping Centers : Gave $ 11,000 to Cornyn .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• International Foodservice Distributors Association : Gave $ 10,000 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• International Franchise Association : Gave $ 6,500 to Cornyn and $ 10,000 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 7,500 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• Medical Device Manufacturers Association : Gave $ 5,000 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• Motion Picture Association : Gave $ 3,500 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• National Apartment Association : Gave $ 26,000 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• National Association of Broadcasters : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 52,400 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• National Association of Chain Drug Stores : Gave $ 10,000 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions : Gave $ 11,000 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• National Association of Manufacturers : Gave $ 5,000 to McConnell .
A spokesperson noted in an email that in April the group `` released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the American Renewal Action Plan '' and pointed to a July 28 statement in favor of the legislative proposal .
• National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies : Gave $ 12,500 to McConnell .
A spokesperson said in an email : `` NAMIC believes that businesses , health care providers , non-profits , and other entities making a good faith effort to adopt health guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19 should not also have to worry about frivolous lawsuits as they try to survive this pandemic . ''
• National Association @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,500 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• National Association of REALTORS : Gave $ 30,000 to Cornyn and $ 35,000 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors : Gave $ 5,000 to Cornyn and $ 5,000 to McConnell .
A spokesperson responded to an inquiry for this story by sending a conservative group 's description of the American Independent Foundation .
• National Automobile Dealers Association : Gave $ 25,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• National Community Pharmacists Association : Gave $ 2,500 to McConnell .
A spokesperson said in a phone interview that the group tries to balance donations to both parties and typically supports leadership and committee chairs .
`` We 're certainly grateful that both of them support that legislation but it is n't the singular factor .
There 's lots of other reasons , '' he said .
He noted that the liability shield is a `` huge priority for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they 're essential businesses , and they 've done so to take care of their patients .
One lawsuit can wipe them out , '' adding that they have `` operated in completely good faith and should have some protection from the kind of predatory lawsuits that are bound to come when this is all over . ''
• National Cotton Council : Gave $ 17,000 to Cornyn .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• National Electrical Contractors Association : Gave $ 5,000 to McConnell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an inquiry for this story .
• National Grocers Association : Gave $ 5,000 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• National Independent Automobile Dealers Association : Gave $ 2,500 to Cornyn .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• National Mining Association : Gave $ 10,000 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• National Multifamily Housing Council : Gave $ 10,000 to Cornyn and $ 35,000 to McConnell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an inquiry for this story .
• National Ready Mixed Concrete Association : Gave $ 7,500 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• National Restaurant Association : Gave $ 20,000 to Cornyn and $ 25,000 to McConnell .
A spokesperson said in an email that the group is working to help restaurants stay open safely .
`` As the nation 's second-largest private sector employer , the restaurant industry will be an essential component of our recovery from this national health crisis , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elected officials through our grassroots network , through restaurant owners and employees , and through our political action committee to ensure their understanding of the unique business operations of this industry and the role it plays in driving the economy . ''
• National Retail Federation : Gave $ 5,000 to Cornyn and $ 6,000 to McConnell .
A spokesperson confirmed the information .
• National Roofing Contractors Association : Gave $ 17,500 to Cornyn and $ 5,000 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 24,500 to Cornyn and $ 10,000 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• National Federation of Independent Business : Gave $ 9,500 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• North American Meat Institute : Gave $ 5,000 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America : Gave $ 5,500 to Cornyn and $ 12,500 to McConnell .
The group declined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Portland Cement Association : Gave $ 1,000 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association : Gave $ 7,500 to Cornyn and $ 12,500 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• The Aluminum Association : Gave $ 2,500 to McConnell .
The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story .
• The Real Estate Roundtable : Gave $ 1,000 to Cornyn and $ 15,000 to McConnell .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ inquiry for this story .
• U.S. Chamber of Commerce : Gave $ 5,000 to Cornyn and $ 12,500 to McConnell .
A spokesperson said in an email that the letter `` states our position on the issue . ''
Neither McConnell nor Cornyn responded to inquiries for this story .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Business groups pushing to make it harder for employees to sue the companies they work for if they contract the coronavirus on the job have given more than $1.2 million to the two Senate Republicans leading the charge to include a corporate “liability shield” in any new pandemic relief legislation.
And one of those senators is threatening to block any relief legislation until the shield becomes law.
Sen. John Cornyn of Texas and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell are the co-authors of the so-called Safeguarding America’s Frontline Employees To Offer Work Opportunities Required to Kickstart the Economy Act. The act requires workers who contract the coronavirus to show that they did so due to their employer’s “reckless disregard” for safety measures.
The act says that a plaintiff must establish “clear and convincing evidence that the individual or entity was not making reasonable efforts in light of all the circumstances to comply with any of the conflicting applicable government standards and guidance issued by any government to whose jurisdiction the individual or entity is subject.”
Cornyn has received more than $430,000 from trade associations’ political action committees since 2016. McConnell has received more than $825,000.
Under current law, if a business’s customer or employee gets sick, in most states they can sue if they can prove the business was responsible and did not take reasonable precautions. Proving this is already an “uphill battle,” employment lawyer Jonathan Segal told USA Today in April.
Corporations are pushing to make that hill even steeper.
Though relatively few cases have been brought by employees so far, businesses have argued that expensive bogus lawsuits could bankrupt them without such a shield.
Workers say such a law would put them at even greater risk than they already are.
“We’re getting $12 an hour. We have no sick days,” airport security guard Mercedes Taylor told Time magazine last Thursday. “For them to be concerned about the liability of employers and them not being sued versus the employees who have been consistently showing for work and providing a service? I’m very disappointed.”
“Black, Latinx, and workers of color will be most directly impacted by the corporate immunity bill,” National Employment Law Project staff attorney Hugh Baran told the American Independent Foundation in a recent interview. “Gross negligence is already as a general manner an extremely difficult thing to prove. You virtually have to prove intent — that you wanted your workers to get hurt or sick. This actually raises the bar so high that no worker or consumer will ever be able to” meet its standard.
Last week, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and 494 other business groups sent Congress what they titled a “Coalition Letter on Coronavirus Liability Protections.”
“The undersigned organizations urge you to support the timely, targeted, and temporary liability relief provisions contained in S. 4317, the ‘SAFE TO WORK Act,'” the groups wrote:
These crucial protections would safeguard healthcare workers, providers, and facilities, as well as businesses, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions against unfair lawsuits so they can continue to contribute to a safe and effective economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This legislation is critically needed and should be enacted as soon as possible. To that end, we strongly urge you to support the inclusion of these provisions in a Phase IV COVID-19 relief package.
Cornyn wrote last month, “As states gradually reopen their economies, frontline health care workers, small businesses, and schools face a second pandemic of frivolous lawsuits threatening to bankrupt them. This legislation would protect those acting in good faith from being sued into oblivion while ensuring bad actors who willingly put their patients, employees, or customers in danger will still be held accountable.”
McConnell said in April that the Republican majority would not let the Senate pass any new virus relief legislation that does not contain the provision. “Let me make it perfectly clear that the Senate is not interested in passing a bill that does not have liability protection,” he told Fox News. “So, that’s an integral part of our economy getting back to normal. … What I’m saying is, we have a red line on liability. It won’t pass the Senate without it.”
Donald Trump has backed the liability shield.
A review of Federal Election Commission data finds that of the 495 trade groups pushing for the shield, at least 72 have sent political action committee contributions to Cornyn, McConnell, or both in the past few years. Their combined donations exceeded $1.2 million.
The contributions were made over the 2016, 2018, and 2020 campaign cycles and included donations to both the senators’ campaign committees and their leadership political action committees.
The donors were:
AdvaMed – Advanced Medical Technology Association: Gave $1,462.92 to Cornyn and $5,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
Airlines for America: Gave $10,000 to McConnell. A spokesperson said in an email that the group supports “candidates who understand and appreciate the value that U.S. airlines deliver to our nation’s economy, jobs and the traveling public” and appreciates “the efforts of the Senate as they work to provide relief for both individuals and businesses that are critical to relaunching the economy as our country continues to combat challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to working with Congress as they address vital economic needs including measures that would ensure liability protections, help businesses retain employees and provide safe workplaces.”
American Academy of PAs: Gave $1,500 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
American Bakers Association: Gave $2,500 to Cornyn and $5,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
American Bankers Association: Gave $20,000 to Cornyn and $12,500 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
American Chemistry Council: Gave $10,000 to Cornyn and $7,000 to McConnell. A spokesperson said in an email that the group backs the liability protection: “We believe that companies that are following federal, state and local public health guidelines, and are committed to controlling the spread of this disease, deserve appropriate legal protection to help ensure businesses are not hampered by unnecessary litigation, so that the U.S. economy is well positioned for recovery.” He added that the group’s donations go to members of Congress in both parties who “are working to advance sensible policies and regulations that drive creation of groundbreaking products that improve lives and our environment and enhance the economic vitality of communities everywhere.”
American Council of Engineering Companies: Gave $2,500 to Cornyn and $5,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
American Council of Life Insurers: Gave $5,000 to Cornyn and $12,000 to McConnell. A spokesperson said in an email that “life insurers have been providing invaluable support to consumers and the U.S. economy” throughout the pandemic.
American Dental Association: Gave $25,000 to Cornyn and $30,000 to McConnell. In an emailed statement, the group said, “Dentists continue to care for patients throughout this pandemic helping people maintain both oral and overall health. Yet dentists remain vulnerable to the threat of unwarranted and unfair lawsuits,” adding that it “urges Congress to consider targeted and limited liability protections for dentists in the same way they are considering liability protection for other health care professionals who continue to treat COVID-19 under unprecedented conditions. … The American Dental Political Action Committee (ADPAC) is a bipartisan political action committee that supports candidates from all political parties, in order to provide dentists a voice in the public policy arena on behalf of their patients, dental practice and profession.”
American Forest and Paper Association: Gave $6,000 to Cornyn and $10,000 to McConnell. A spokesperson said in an email that the group’s political donations “are consistent cycle after cycle in that we give to both Democrats and Republicans in House and Senate leadership,” and that the group signed on to the letter because “Essential businesses are facing unprecedented challenges. They deserve commonsense protections so they can continue to focus on fueling our recovery and helping manufacturers respond to this crisis.”
American Gas Association: Gave $11,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
American Health Care Association & National Center for Assisted Living: Gave $3,000 to Cornyn and $17,500 to McConnell. A spokesperson said in an email that the group is “advocating for limited and reasonable liability protection to cover providers and staff members for making good faith efforts. Our health care heroes in long term care are on the frontline of this pandemic response, and it is critical that the federal government and states provide the necessary liability protection staff and providers need to continue to offer quality care during this challenging time without fear of reprisal.”
American Hotel & Lodging Association: Gave $25,000 to Cornyn. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
American Institute of CPAs: Gave $22,500 to Cornyn and $28,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
American Medical Association: Gave $20,000 to Cornyn and $5,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
American Property Casualty Insurance Association: Gave $7,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
American Resort Development Association: Gave $2,500 to Cornyn. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
American Trucking Associations: Gave $3,000 to Cornyn and $2,500 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
American Veterinary Medical Association: Gave $2,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
Argentum: Gave $12,500 to Cornyn. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
Asian American Hotel Owners Association: Gave $12,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
Associated Builders and Contractors: Gave $20,000 to Cornyn and $30,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
Associated Equipment Distributors: Gave $10,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
Associated General Contractors of America: Gave $40,000 to McConnell. A spokesperson confirmed the information in an email, writing that the group’s political action committee supports “candidates of either party that support common-sense, pro-growth economic measures that stimulate demand for new infrastructure and development projects” and that “the majority of our members tell us the measure they need most out of Washington is liability reform so that employers who have put in place all appropriate coronavirus safety precautions are not forced to endure needless litigation.”
Biotechnology Innovation Organization: Gave $1,000 to Cornyn and $1,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association: Gave $21,000 to Cornyn and $30,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
Consumer Bankers Association: Gave $7,500 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers: Gave $2,500 to Cornyn and $5,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
Credit Union National Association: Gave $1,000 to Cornyn and $32,500 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
CTIA-The Wireless Association: Gave $2,000 to Cornyn and $7,500 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
Distilled Spirits Council of the United States: Gave $10,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
Edison Electric Institute: Gave $25,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
Federation of American Hospitals: Gave $10,000 to Cornyn and $28,500 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
Independent Electrical Contractors: Gave $1,500 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America: Gave $2,500 to Cornyn and $5,000 to McConnell. A spokesperson said in an email that the group’s PAC “is bipartisan and distributes millions of dollars each election cycle, supporting the campaigns of Democratic and Republican candidates for federal office that support small business.”
International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions: Gave $1,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
International Council of Shopping Centers: Gave $11,000 to Cornyn. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
International Foodservice Distributors Association: Gave $10,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
International Franchise Association: Gave $6,500 to Cornyn and $10,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
Manufactured Housing Institute: Gave $7,500 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
Medical Device Manufacturers Association: Gave $5,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
Motion Picture Association: Gave $3,500 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
National Apartment Association: Gave $26,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
National Association of Broadcasters: Gave $25,000 to Cornyn and $52,400 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
National Association of Chain Drug Stores: Gave $10,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions: Gave $11,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
National Association of Manufacturers: Gave $5,000 to McConnell. A spokesperson noted in an email that in April the group “released targeted Pandemic Liability Policy Recommendations as part of the American Renewal Action Plan” and pointed to a July 28 statement in favor of the legislative proposal.
National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies: Gave $12,500 to McConnell. A spokesperson said in an email: “NAMIC believes that businesses, health care providers, non-profits, and other entities making a good faith effort to adopt health guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19 should not also have to worry about frivolous lawsuits as they try to survive this pandemic.”
National Association of Professional Employer Organizations: Gave $2,500 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
National Association of REALTORS: Gave $30,000 to Cornyn and $35,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors: Gave $5,000 to Cornyn and $5,000 to McConnell. A spokesperson responded to an inquiry for this story by sending a conservative group’s description of the American Independent Foundation.
National Automobile Dealers Association: Gave $25,000 to Cornyn and $35,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
National Community Pharmacists Association: Gave $2,500 to McConnell. A spokesperson said in a phone interview that the group tries to balance donations to both parties and typically supports leadership and committee chairs. “We’re certainly grateful that both of them support that legislation but it isn’t the singular factor. There’s lots of other reasons,” he said. He noted that the liability shield is a “huge priority for independent pharmacists because they’ve remained open, they’re essential businesses, and they’ve done so to take care of their patients. One lawsuit can wipe them out,” adding that they have “operated in completely good faith and should have some protection from the kind of predatory lawsuits that are bound to come when this is all over.”
National Cotton Council: Gave $17,000 to Cornyn. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
National Electrical Contractors Association: Gave $5,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
National Grocers Association: Gave $5,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
National Independent Automobile Dealers Association: Gave $2,500 to Cornyn. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
National Mining Association: Gave $10,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
National Multifamily Housing Council: Gave $10,000 to Cornyn and $35,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
National Ready Mixed Concrete Association: Gave $7,500 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
National Restaurant Association: Gave $20,000 to Cornyn and $25,000 to McConnell. A spokesperson said in an email that the group is working to help restaurants stay open safely. “As the nation’s second-largest private sector employer, the restaurant industry will be an essential component of our recovery from this national health crisis,” he wrote. “We engage with elected officials through our grassroots network, through restaurant owners and employees, and through our political action committee to ensure their understanding of the unique business operations of this industry and the role it plays in driving the economy.”
National Retail Federation: Gave $5,000 to Cornyn and $6,000 to McConnell. A spokesperson confirmed the information.
National Roofing Contractors Association: Gave $17,500 to Cornyn and $5,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
National Shooting Sports Foundation: Gave $24,500 to Cornyn and $10,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
National Federation of Independent Business: Gave $9,500 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
North American Meat Institute: Gave $5,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America: Gave $5,500 to Cornyn and $12,500 to McConnell. The group declined to comment for this story.
Portland Cement Association: Gave $1,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association: Gave $7,500 to Cornyn and $12,500 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
The Aluminum Association: Gave $2,500 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
The Real Estate Roundtable: Gave $1,000 to Cornyn and $15,000 to McConnell. The group did not respond to an inquiry for this story.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Gave $5,000 to Cornyn and $12,500 to McConnell. A spokesperson said in an email that the letter “states our position on the issue.”
Neither McConnell nor Cornyn responded to inquiries for this story.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-08-07--Children keep dying of COVID-19 as GOP claims they're immune to it

Children across the country are not only testing positive for coronavirus , but many are dying despite repeated claims from top Trump administration officials that kids are virtually immune to the pandemic .
A 7-year-old child became Georgia 's youngest victim of the coronavirus pandemic on Thursday , WSAV , a Savannah-area NBC affiliate , reported .
The child had no underlying health conditions , according to a report from the state health department .
On Monday , CNN reported two children in Florida — ages 14 and 17 — died from COVID-19 , bringing the state 's death toll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ youngest victim in Florida was a 9-year-old girl from Putnam County .
In the month of July , 28 children died from coronavirus , according to data from 44 states compiled by the American Academy of Pediatrics .
Since the pandemic began , 86 children have died .
At the end of July , 338,982 child coronavirus cases had been reported across the country , the group reported , and the two-week period from July 16 to July 30 saw a 40 % increase in child cases .
The group also reported that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitalized in the 20 states where data was available .
Despite the data , the Trump administration and other high-profile Republicans have pushed for schools to reopen because children will be safe from the virus .
On Wednesday , Donald Trump lied on `` Fox & Friends , '' stating , `` If you look at children , children are almost , I would almost say definitely , but almost immune from this disease . ''
In urging schools to reopen , he added that kids `` have much stronger immune systems than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ falsely claiming , `` They don ’ t have a problem . ''
The statement was so misleading that Facebook , Twitter , and YouTube removed the video from their platforms .
`` More and more studies show that kids are actually stoppers of the disease and they do n't get it and transmit it themselves , '' Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said on July 16 , adding , `` the default should be getting back to school kids in person , in the classroom . ''
At least 20 children across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
On July 9 , Sen. John Cornyn ( R-TX ) attempted to reassure parents that opening schools would be safe , saying , `` The good news is if you look again at the numbers , no one under the age of 20 has died of the coronavirus , '' in the state .
At the time , at least one child had died in Dallas , the Miami Herald reported .
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics , a total of seven children have died in Texas since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have reopened for in-person instruction , and several have already seen coronavirus outbreaks .
An Indiana school was forced to quarantine nearly 50 students on Tuesday after four students tested positive for coronavirus .
A school in Corinth , Mississippi , has already quarantined 116 students less than two weeks after classes resumed after six students and one staff member tested positive , the Washington Post reported on Thursday .
In Paulding County , Georgia , a student was suspended earlier this week after posting a photo of a crowded hallway in her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Children across the country are not only testing positive for coronavirus, but many are dying despite repeated claims from top Trump administration officials that kids are virtually immune to the pandemic.
A 7-year-old child became Georgia’s youngest victim of the coronavirus pandemic on Thursday, WSAV, a Savannah-area NBC affiliate, reported. The child had no underlying health conditions, according to a report from the state health department.
On Monday, CNN reported two children in Florida — ages 14 and 17 — died from COVID-19, bringing the state’s death toll for children up to seven. The youngest victim in Florida was a 9-year-old girl from Putnam County.
In the month of July, 28 children died from coronavirus, according to data from 44 states compiled by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Since the pandemic began, 86 children have died.
At the end of July, 338,982 child coronavirus cases had been reported across the country, the group reported, and the two-week period from July 16 to July 30 saw a 40% increase in child cases.
The group also reported that a total of 2,669 children had been hospitalized in the 20 states where data was available.
Despite the data, the Trump administration and other high-profile Republicans have pushed for schools to reopen because children will be safe from the virus.
On Wednesday, Donald Trump lied on “Fox & Friends,” stating, “If you look at children, children are almost, I would almost say definitely, but almost immune from this disease.” In urging schools to reopen, he added that kids “have much stronger immune systems than we do somehow for this,” falsely claiming, “They don’t have a problem.”
The statement was so misleading that Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube removed the video from their platforms.
Last month, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos made a similar false claim.
“More and more studies show that kids are actually stoppers of the disease and they don’t get it and transmit it themselves,” Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said on July 16, adding, “the default should be getting back to school kids in person, in the classroom.”
At least 20 children across the nation have died since DeVos made this statement.
On July 9, Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) attempted to reassure parents that opening schools would be safe, saying, “The good news is if you look again at the numbers, no one under the age of 20 has died of the coronavirus,” in the state. At the time, at least one child had died in Dallas, the Miami Herald reported.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a total of seven children have died in Texas since the beginning of the crisis.
Some schools have reopened for in-person instruction, and several have already seen coronavirus outbreaks.
An Indiana school was forced to quarantine nearly 50 students on Tuesday after four students tested positive for coronavirus.
A school in Corinth, Mississippi, has already quarantined 116 students less than two weeks after classes resumed after six students and one staff member tested positive, the Washington Post reported on Thursday.
In Paulding County, Georgia, a student was suspended earlier this week after posting a photo of a crowded hallway in her school showing very few students wearing masks.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-08-07--Border chief says Biden's opposition to Trump's wall is a 'message to the cartels'

Mark Morgan , acting commissioner of the Customs and Border Protection Agency , attacked former vice president Joe Biden on Friday for his opposition to a southern border wall .
On Thursday , Biden , the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee , had said that , if he were elected president , `` There will not be another foot of wall constructed . ''
Morgan claimed on Fox News Friday that Biden 's statement sent a `` message to the cartels and smugglers '' who would `` exploit '' it and send more people to cross the U.S.-Mexico border , creating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wall has been an ineffective obstacle to stopping smugglers .
Experts have noted that a wall does nothing to prevent them from using other underground tunnel systems or methods of transportation , such as boats , to transport product across the border .
And newly built sections that have gone up during the Trump administration have even been defeated through the use of a $ 100 commercial saw .
Morgan also made his remarks this week while speaking from what was identified as `` CBP Headquarters . ''
The federal law known as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigning in their official government capacity .
Members of the Trump administration have been cited by the Office of Special Counsel for previous violations .
From the August 6 edition of Fox News ' `` Fox & Friends '' : BRIAN KILMEADE , co-host : The other thing , if you tell people we 're not building the wall and you get free health care , what is that — what 's the message to Guatemala , El Salvador , Nicaragua — come to America , it 's free .
Congratulations , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Has he even thought this out ?
MARK MORGAN : Absolutely .
You know , from my perspective , my answer is it 's simple : No , it 's absolutely not .
That 's rhetoric that 's being stated right now , you are sending a missile — message to the cartels and smugglers that are going to exploit that .
You 're going to send a message to all of these individuals that are looking for economic — a better way of life .
It 's olly olly in come free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we 're going to see it again .
I can promise the American people that that 's going to happen .
We 're going to be in crisis 2.0 .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Mark Morgan, acting commissioner of the Customs and Border Protection Agency, attacked former vice president Joe Biden on Friday for his opposition to a southern border wall.
On Thursday, Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, had said that, if he were elected president, “There will not be another foot of wall constructed.”
Morgan claimed on Fox News Friday that Biden’s statement sent a “message to the cartels and smugglers” who would “exploit” it and send more people to cross the U.S.-Mexico border, creating “crisis 2.0.”
The border wall has been an ineffective obstacle to stopping smugglers. Experts have noted that a wall does nothing to prevent them from using other underground tunnel systems or methods of transportation, such as boats, to transport product across the border. And newly built sections that have gone up during the Trump administration have even been defeated through the use of a $100 commercial saw.
Morgan also made his remarks this week while speaking from what was identified as “CBP Headquarters.”
The federal law known as the Hatch Act prohibits government employees from campaigning in their official government capacity. Members of the Trump administration have been cited by the Office of Special Counsel for previous violations.
From the August 6 edition of Fox News’ “Fox & Friends”:
BRIAN KILMEADE, co-host: The other thing, if you tell people we’re not building the wall and you get free health care, what is that — what’s the message to Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua — come to America, it’s free. Congratulations, you have chaos on the border again. Has he even thought this out? MARK MORGAN: Absolutely. You know, from my perspective, my answer is it’s simple: No, it’s absolutely not. That’s rhetoric that’s being stated right now, you are sending a missile — message to the cartels and smugglers that are going to exploit that. You’re going to send a message to all of these individuals that are looking for economic — a better way of life. It’s olly olly in come free. And we’ve seen it before and we’re going to see it again. I can promise the American people that that’s going to happen. We’re going to be in crisis 2.0.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-08-07--Trump keeps talking about crime increasing — on his watch

Donald Trump seems to be trying to replicate his 2016 campaign strategy of vowing to fight a mostly imaginary spike in violent crime .
But any increases in crime he points to during the 2020 presidential campaign would have happened on his watch .
On Thursday evening , Trump shared a tweet posted by Angela Stanton King , a Republican running for the late Rep. John Lewis ' House seat in Georgia .
King , whom Trump recently pardoned for a 2004 federal conspiracy conviction , complained of an increase in the number of murders in Chicago .
`` Chicago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in July .
2020 -- > 105 .
2019 -- > 44 , '' King claimed .
`` Barack Obama , Joe Biden , and every single NBA player are silent .
They do n't care about black lives .
They care about capitalizing on black lives ! ''
Trump himself has made similar arguments in recent months , presenting America 's large cities as violent wastelands where `` anarchy '' reigns .
`` Chicago and New York City crime numbers are way up .
67 people shot in Chicago , 13 killed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people are demanding that @ NYGovCuomo & @ NYCMayor act now , '' he tweeted on July 5 .
In a speech last month , Trump announced a plan to send federal troops into some cities , promising that `` Help is on its way '' to `` American communities plagued by violent crime . ''
Two days earlier he told reporters that he would `` do something '' about violence in cities : `` New York and Chicago and Philadelphia and Detroit and Baltimore and all of these — Oakland is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let this happen in our country . ''
The Trump campaign has even been running an ad showing images of recent urban unrest and claiming it as proof that `` you wo n't be safe in Joe Biden 's America . ''
But any violence that has been committed since 2017 has taken place in Donald Trump 's America .
In his last campaign , candidate Trump promised he would make this problem go away .
`` I will appoint prosecutors who will go into the most dangerous communities in American and work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fear , '' he said in August 2016 .
`` The crime rate is through the roof .
People ca n't walk down the street without getting shot .
I 'll stop that , '' he claimed that September .
And in his 2017 inaugural address , he announced the end of poverty and crime in inner cities .
`` This American carnage stops right here and stops right now , '' he vowed .
It does not appear that he believes he kept those promises .
Statistics actual show that most violent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steadily since the early 1990s .
According to a BBC fact check earlier this week , while violent crime is mostly down , there have been more murders this year in a few places , including Chicago , New York , and Philadelphia .
Much of this , experts speculate , could be related to the coronavirus pandemic .
`` Jurisdictions released many offenders in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in jails .
And courts in many places have been closed .
That has led to a feeling among offenders that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the research and policy organization Police Executive Research Forum reported in June .
`` In addition , police in some cities are less proactive in their enforcement , in order to avoid interactions with the public that could spread the virus . ''
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Donald Trump seems to be trying to replicate his 2016 campaign strategy of vowing to fight a mostly imaginary spike in violent crime. But any increases in crime he points to during the 2020 presidential campaign would have happened on his watch.
On Thursday evening, Trump shared a tweet posted by Angela Stanton King, a Republican running for the late Rep. John Lewis’ House seat in Georgia. King, whom Trump recently pardoned for a 2004 federal conspiracy conviction, complained of an increase in the number of murders in Chicago.
“Chicago had a 139% increase in murders in July. 2020 –> 105. 2019 –> 44,” King claimed. “Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and every single NBA player are silent. They don’t care about black lives. They care about capitalizing on black lives!”
Trump himself has made similar arguments in recent months, presenting America’s large cities as violent wastelands where “anarchy” reigns.
“Chicago and New York City crime numbers are way up. 67 people shot in Chicago, 13 killed. Shootings up significantly in NYC where people are demanding that @NYGovCuomo & @NYCMayor act now,” he tweeted on July 5.
In a speech last month, Trump announced a plan to send federal troops into some cities, promising that “Help is on its way” to “American communities plagued by violent crime.”
Two days earlier he told reporters that he would “do something” about violence in cities: “New York and Chicago and Philadelphia and Detroit and Baltimore and all of these — Oakland is a mess. We’re not going to let this happen in our country.”
The Trump campaign has even been running an ad showing images of recent urban unrest and claiming it as proof that “you won’t be safe in Joe Biden’s America.”
But any violence that has been committed since 2017 has taken place in Donald Trump’s America.
In his last campaign, candidate Trump promised he would make this problem go away.
“I will appoint prosecutors who will go into the most dangerous communities in American and work to liberate our citizens from violence and fear,” he said in August 2016.
“The crime rate is through the roof. People can’t walk down the street without getting shot. I’ll stop that,” he claimed that September.
And in his 2017 inaugural address, he announced the end of poverty and crime in inner cities. “This American carnage stops right here and stops right now,” he vowed.
It does not appear that he believes he kept those promises.
Statistics actual show that most violent crime in the United States has declined steadily since the early 1990s.
According to a BBC fact check earlier this week, while violent crime is mostly down, there have been more murders this year in a few places, including Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia. Much of this, experts speculate, could be related to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Jurisdictions released many offenders in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in jails. And courts in many places have been closed. That has led to a feeling among offenders that they can commit crimes with impunity,” the research and policy organization Police Executive Research Forum reported in June. “In addition, police in some cities are less proactive in their enforcement, in order to avoid interactions with the public that could spread the virus.”
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-08-08--The census is getting cut short — and minority communities will likely pay the price

The U.S. Census Bureau is cutting its schedule for data collection for the 2020 census a month short as legislation that would have extended the national head count 's deadlines stalls in Congress .
The move is worrying researchers , politicians , and others who say the change will miss hard-to-count communities , including minorities and immigrants , and produce less trustworthy data .
The Census Bureau said late Monday that the door-knocking and ability for households to respond either online , by phone or by mail to the questionnaire will stop at the end of September instead of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet an end-of-the-year deadline to turn in numbers used for redrawing congressional districts .
Census experts , academics and civil rights activists worry the sped-up count could hurt its thoroughness and produce inaccurate data that will have lasting effects through the next decade .
The count determines how $ 1.5 trillion in federal spending is distributed and how many congressional districts each state gets .
`` This move will rush the enumeration process , result in inadequate follow-up , and undercount immigrant communities and communities of color who are historically undercounted , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House Committee on Oversight and Reform , wrote Census Bureau director Steven Dillingham in a letter Tuesday .
In the letter , Maloney , a Democrat from New York , requested interviews before her committee with eight Census Bureau officials , including two recent additions to the bureau 's leadership whose appointments by the Trump administration have been sharply criticized as politically driven .
But Dillingham said the agency aimed to have the same level of responses as past censuses .
`` We will improve the speed of our count without sacrificing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities are missed , it will have `` a large downstream impact '' not only on apportionment but social science research and other Census Bureau surveys that rely on the once-a-decade census , said David Van Riper , director of spatial analysis at the University of Minnesota 's Institute for Social Research and Data Innovation .
`` It 's interesting that this is happening now because all of the COVID databases are using population data from the census , '' Van Riper said .
Data used from an inaccurate count during a pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` would give us a false perception of what 's going on on the ground , '' he added .
As of Monday , 37 % of U.S. households had n't yet responded to the census questionnaire .
Some of the 500,000 door knockers hired by the Census Bureau have begun visiting those households , but they were n't expected to go out in force until next week .
An analysis by the CUNY Center for Urban Research shows that 10 states currently are trailing their 2010 self-response rates by 5 to 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a greater share of door-knocking than they did a decade ago .
Those states are Alaska , Montana , New Mexico , New York , North Carolina , North Dakota , Rhode Island , South Carolina , Texas , and Wyoming .
Four former Census Bureau directors who have served in both Democratic and Republican administrations warned in a letter that cutting short the door-knocking phase would force the bureau to rely on administrative records and statistical techniques to fill gaps on a much larger scale than in previous censuses .
Congress should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2020 count matches the outcomes of previous censuses , and if not , recommend what steps should be taken , said the letter signed by Vincent Barabba , Robert Groves , Kenneth Prewitt , and John Thompson .
Facing delays caused by the pandemic , the Census Bureau had earlier this year pushed back wrapping up field operations for the once-a-decade head count from the end of July to the end of October .
The bureau also asked Congress in April to extend the deadline for turning in apportionment data used for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 , to April 30 , 2021 .
Top Census Bureau officials have said it would be impossible to meet the end-of-the-year deadline , and that the bureau expected bipartisan support for the request .
The request passed the Democratic-controlled House as part of coronavirus-relief legislation but it has n't gone anywhere in the Republican-controlled Senate .
The chamber 's inaction coincides with a memorandum Trump issued last month to try to exclude people living in the U.S. illegally from being part of the process for redrawing congressional districts .
Civil rights groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have filed at least a half-dozen lawsuits challenging the memorandum as unconstitutional and an attempt to limit the power of Latinos and immigrants of color .
The request to Congress also asked that the deadline for turning in data used for drawing legislative and local districts be extended from March 30 , 2021 , to July 31 , 2021 , but the Census Bureau is now aiming to finish those responsibilities by the end of March .
Maloney on Tuesday introduced an update to the legislation pending in Congress that would give the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deadlines to the later dates .
Critics say the move to speed up the deadlines is just the latest Trump administration effort to politicize the 2020 census , starting with a failed attempt to add a citizenship question to the form .
`` This is nothing but a disgusting power grab from an administration hell-bent on preserving its fleeting political power at all costs , '' said Julie Menin , census director for New York City .

The U.S. Census Bureau is cutting its schedule for data collection for the 2020 census a month short as legislation that would have extended the national head count’s deadlines stalls in Congress. The move is worrying researchers, politicians, and others who say the change will miss hard-to-count communities, including minorities and immigrants, and produce less trustworthy data.
The Census Bureau said late Monday that the door-knocking and ability for households to respond either online, by phone or by mail to the questionnaire will stop at the end of September instead of the end of October so that it can meet an end-of-the-year deadline to turn in numbers used for redrawing congressional districts.
Census experts, academics and civil rights activists worry the sped-up count could hurt its thoroughness and produce inaccurate data that will have lasting effects through the next decade. The count determines how $1.5 trillion in federal spending is distributed and how many congressional districts each state gets.
“This move will rush the enumeration process, result in inadequate follow-up, and undercount immigrant communities and communities of color who are historically undercounted,” U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney, chairwoman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, wrote Census Bureau director Steven Dillingham in a letter Tuesday.
In the letter, Maloney, a Democrat from New York, requested interviews before her committee with eight Census Bureau officials, including two recent additions to the bureau’s leadership whose appointments by the Trump administration have been sharply criticized as politically driven.
But Dillingham said the agency aimed to have the same level of responses as past censuses. “We will improve the speed of our count without sacrificing completeness,” he said.
If communities are missed, it will have “a large downstream impact” not only on apportionment but social science research and other Census Bureau surveys that rely on the once-a-decade census, said David Van Riper, director of spatial analysis at the University of Minnesota’s Institute for Social Research and Data Innovation.
“It’s interesting that this is happening now because all of the COVID databases are using population data from the census,” Van Riper said. Data used from an inaccurate count during a pandemic like the one the U.S. is experiencing “would give us a false perception of what’s going on on the ground,” he added.
As of Monday, 37% of U.S. households hadn’t yet responded to the census questionnaire. Some of the 500,000 door knockers hired by the Census Bureau have begun visiting those households, but they weren’t expected to go out in force until next week.
An analysis by the CUNY Center for Urban Research shows that 10 states currently are trailing their 2010 self-response rates by 5 to 10 percentage points, meaning they will require a greater share of door-knocking than they did a decade ago. Those states are Alaska, Montana, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, and Wyoming.
Four former Census Bureau directors who have served in both Democratic and Republican administrations warned in a letter that cutting short the door-knocking phase would force the bureau to rely on administrative records and statistical techniques to fill gaps on a much larger scale than in previous censuses.
Congress should task an independent institution to measure whether the 2020 count matches the outcomes of previous censuses, and if not, recommend what steps should be taken, said the letter signed by Vincent Barabba, Robert Groves, Kenneth Prewitt, and John Thompson.
Facing delays caused by the pandemic, the Census Bureau had earlier this year pushed back wrapping up field operations for the once-a-decade head count from the end of July to the end of October.
The bureau also asked Congress in April to extend the deadline for turning in apportionment data used for drawing congressional districts from Dec. 31, 2020, to April 30, 2021. Top Census Bureau officials have said it would be impossible to meet the end-of-the-year deadline, and that the bureau expected bipartisan support for the request.
The request passed the Democratic-controlled House as part of coronavirus-relief legislation but it hasn’t gone anywhere in the Republican-controlled Senate. The chamber’s inaction coincides with a memorandum Trump issued last month to try to exclude people living in the U.S. illegally from being part of the process for redrawing congressional districts.
Civil rights groups, states, cities, and individuals have filed at least a half-dozen lawsuits challenging the memorandum as unconstitutional and an attempt to limit the power of Latinos and immigrants of color.
The request to Congress also asked that the deadline for turning in data used for drawing legislative and local districts be extended from March 30, 2021, to July 31, 2021, but the Census Bureau is now aiming to finish those responsibilities by the end of March.
Maloney on Tuesday introduced an update to the legislation pending in Congress that would give the Census Bureau more time by pushing back the deadlines to the later dates.
Critics say the move to speed up the deadlines is just the latest Trump administration effort to politicize the 2020 census, starting with a failed attempt to add a citizenship question to the form.
“This is nothing but a disgusting power grab from an administration hell-bent on preserving its fleeting political power at all costs,” said Julie Menin, census director for New York City.


shareblue--2020-08-08--'See you in court': ACLU files nearly 400 cases against Trump

The day after Donald Trump 's election in November 2016 , the American Civil Liberties Union posted a message to him on its website : `` See you in court . ''
While in office , Trump has n't personally squared off against the ACLU from the witness stand , but the broader warning has been borne out .
As of this week , the ACLU has filed nearly 400 lawsuits and other legal actions against the Trump administration , some meeting with setbacks but many resulting in important victories .
Among other successes for the ACLU , it prevailed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the administration from placing a citizenship question on the 2020 census .
It also spearheaded legal efforts that curtailed the policy of separating many migrant children from their parents .
`` The assault on civil liberties and civil rights is greater under this administration than any other in modern history , '' said the ACLU 's executive director , Anthony Romero .
`` It 's meant we 've been living with a three-alarm fire in every part of our house . ''
Since the day Trump took office , the ACLU — according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Associated Press — has filed 237 lawsuits against the administration and about 160 other legal actions , including Freedom of Information Act requests , ethics complaints , and administrative complaints .
Of the lawsuits , 174 have dealt with immigrant rights , targeting the family separation policy , detention and deportation practices , and the administration 's repeated attempts to make it harder to seek asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border .
The other lawsuits address an array of issues high on the ACLU 's agenda : voting rights , LGBT rights , racial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case , the ACLU succeeded in blocking the administration 's policy of barring young immigrant women in government custody from getting abortions .
`` Donald Trump has provided a full employment program for ACLU lawyers on all of our issues , '' Romero said .
The White House , in response to the new tally of ACLU legal actions , said the organization had become preoccupied with opposing Trump to the detriment of its historical mission .
`` Instead of fighting for the most vulnerable and those seeking a voice , the ACLU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a member of the Democratic Party and the radical Left , '' said White House spokesman Judd Deere .
To put the new tally in perspective , the ACLU says it filed 13 lawsuits and other legal actions against former President George W. Bush 's administration in his first term , mostly alleging encroachments on civil liberties related to counter-terrorism policies .
Many of the ACLU 's recent lawsuits remain unresolved .
Of those that have been decided , Romero said , the ACLU has won far more often than it has lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Among the setbacks , ACLU national legal director David Cole said , one of the most disappointing involved Trump 's efforts to ban foreign nationals from several predominantly Muslim countries .
Lawsuits by the ACLU and its allies successfully blocked implementation of the first two versions of the ban , but the Supreme Court allowed a third version to go into effect in 2018 .
By a similar 5-4 vote , the Supreme Court also allowed the implementation of the Trump administration policy barring transgender people from enlisting in the military .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ACLU and other groups to scrap the ban .
Another LGBT rights case recently ended in a major victory for the ACLU and its allies when the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in June that gays , lesbians and transgender people were protected from employment discrimination under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 .
One of the ACLU 's clients , Aimee Stephens , was fired from her job at a Michigan funeral home because she was transgender ; she died just a few weeks before the high court ruled in her favor .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ caught the attention of Trump and his administration .
At an `` Evangelicals for Trump '' rally in January , Trump derided the ACLU as a `` group of beauties '' who had filed a lawsuit accusing public schools in Smith County , Tennessee , of improperly promoting Christian religious beliefs .
`` We will not allow faithful Americans to be bullied by the hard left , '' Trump said .
In a May 2018 speech , then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions assailed the ACLU for a lawsuit that led to a drop in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you want crime to go up , let the ACLU run the police department , '' Sessions said .
Recently , the ACLU has drawn criticism from a longtime supporter , George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley .
He worries that the organization is aligning too closely with the Democratic Party and is now less willing than in the past to support unpopular causes , such as the free-speech rights of far-right activists .
In an email , Turley questioned the wisdom of the `` torrent of lawsuits '' against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less of a sniper strategy and more of a saturated bombing strategy , '' he wrote .
Even as it spars with the administration , the ACLU notes that Trump 's presidency has been beneficial in some respects — fueling huge increases in donations and membership .
Romero says the ACLU national office and its state affiliates received about $ 175 million in donations in the three months after Trump 's election .
It says it has increased its headquarters staff from 386 to 605 and now has 122 attorneys , up from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soared from about 400,000 to more than 1.8 million .
Romero says many of the newcomers have been asking how they can help as volunteers in bolstering voting rights , immigrants ' rights , and other causes .
Demonstrating its increased interest in electoral politics , the ACLU had directed $ 28 million of its national funds to its affiliates in battleground states such as Florida , Arizona , and Texas .
Since 2016 , Romero said , the ACLU of Texas has been able to double its budget to $ 8.5 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The day after Donald Trump’s election in November 2016, the American Civil Liberties Union posted a message to him on its website: “See you in court.”
While in office, Trump hasn’t personally squared off against the ACLU from the witness stand, but the broader warning has been borne out. As of this week, the ACLU has filed nearly 400 lawsuits and other legal actions against the Trump administration, some meeting with setbacks but many resulting in important victories.
Among other successes for the ACLU, it prevailed in a U.S. Supreme Court case blocking the administration from placing a citizenship question on the 2020 census. It also spearheaded legal efforts that curtailed the policy of separating many migrant children from their parents.
“The assault on civil liberties and civil rights is greater under this administration than any other in modern history,” said the ACLU’s executive director, Anthony Romero. “It’s meant we’ve been living with a three-alarm fire in every part of our house.”
Since the day Trump took office, the ACLU — according to a breakdown it provided to The Associated Press — has filed 237 lawsuits against the administration and about 160 other legal actions, including Freedom of Information Act requests, ethics complaints, and administrative complaints.
Of the lawsuits, 174 have dealt with immigrant rights, targeting the family separation policy, detention and deportation practices, and the administration’s repeated attempts to make it harder to seek asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border.
The other lawsuits address an array of issues high on the ACLU’s agenda: voting rights, LGBT rights, racial justice and others. In one long-running case, the ACLU succeeded in blocking the administration’s policy of barring young immigrant women in government custody from getting abortions.
“Donald Trump has provided a full employment program for ACLU lawyers on all of our issues,” Romero said.
The White House, in response to the new tally of ACLU legal actions, said the organization had become preoccupied with opposing Trump to the detriment of its historical mission.
“Instead of fighting for the most vulnerable and those seeking a voice, the ACLU has blatantly and fully incorporated itself as a member of the Democratic Party and the radical Left,” said White House spokesman Judd Deere.
To put the new tally in perspective, the ACLU says it filed 13 lawsuits and other legal actions against former President George W. Bush’s administration in his first term, mostly alleging encroachments on civil liberties related to counter-terrorism policies.
Many of the ACLU’s recent lawsuits remain unresolved. Of those that have been decided, Romero said, the ACLU has won far more often than it has lost, though a precise breakdown was unavailable.
Among the setbacks, ACLU national legal director David Cole said, one of the most disappointing involved Trump’s efforts to ban foreign nationals from several predominantly Muslim countries. Lawsuits by the ACLU and its allies successfully blocked implementation of the first two versions of the ban, but the Supreme Court allowed a third version to go into effect in 2018.
By a similar 5-4 vote, the Supreme Court also allowed the implementation of the Trump administration policy barring transgender people from enlisting in the military. Lower courts had supported efforts by the ACLU and other groups to scrap the ban.
Another LGBT rights case recently ended in a major victory for the ACLU and its allies when the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in June that gays, lesbians and transgender people were protected from employment discrimination under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. One of the ACLU’s clients, Aimee Stephens, was fired from her job at a Michigan funeral home because she was transgender; she died just a few weeks before the high court ruled in her favor.
There’s no question the ACLU has caught the attention of Trump and his administration.
At an “Evangelicals for Trump” rally in January, Trump derided the ACLU as a “group of beauties” who had filed a lawsuit accusing public schools in Smith County, Tennessee, of improperly promoting Christian religious beliefs.
“We will not allow faithful Americans to be bullied by the hard left,” Trump said.
In a May 2018 speech, then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions assailed the ACLU for a lawsuit that led to a drop in stop-and-frisk arrests by Chicago police.
“If you want crime to go up, let the ACLU run the police department,” Sessions said.
Recently, the ACLU has drawn criticism from a longtime supporter, George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley. He worries that the organization is aligning too closely with the Democratic Party and is now less willing than in the past to support unpopular causes, such as the free-speech rights of far-right activists.
In an email, Turley questioned the wisdom of the “torrent of lawsuits” against the Trump administration.
“The result was less of a sniper strategy and more of a saturated bombing strategy,” he wrote.
Even as it spars with the administration, the ACLU notes that Trump’s presidency has been beneficial in some respects — fueling huge increases in donations and membership.
Romero says the ACLU national office and its state affiliates received about $175 million in donations in the three months after Trump’s election. It says it has increased its headquarters staff from 386 to 605 and now has 122 attorneys, up from 84 in November 2016.
Membership has soared from about 400,000 to more than 1.8 million. Romero says many of the newcomers have been asking how they can help as volunteers in bolstering voting rights, immigrants’ rights, and other causes.
Demonstrating its increased interest in electoral politics, the ACLU had directed $28 million of its national funds to its affiliates in battleground states such as Florida, Arizona, and Texas. Since 2016, Romero said, the ACLU of Texas has been able to double its budget to $8.5 million and its staff to 65 employees.


shareblue--2020-08-09--Cori Bush is the latest Ferguson protester with political success

Cori Bush earned a reputation as a fierce activist on the streets of Ferguson , Missouri .
Come January , she 'll almost certainly be representing the St. Louis suburb in Congress , making her the most prominent of many Ferguson protesters who have turned to politics .
On Tuesday , just days shy of the sixth anniversary of a white police officer 's fatal shooting of Black 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson , Bush pulled a stunning political upset by ousting 20-year Rep. William Lacy Clay in the Democratic primary .
Both Bush and Clay are Black .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St. Louis County is overwhelmingly Democratic , and Bush is heavily favored in November against her little-known Republican challenger , Anthony Rogers .
The victory also comes just over two months after George Floyd 's death in Minneapolis prompted massive protests and created a larger-than-ever movement toward the sort of police reform that Bush championed in Ferguson .
`` It is historic that this year , of all the years , we 're sending a Black , working-class , single mother , who 's been fighting for Black lives since Ferguson , all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' an emotional Bush , 44 , said after her victory .
Brown died on Aug. 9 , 2014 , after Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson shot him following a confrontation that began when Wilson told Brown and a friend to stop walking on the street .
Wilson claimed self-defense , but some witnesses claimed Brown had his hands up in surrender .
Wilson was not charged and resigned in November 2014 .
The shooting led to months of protests , and that unrest helped create a new generation of Black leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , like Bush have taken the next step into politics .
Bruce Franks Jr. was a protest leader who won election to the Missouri House as a Democrat , though he resigned in May 2019 , citing a need to focus on his mental health and his family .
He was replaced by another Ferguson activist , Rasheen Aldridge , who is just 26 .
Protest leader Fran Griffin was elected to the Ferguson City Council last year .
She defeated Brown 's mother , Lesley McSpadden .
Kayla Reed , co-founder of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ STL , said Bush 's victory is especially momentous for people who protested during the Ferguson Uprising in 2014 , when the nascent Black Lives Matter movement began gaining prominence .
It also holds national significance in that Bush 's ascent to Congress would grow the number of House members whose politics on criminal justice reform are aligned with the movement , added Reed , who is also an organizer in the Movement for Black Lives , a coalition of more than 150 organizations that make up the broader BLM movement .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ desire to change the guard to one that is more relatable and accountable to its constituents , '' Reed told the AP in a phone interview Wednesday .
`` When you think about the moment John Lewis went to Congress , this is very close to that for the people of Ferguson .
This is n't someone who tried to swoop in , put Ferguson on a shirt , and run a campaign . ''
Bill Hall , a political science professor at Webster University in suburban St. Louis , said Clay was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the unrest in Ferguson , while Bush was on the street earning a reputation as a fierce proponent of the effort to get police and courts to treat Black people more fairly .
`` Since 2014 with the Ferguson escalation and this movement of activism , Clay has not been actively engaged and involved as one would think he would be given his background and heritage , '' Hall said .
`` For people like Cori Bush who have , it 's beginning to pay dividends . ''
Bush told the AP on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the need for political change .
`` The idea that my son or my daughter , or somebody else 's loved one could be the next hashtag , '' she said .
`` Thinking about how our elected officials did n't step up for us , especially those who represent the area , especially our congressman .
That was enough for me . ''
Perhaps if anyone should have understood how an activist could ascend to prominent political office , it was Clay himself .
Clay 's father , Bill Clay , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1960s who took on a prominent bank over concerns about its discriminatory practices .
The activism led to a successful run for Congress in 1968 .
He stayed there until retiring in 2000 , when his son won the same seat .
William Lacy Clay , 64 , was never really challenged until 2018 , when Bush received 37 % of the vote .
This time , she had strong support from other progressives including Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and her friend , Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York .
Zaki Baruti , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognized Bush 's potential during the protests and helped convince her to run for U.S. Senate in 2016 .
She lost in the Democratic primary , but Baruti said it was clear she was going places .
`` She was very charismatic , '' Baruti said .
`` She grabbed the attention of many of the people in the protest movement .
And then , there was her commitment to stay true to the movement . ''
In 2001 , Bush was working at a preschool when she became ill while pregnant with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She and her then-husband were evicted from their rental home .
For months , the couple , their newborn and their 14-month-old son lived out of a Ford Explorer .
The couple divorced .
Bush earned a nursing degree .
She also became a pastor .
After Brown 's death , she became an activist , and has continued to lead protests since Floyd died May 25 after a police officer placed a knee on his neck for several minutes while the Black man pleaded that he could n't breathe .
Bush @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that six years ago she was pepper-sprayed and beaten by police officers while protesting in Ferguson .
Once she takes office , she said , `` I will be holding every single one of them accountable . ''

Cori Bush earned a reputation as a fierce activist on the streets of Ferguson, Missouri. Come January, she’ll almost certainly be representing the St. Louis suburb in Congress, making her the most prominent of many Ferguson protesters who have turned to politics.
On Tuesday, just days shy of the sixth anniversary of a white police officer’s fatal shooting of Black 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Bush pulled a stunning political upset by ousting 20-year Rep. William Lacy Clay in the Democratic primary. Both Bush and Clay are Black.
The district that covers St. Louis and north St. Louis County is overwhelmingly Democratic, and Bush is heavily favored in November against her little-known Republican challenger, Anthony Rogers.
The victory also comes just over two months after George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis prompted massive protests and created a larger-than-ever movement toward the sort of police reform that Bush championed in Ferguson.
“It is historic that this year, of all the years, we’re sending a Black, working-class, single mother, who’s been fighting for Black lives since Ferguson, all the way to the halls of Congress,” an emotional Bush, 44, said after her victory.
Brown died on Aug. 9, 2014, after Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson shot him following a confrontation that began when Wilson told Brown and a friend to stop walking on the street. Wilson claimed self-defense, but some witnesses claimed Brown had his hands up in surrender. Wilson was not charged and resigned in November 2014.
The shooting led to months of protests, and that unrest helped create a new generation of Black leaders in St. Louis, some of whom, like Bush have taken the next step into politics.
Bruce Franks Jr. was a protest leader who won election to the Missouri House as a Democrat, though he resigned in May 2019, citing a need to focus on his mental health and his family. He was replaced by another Ferguson activist, Rasheen Aldridge, who is just 26. Protest leader Fran Griffin was elected to the Ferguson City Council last year. She defeated Brown’s mother, Lesley McSpadden.
Kayla Reed, co-founder of the local Black-led political activist group Action STL, said Bush’s victory is especially momentous for people who protested during the Ferguson Uprising in 2014, when the nascent Black Lives Matter movement began gaining prominence. It also holds national significance in that Bush’s ascent to Congress would grow the number of House members whose politics on criminal justice reform are aligned with the movement, added Reed, who is also an organizer in the Movement for Black Lives, a coalition of more than 150 organizations that make up the broader BLM movement.
“What this win really signifies is a desire to change the guard to one that is more relatable and accountable to its constituents,” Reed told the AP in a phone interview Wednesday. “When you think about the moment John Lewis went to Congress, this is very close to that for the people of Ferguson. This isn’t someone who tried to swoop in, put Ferguson on a shirt, and run a campaign.”
Bill Hall, a political science professor at Webster University in suburban St. Louis, said Clay was conspicuously on the sideline during most of the unrest in Ferguson, while Bush was on the street earning a reputation as a fierce proponent of the effort to get police and courts to treat Black people more fairly.
“Since 2014 with the Ferguson escalation and this movement of activism, Clay has not been actively engaged and involved as one would think he would be given his background and heritage,” Hall said. “For people like Cori Bush who have, it’s beginning to pay dividends.”
Bush told the AP on Wednesday that her activism opened her eyes to the need for political change.
“The idea that my son or my daughter, or somebody else’s loved one could be the next hashtag,” she said. “Thinking about how our elected officials didn’t step up for us, especially those who represent the area, especially our congressman. That was enough for me.”
Perhaps if anyone should have understood how an activist could ascend to prominent political office, it was Clay himself.
Clay’s father, Bill Clay, was a St. Louis alderman in the 1960s who took on a prominent bank over concerns about its discriminatory practices. The activism led to a successful run for Congress in 1968. He stayed there until retiring in 2000, when his son won the same seat.
William Lacy Clay, 64, was never really challenged until 2018, when Bush received 37% of the vote. This time, she had strong support from other progressives including Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and her friend, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York.
Zaki Baruti, another leading Ferguson activist, said he recognized Bush’s potential during the protests and helped convince her to run for U.S. Senate in 2016. She lost in the Democratic primary, but Baruti said it was clear she was going places.
“She was very charismatic,” Baruti said. “She grabbed the attention of many of the people in the protest movement. And then, there was her commitment to stay true to the movement.”
In 2001, Bush was working at a preschool when she became ill while pregnant with her second child and had to quit. She and her then-husband were evicted from their rental home. For months, the couple, their newborn and their 14-month-old son lived out of a Ford Explorer.
The couple divorced. Bush earned a nursing degree. She also became a pastor. After Brown’s death, she became an activist, and has continued to lead protests since Floyd died May 25 after a police officer placed a knee on his neck for several minutes while the Black man pleaded that he couldn’t breathe.
Bush, in her victory speech, noted that six years ago she was pepper-sprayed and beaten by police officers while protesting in Ferguson. Once she takes office, she said, “I will be holding every single one of them accountable.”