csmonitor--2020-03-12--Daily for March 12, 2020

Daily for March 12, 2020

Mohammed Salarzai is part of the vanguard in Seattle ’ s fight against coronavirus .
A minimum-wage airport worker , he greets passengers arriving on international flights .
“ The virus has not stopped us from working , ” says Mr. Salarzai , even though , he says , “ it ’ s the frontline , and we are very scared.
” But without sick leave or benefits , Mr. Salarzai worries that if he fell ill and had to stay home for more than two weeks he couldn ’ t pay rent .
Worse , he fears he would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ If I miss [ work ] for too long , they won ’ t keep me there , ” says the father of five from Kent , Washington .
About a third of U.S. workers in the private sector do not have paid sick leave , according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics .
That adds up to tens of millions of workers who face a trade-off between their health – and the nation ’ s virus containment efforts – and their financial security .
But the fast-spreading virus and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Salarzai may be changing attitudes about access to health care .
The subject is already top of mind for voters .
While the big questions about America ’ s health care system will be debated in this year ’ s presidential campaign , more targeted changes , such as paid sick leave , look to be gathering more support .
Major companies such as Walmart and McDonald ’ s that rely heavily on hourly workers are adjusting their time-off policies because of coronavirus concerns .
Both Uber and Lyft , for whom Mr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for drivers affected by the virus .
This week , the nation ’ s major health insurers said they will cover the entire cost of testing for the virus – though not treatment – as will Medicare , Medicaid , and insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act .
State and local governments have swung into action , and Washington is also getting to work on a second tranche of virus-related federal assistance – much as it would respond to a natural disaster .
“ There ’ s been a greater awareness now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have health insurance or have very-high deductible health insurance and might hesitate to get tested or seek care if they get sick , ” says Paul Ginsburg , director of the USC-Brookings Schaeffer Initiative for Health Policy in Washington .
The lack of sick leave also “ makes it harder to control the epidemic.
” Will the outbreak – now declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization – break through the partisan gridlock over the cost and availability of health care ?
Probably not , says Mr. Ginsburg , given fundamental differences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But Mr. Ginsburg and others say the crisis could be a catalyst for real change in sick leave , one reason being cost .
Unlike health insurance , paid time off for illness is a proportional expense for employers , depending on wages and hours worked .
Paid leave generally is inching forward : Congress agreed in December to provide paid family and medical leave for federal employees .
Twelve states and the District of Columbia now require employers to offer paid sick leave ( though other states have specifically forbidden such mandates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have is that many people are ... not full-time employees where there is paid leave , so unless you ’ re literally at death ’ s door , people don ’ t take time off , ” says Amanda Glassman , a senior fellow at the Center for Global Development in Washington .
Mr. Salarzai is taking precautions to stay well .
He wears gloves while at work , but says face masks are often not available .
“ They train us to keep away from people , but when you talk with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he says , explaining how he assists travelers with scanning their passports , as well as those with disabilities .
Restaurants rely on part-time and hourly workers .
Darden Restaurants , which owns Olive Garden and Longhorn , is among those companies that have responded to the virus by announcing paid time off .
Its policy covers all of its hourly workers with 1 hour of leave for every 30 hours worked .
Spokesman Rich Jeffers said the new policy was in the works for the better part of a year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from managers and employees was “ overwhelmingly positive , ” he says .
But help can ’ t come fast enough for workers such as Bridgette Robertson , a part-time employee at Café on The Ave in Seattle ’ s University District .
Usually , this is a bustling eatery , but this week its tables are mostly empty , as they are at other local restaurants .
“ It ’ s a lot slower than usual , ” says Ms. Robertson , a part-time employee , in between wiping down tables with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If we don ’ t get hours and tips , it ’ s bad for us , ” says Ms. Robertson , who has no sick leave .
Small businesses in Seattle , which employ more than 200,000 people – many without sick leave – are being hit hard by virus-related disruptions .
The area is one of several concentrations of the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S .
Revenues for restaurants in Seattle ’ s Chinatown International District are down between 20 % and 50 % , and some hotels that normally have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less than one-third , says Bobby Lee , director of Seattle ’ s Office of Economic Development .
That ’ s why lawmakers and the White House are gearing up to help .
Last week , Congress passed and the president signed $ 8.3 billion aid package to pay for vaccines and treatment and to help state and local health officials fight the virus .
Now they are working on an economic stimulus that includes a stronger safety net for individuals who may be affected by the virus – though whether Republicans and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains to be seen .
On Wednesday evening , President Donald Trump announced a 30-day ban on most travel from Europe beginning on Friday .
Asked Thursday about the Europe travel restrictions , Mr. Salarzai says his schedule is set for the next two weeks but he expects very limited hours after that period .
“ It will definitely effect everyone , ” he wrote in a text message .
“ I hope this crisis doesn ’ t last long .
The airport looks dead.
” House Democrats on Thursday are expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sick leave , food aid , unemployment insurance , and widespread free testing for the virus .
It ’ s not clear what will actually become law .
Nor is it clear whether this emergency response is a sign that federal lawmakers will eventually take long-term steps that bring the U.S. up to speed with other wealthy countries that provide broad health care coverage as well as paid sick leave .
G. William Hoagland , senior vice president at the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington , thinks a second rescue package would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s health care system and more “ like a natural disaster ” response .
Indeed , he hopes that epidemics will be added to the list of urgent crises that qualify for federal emergency aid .
As with natural disasters , state and local officials are on the front lines .
Late Wednesday , Democratic Gov .
Gavin Newsom of California announced new statewide health guidelines canceling or postponing nonessential gatherings of more than 250 people through at least the end of March .
It followed an announcement by Washington state Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legally prohibiting such gatherings under the authority of a state of emergency .
“ These changes will cause real stress – especially for families and businesses least equipped financially to deal with them , ” Governor Newsom said in a statement .
But the state is trying to relieve some of that stress by , for instance , encouraging workers affected by the virus to apply for paid family leave , unemployment insurance , or paid sick leave under California law .
Also on Tuesday , Governor Inslee announced an expansion of unemployment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the coronavirus .
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan says that while big local companies are resilient , help is critical for small businesses and their employees who lack paid leave , and she is urging federal relief for those businesses .
In the meantime , she unveiled initial recovery measures including a deferral of some business taxes .
Seattle ’ s tech giants Microsoft and Amazon have recommended employees work remotely if possible and pledged to continue paying normal wages to hourly workers even if their hours are cut back .
Microsoft and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Airlines , and nonprofit foundations , have donated millions of dollars to a local support fund that will help ensure access to food and housing for needy people in the Seattle area .
But many of the steps that are being taken , both in government and in the private sector , are temporary .
The pandemic has exposed “ weak links ” in America ’ s health care system that need to be fixed , says Daniel Derksen , a health policy expert at the University of Arizona in Tucson .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of uninsured people rose to 30 million in 2018 .
Health costs are the leading cause of bankruptcy in the country , he says .
States that have not yet expanded Medicaid could do so , even temporarily , and that would improve access during the coronavirus outbreak , but it looks like the larger issue of access and affordability lie ahead to tackle .
“ Once again , in this election cycle , health care is the number one issue on voters ’ minds , ” says Dr. Derksen .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans about why it ’ s so important to make primary and preventive services widely available .
”

Why a frayed safety net tests the U.S. coronavirus response Collapse
Mohammed Salarzai is part of the vanguard in Seattle’s fight against coronavirus. A minimum-wage airport worker, he greets passengers arriving on international flights.
“The virus has not stopped us from working,” says Mr. Salarzai, even though, he says, “it’s the frontline, and we are very scared.”
But without sick leave or benefits, Mr. Salarzai worries that if he fell ill and had to stay home for more than two weeks he couldn’t pay rent. Worse, he fears he would lose his job at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
“If I miss [work] for too long, they won’t keep me there,” says the father of five from Kent, Washington.
About a third of U.S. workers in the private sector do not have paid sick leave, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That adds up to tens of millions of workers who face a trade-off between their health – and the nation’s virus containment efforts – and their financial security.
But the fast-spreading virus and the plight of workers such as Mr. Salarzai may be changing attitudes about access to health care. The subject is already top of mind for voters. While the big questions about America’s health care system will be debated in this year’s presidential campaign, more targeted changes, such as paid sick leave, look to be gathering more support.
Major companies such as Walmart and McDonald’s that rely heavily on hourly workers are adjusting their time-off policies because of coronavirus concerns. Both Uber and Lyft, for whom Mr. Salarzai works part-time, have announced help for drivers affected by the virus. This week, the nation’s major health insurers said they will cover the entire cost of testing for the virus – though not treatment – as will Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act.
State and local governments have swung into action, and Washington is also getting to work on a second tranche of virus-related federal assistance – much as it would respond to a natural disaster.
“There’s been a greater awareness now about people who either don’t have health insurance or have very-high deductible health insurance and might hesitate to get tested or seek care if they get sick,” says Paul Ginsburg, director of the USC-Brookings Schaeffer Initiative for Health Policy in Washington. The lack of sick leave also “makes it harder to control the epidemic.”
Will the outbreak – now declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization – break through the partisan gridlock over the cost and availability of health care? Probably not, says Mr. Ginsburg, given fundamental differences between the parties over health care.
But Mr. Ginsburg and others say the crisis could be a catalyst for real change in sick leave, one reason being cost. Unlike health insurance, paid time off for illness is a proportional expense for employers, depending on wages and hours worked. Paid leave generally is inching forward: Congress agreed in December to provide paid family and medical leave for federal employees. Twelve states and the District of Columbia now require employers to offer paid sick leave (though other states have specifically forbidden such mandates).
“The big issue we have is that many people are ... not full-time employees where there is paid leave, so unless you’re literally at death’s door, people don’t take time off,” says Amanda Glassman, a senior fellow at the Center for Global Development in Washington.
Mr. Salarzai is taking precautions to stay well. He wears gloves while at work, but says face masks are often not available. “They train us to keep away from people, but when you talk with them, you need to be close,” he says, explaining how he assists travelers with scanning their passports, as well as those with disabilities.
Companies roll out policies
Restaurants rely on part-time and hourly workers. Darden Restaurants, which owns Olive Garden and Longhorn, is among those companies that have responded to the virus by announcing paid time off. Its policy covers all of its hourly workers with 1 hour of leave for every 30 hours worked.
Spokesman Rich Jeffers said the new policy was in the works for the better part of a year and was rolled out early. Feedback from managers and employees was “overwhelmingly positive,” he says.
But help can’t come fast enough for workers such as Bridgette Robertson, a part-time employee at Café on The Ave in Seattle’s University District. Usually, this is a bustling eatery, but this week its tables are mostly empty, as they are at other local restaurants.
“It’s a lot slower than usual,” says Ms. Robertson, a part-time employee, in between wiping down tables with Lysol and washing her hands. “If we don’t get hours and tips, it’s bad for us,” says Ms. Robertson, who has no sick leave.
Small businesses in Seattle, which employ more than 200,000 people – many without sick leave – are being hit hard by virus-related disruptions. The area is one of several concentrations of the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S.
Revenues for restaurants in Seattle’s Chinatown International District are down between 20% and 50%, and some hotels that normally have 70% occupancy now are down to less than one-third, says Bobby Lee, director of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development.
Emergency federal aid
That’s why lawmakers and the White House are gearing up to help.
Last week, Congress passed and the president signed $8.3 billion aid package to pay for vaccines and treatment and to help state and local health officials fight the virus. Now they are working on an economic stimulus that includes a stronger safety net for individuals who may be affected by the virus – though whether Republicans and Democrats can quickly agree on a package remains to be seen.
On Wednesday evening, President Donald Trump announced a 30-day ban on most travel from Europe beginning on Friday.
Asked Thursday about the Europe travel restrictions, Mr. Salarzai says his schedule is set for the next two weeks but he expects very limited hours after that period. “It will definitely effect everyone,” he wrote in a text message. “I hope this crisis doesn’t last long. The airport looks dead.”
House Democrats on Thursday are expected to pass a bill that includes temporary paid sick leave, food aid, unemployment insurance, and widespread free testing for the virus. It’s not clear what will actually become law.
Nor is it clear whether this emergency response is a sign that federal lawmakers will eventually take long-term steps that bring the U.S. up to speed with other wealthy countries that provide broad health care coverage as well as paid sick leave.
G. William Hoagland, senior vice president at the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington, thinks a second rescue package would be less a remedy for what ails America’s health care system and more “like a natural disaster” response. Indeed, he hopes that epidemics will be added to the list of urgent crises that qualify for federal emergency aid.
As with natural disasters, state and local officials are on the front lines. Late Wednesday, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom of California announced new statewide health guidelines canceling or postponing nonessential gatherings of more than 250 people through at least the end of March. It followed an announcement by Washington state Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee that morning, legally prohibiting such gatherings under the authority of a state of emergency.
“These changes will cause real stress – especially for families and businesses least equipped financially to deal with them,” Governor Newsom said in a statement. But the state is trying to relieve some of that stress by, for instance, encouraging workers affected by the virus to apply for paid family leave, unemployment insurance, or paid sick leave under California law.
Also on Tuesday, Governor Inslee announced an expansion of unemployment insurance for workers whose jobs are impacted by the coronavirus.
Tech giants step up
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan says that while big local companies are resilient, help is critical for small businesses and their employees who lack paid leave, and she is urging federal relief for those businesses. In the meantime, she unveiled initial recovery measures including a deferral of some business taxes.
Seattle’s tech giants Microsoft and Amazon have recommended employees work remotely if possible and pledged to continue paying normal wages to hourly workers even if their hours are cut back.
Microsoft and Amazon, together with Starbucks, Alaska Airlines, and nonprofit foundations, have donated millions of dollars to a local support fund that will help ensure access to food and housing for needy people in the Seattle area.
But many of the steps that are being taken, both in government and in the private sector, are temporary.
The pandemic has exposed “weak links” in America’s health care system that need to be fixed, says Daniel Derksen, a health policy expert at the University of Arizona in Tucson. For the second year in a row, the number of uninsured people rose to 30 million in 2018. Health costs are the leading cause of bankruptcy in the country, he says. States that have not yet expanded Medicaid could do so, even temporarily, and that would improve access during the coronavirus outbreak, but it looks like the larger issue of access and affordability lie ahead to tackle.
“Once again, in this election cycle, health care is the number one issue on voters’ minds,” says Dr. Derksen. “This is a teachable moment for Americans about why it’s so important to make primary and preventive services widely available.”


csmonitor--2020-03-12--Is transparency always a good thing? EPA weighs controversial new rule.

Many scientists agree that sharing raw data is , in theory , good for science .
But , says Wendy Wagner , a professor in the University of Texas School of Law , there are “ a lot of steps between that kind of idyllic in the abstract and mandating it as a prerequisite to considering the scientific information.
” The proposal , titled “ Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science , ” is a revised version of a rule first suggested in 2018 .
Since then , it has drawn fire from critics who say that it represents an attempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ research to suit its political aims .
Proponents of the rule see it as a safeguard to ensure trustworthy research .
When it comes to the scientific research that policymakers use to set rules , how much transparency is needed ?
That ’ s the question that scientists at the Environmental Protection Agency are now grappling with , in the face of a proposal that would require the agency to give preference to studies whose underlying datasets and models are publicly available when drafting environmental and public health regulations .
If a revised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Environmental Protection Agency could soon change how it uses science .
“ Transparency ” lies at the heart of the controversial proposal .
Initially suggested in 2018 , the revised version of “ Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science ” would mean that , when drafting environmental and public health regulations , the EPA would give preference to research studies for which the underlying datasets and models are publicly available .
In the previous draft , all aspects of a scientific study had to be publicly available for research to even be considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March 3 , and EPA administrators aim to have the rule finalized by May .
Since its conception , the proposed rule has drawn sharp criticism .
While supporters assert that it would be a safeguard to ensure trustworthy research , opponents see it as a Trump administration attack on science that co-opts the positive connotations of “ transparency ” for political aims .
Sharing raw data makes sense “ in the abstract , ” says Wendy Wagner , a professor in the University of Texas School of Law , who studies use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she says , there are “ a lot of steps between that kind of idyllic in the abstract and mandating it as a prerequisite to considering the scientific information.
” Indeed , transparency does hold scientific value .
At the same time , with policy around hot-button issues from coronavirus to climate change being guided by scientific research , it ’ s vital that both policymakers and the public trust the findings .
Transparency might play a role in earning that trust .
Public trust in science is indeed higher than some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in 2019 , 86 % of Americans surveyed said they had confidence in scientists to act in the public interest – a number greater than that for most other institutions , and on a par with the military .
Transparency does seem to play a role , as the Pew survey also revealed that 57 % of surveyed Americans said that open public access to data and independent committee reviews of research would boost their confidence and sense of trust .
That ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in parsing through that data .
Rather , says Cary Funk , director of science and society research at Pew Research Center , it ’ s likely an underlying assumption that “ when you ’ re open and transparent , you don ’ t have anything to hide.
” As an abstract concept , transparency gets at one of the main tenets of science : open communication among researchers in a way that allows them essentially to check each other ’ s work .
But the specifics – especially when sharing datasets with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For one thing , not all raw data can be released to the public easily .
Some data is trade-secret protected .
There ’ s also an issue of data from study participants , often medical data , that might have too much personally identifiable information and thus requires privacy .
That is an especially challenging aspect for many of the public health studies underpinning landmark EPA regulations , such as air quality standards .
Critics were quick to point this out during the initial comment period for the “ transparency ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allows such studies to be included , although weighted with less consideration than those for which the data is freely available .
Transparency also doesn ’ t just have to mean dumping it all out there for anyone to parse through , says the University of Texas ’ Professor Wagner .
In some ways , it might be less helpful for nonscientists to be able to interpret that data .
“ You do need to know what you ’ re doing with your data , ” says Dominique Brossard , who co-directs the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group at the University of Wisconsin-Madison .
“ You need to be trained .
You need to be able to actually understand statistics.
” “ Because at the end of the day , ” she says , “ you can make the data tell a lot of things , you know , in a way that it can be massaged to reach a certain conclusion.
” Furthermore , Professor Wagner says , with some of this data , especially with big data and models , you need computer science expertise , resources , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more of a pay-to-play system as a result of that approach to transparency , ” she says .
“ And , when you have all those advantages , you also can do a lot of mischief with datasets.
” So instead , both Professor Wagner and Professor Brossard suggest a different approach to transparency : a conversation .
Rather than saying , here ’ s the data for you to explore on your own , they suggest that more trust will come from explaining the process of the research to the public and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Walking through the research process , the peer-review process , and explaining how independent reviewers were selected , as well as the problems and uncertainties in the results , may build more trust and confidence .
“ In the study of science , one of the big concerns is trust in expertise .
And I don ’ t think the way you get the trust is to throw downloadable models and datasets at people , ” Professor Wagner says .
“ Trust is a process .
”

Many scientists agree that sharing raw data is, in theory, good for science. But, says Wendy Wagner, a professor in the University of Texas School of Law, there are “a lot of steps between that kind of idyllic in the abstract and mandating it as a prerequisite to considering the scientific information.”
The proposal, titled “Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science,” is a revised version of a rule first suggested in 2018. Since then, it has drawn fire from critics who say that it represents an attempt by the Trump administration to cherry-pick scientific research to suit its political aims. Proponents of the rule see it as a safeguard to ensure trustworthy research.
When it comes to the scientific research that policymakers use to set rules, how much transparency is needed? That’s the question that scientists at the Environmental Protection Agency are now grappling with, in the face of a proposal that would require the agency to give preference to studies whose underlying datasets and models are publicly available when drafting environmental and public health regulations.
If a revised rule proposed last week is finalized, the Environmental Protection Agency could soon change how it uses science.
“Transparency” lies at the heart of the controversial proposal. Initially suggested in 2018, the revised version of “Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science” would mean that, when drafting environmental and public health regulations, the EPA would give preference to research studies for which the underlying datasets and models are publicly available. In the previous draft, all aspects of a scientific study had to be publicly available for research to even be considered. A 30-day public comment period opened March 3, and EPA administrators aim to have the rule finalized by May.
Since its conception, the proposed rule has drawn sharp criticism. While supporters assert that it would be a safeguard to ensure trustworthy research, opponents see it as a Trump administration attack on science that co-opts the positive connotations of “transparency” for political aims.
Why We Wrote This Concerns about public trust in scientific expertise abound. Could increased transparency around research promote confidence in science?
Sharing raw data makes sense “in the abstract,” says Wendy Wagner, a professor in the University of Texas School of Law, who studies use of science by environmental policymakers. But, she says, there are “a lot of steps between that kind of idyllic in the abstract and mandating it as a prerequisite to considering the scientific information.”
Indeed, transparency does hold scientific value. At the same time, with policy around hot-button issues from coronavirus to climate change being guided by scientific research, it’s vital that both policymakers and the public trust the findings. Transparency might play a role in earning that trust.
A matter of trust
Public trust in science is indeed higher than some headlines might lead you to believe. According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in 2019, 86% of Americans surveyed said they had confidence in scientists to act in the public interest – a number greater than that for most other institutions, and on a par with the military.
Transparency does seem to play a role, as the Pew survey also revealed that 57% of surveyed Americans said that open public access to data and independent committee reviews of research would boost their confidence and sense of trust.
That’s not to say that they are actually interested in parsing through that data. Rather, says Cary Funk, director of science and society research at Pew Research Center, it’s likely an underlying assumption that “when you’re open and transparent, you don’t have anything to hide.”
As an abstract concept, transparency gets at one of the main tenets of science: open communication among researchers in a way that allows them essentially to check each other’s work. But the specifics – especially when sharing datasets with the public – get a bit thornier.
For one thing, not all raw data can be released to the public easily. Some data is trade-secret protected. There’s also an issue of data from study participants, often medical data, that might have too much personally identifiable information and thus requires privacy.
That is an especially challenging aspect for many of the public health studies underpinning landmark EPA regulations, such as air quality standards. Critics were quick to point this out during the initial comment period for the “transparency” rule in 2018, and the revision allows such studies to be included, although weighted with less consideration than those for which the data is freely available.
Starting a “conversation”
Transparency also doesn’t just have to mean dumping it all out there for anyone to parse through, says the University of Texas’ Professor Wagner. In some ways, it might be less helpful for nonscientists to be able to interpret that data.
“You do need to know what you’re doing with your data,” says Dominique Brossard, who co-directs the Science, Media and the Public research group at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “You need to be trained. You need to be able to actually understand statistics.”
“Because at the end of the day,” she says, “you can make the data tell a lot of things, you know, in a way that it can be massaged to reach a certain conclusion.”
Furthermore, Professor Wagner says, with some of this data, especially with big data and models, you need computer science expertise, resources, and time.
“It becomes even more of a pay-to-play system as a result of that approach to transparency,” she says. “And, when you have all those advantages, you also can do a lot of mischief with datasets.”
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So instead, both Professor Wagner and Professor Brossard suggest a different approach to transparency: a conversation. Rather than saying, here’s the data for you to explore on your own, they suggest that more trust will come from explaining the process of the research to the public and stakeholders in a clear, honest way. Walking through the research process, the peer-review process, and explaining how independent reviewers were selected, as well as the problems and uncertainties in the results, may build more trust and confidence.
“In the study of science, one of the big concerns is trust in expertise. And I don’t think the way you get the trust is to throw downloadable models and datasets at people,” Professor Wagner says. “Trust is a process.”


csmonitor--2020-03-12--Why a frayed safety net tests the U.S. coronavirus response

So far , the coronavirus pandemic hasn ’ t ended the partisan divide over the overall failings of the U.S. health care system in tackling such outbreaks .
Washington ’ s actions are more “ like a natural disaster response , ” says G. William Hoagland , senior vice president at the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington .
This flurry of responses , along with emergency legislation under consideration in Washington , could bring a temporary relief .
Congress agreed last year to extend sick leave to federal employees .
Twelve states and the District of Columbia require all employers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , major insurers said they will cover the cost of testing for the virus , as will federal health insurance programs .
And some companies that rely on hourly workers are changing their time-off policies so as not to penalize employees affected by the outbreak .
Moreover , around 30 million Americans lack health insurance .
Others have high deductible insurance plans that can lead to hesitation in getting tested and seeking treatment , adding to the public health challenge of preventing a rapid and debilitating spread of the coronavirus .
The coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and workers alike .
But for tens of millions of workers who don ’ t have sick leave , it presents an acute dilemma .
Staying away from work because of illness , or simply as a precaution , means going without pay .
Most rich industrialized countries require paid sick leave for workers .
Mohammed Salarzai is part of the vanguard in Seattle ’ s fight against coronavirus .
A minimum-wage airport worker , he greets passengers arriving on international flights .
“ The virus has not stopped us from working , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he says , “ it ’ s the frontline , and we are very scared.
” But without sick leave or benefits , Mr. Salarzai worries that if he fell ill and had to stay home for more than two weeks he couldn ’ t pay rent .
Worse , he fears he would lose his job at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport .
“ If I miss [ work ] for too long , they won ’ t keep me there , ” says the father of five from Kent , Washington .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the private sector do not have paid sick leave , according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics .
That adds up to tens of millions of workers who face a trade-off between their health – and the nation ’ s virus containment efforts – and their financial security .
But the fast-spreading virus and the plight of workers such as Mr. Salarzai may be changing attitudes about access to health care .
The subject is already top of mind for voters .
While the big questions about America ’ s health care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s presidential campaign , more targeted changes , such as paid sick leave , look to be gathering more support .
Major companies such as Walmart and McDonald ’ s that rely heavily on hourly workers are adjusting their time-off policies because of coronavirus concerns .
Both Uber and Lyft , for whom Mr. Salarzai works part-time , have announced help for drivers affected by the virus .
This week , the nation ’ s major health insurers said they will cover the entire cost of testing for the virus – though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medicaid , and insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act .
State and local governments have swung into action , and Washington is also getting to work on a second tranche of virus-related federal assistance – much as it would respond to a natural disaster .
“ There ’ s been a greater awareness now about people who either don ’ t have health insurance or have very-high deductible health insurance and might hesitate to get tested or seek care if they get sick , ” says Paul Ginsburg , director of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington .
The lack of sick leave also “ makes it harder to control the epidemic.
” Will the outbreak – now declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization – break through the partisan gridlock over the cost and availability of health care ?
Probably not , says Mr. Ginsburg , given fundamental differences between the parties over health care .
But Mr. Ginsburg and others say the crisis could be a catalyst for real change in sick leave , one reason being cost .
Unlike health insurance , paid time off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employers , depending on wages and hours worked .
Paid leave generally is inching forward : Congress agreed in December to provide paid family and medical leave for federal employees .
Twelve states and the District of Columbia now require employers to offer paid sick leave ( though other states have specifically forbidden such mandates ) .
“ The big issue we have is that many people are ... not full-time employees where there is paid leave , so unless you ’ re literally at death ’ s door , people don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amanda Glassman , a senior fellow at the Center for Global Development in Washington .
Mr. Salarzai is taking precautions to stay well .
He wears gloves while at work , but says face masks are often not available .
“ They train us to keep away from people , but when you talk with them , you need to be close , ” he says , explaining how he assists travelers with scanning their passports , as well as those with disabilities .
Restaurants rely on part-time and hourly workers .
Darden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Longhorn , is among those companies that have responded to the virus by announcing paid time off .
Its policy covers all of its hourly workers with 1 hour of leave for every 30 hours worked .
Spokesman Rich Jeffers said the new policy was in the works for the better part of a year and was rolled out early .
Feedback from managers and employees was “ overwhelmingly positive , ” he says .
But help can ’ t come fast enough for workers such as Bridgette Robertson , a part-time employee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s University District .
Usually , this is a bustling eatery , but this week its tables are mostly empty , as they are at other local restaurants .
“ It ’ s a lot slower than usual , ” says Ms. Robertson , a part-time employee , in between wiping down tables with Lysol and washing her hands .
“ If we don ’ t get hours and tips , it ’ s bad for us , ” says Ms. Robertson , who has no sick leave .
Small businesses in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people – many without sick leave – are being hit hard by virus-related disruptions .
The area is one of several concentrations of the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S .
Revenues for restaurants in Seattle ’ s Chinatown International District are down between 20 % and 50 % , and some hotels that normally have 70 % occupancy now are down to less than one-third , says Bobby Lee , director of Seattle ’ s Office of Economic Development .
That ’ s why lawmakers and the White House are gearing up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the president signed $ 8.3 billion aid package to pay for vaccines and treatment and to help state and local health officials fight the virus .
Now they are working on an economic stimulus that includes a stronger safety net for individuals who may be affected by the virus – though whether Republicans and Democrats can quickly agree on a package remains to be seen .
On Wednesday evening , President Donald Trump announced a 30-day ban on most travel from Europe beginning on Friday .
Asked Thursday about the Europe travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is set for the next two weeks but he expects very limited hours after that period .
“ It will definitely effect everyone , ” he wrote in a text message .
“ I hope this crisis doesn ’ t last long .
The airport looks dead.
” House Democrats on Thursday are expected to pass a bill that includes temporary paid sick leave , food aid , unemployment insurance , and widespread free testing for the virus .
It ’ s not clear what will actually become law .
Nor is it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sign that federal lawmakers will eventually take long-term steps that bring the U.S. up to speed with other wealthy countries that provide broad health care coverage as well as paid sick leave .
G. William Hoagland , senior vice president at the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington , thinks a second rescue package would be less a remedy for what ails America ’ s health care system and more “ like a natural disaster ” response .
Indeed , he hopes that epidemics will be added to the list of urgent crises that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with natural disasters , state and local officials are on the front lines .
Late Wednesday , Democratic Gov .
Gavin Newsom of California announced new statewide health guidelines canceling or postponing nonessential gatherings of more than 250 people through at least the end of March .
It followed an announcement by Washington state Democratic Gov .
Jay Inslee that morning , legally prohibiting such gatherings under the authority of a state of emergency .
“ These changes will cause real stress – especially for families and businesses least equipped financially to deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .
But the state is trying to relieve some of that stress by , for instance , encouraging workers affected by the virus to apply for paid family leave , unemployment insurance , or paid sick leave under California law .
Also on Tuesday , Governor Inslee announced an expansion of unemployment insurance for workers whose jobs are impacted by the coronavirus .
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan says that while big local companies are resilient , help is critical for small businesses and their employees who lack paid leave , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those businesses .
In the meantime , she unveiled initial recovery measures including a deferral of some business taxes .
Seattle ’ s tech giants Microsoft and Amazon have recommended employees work remotely if possible and pledged to continue paying normal wages to hourly workers even if their hours are cut back .
Microsoft and Amazon , together with Starbucks , Alaska Airlines , and nonprofit foundations , have donated millions of dollars to a local support fund that will help ensure access to food and housing for needy people in the Seattle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are being taken , both in government and in the private sector , are temporary .
The pandemic has exposed “ weak links ” in America ’ s health care system that need to be fixed , says Daniel Derksen , a health policy expert at the University of Arizona in Tucson .
For the second year in a row , the number of uninsured people rose to 30 million in 2018 .
Health costs are the leading cause of bankruptcy in the country , he says .
States that have not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even temporarily , and that would improve access during the coronavirus outbreak , but it looks like the larger issue of access and affordability lie ahead to tackle .
“ Once again , in this election cycle , health care is the number one issue on voters ’ minds , ” says Dr. Derksen .
“ This is a teachable moment for Americans about why it ’ s so important to make primary and preventive services widely available .
”

So far, the coronavirus pandemic hasn’t ended the partisan divide over the overall failings of the U.S. health care system in tackling such outbreaks. Washington’s actions are more “like a natural disaster response,” says G. William Hoagland, senior vice president at the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington.
This flurry of responses, along with emergency legislation under consideration in Washington, could bring a temporary relief. Congress agreed last year to extend sick leave to federal employees. Twelve states and the District of Columbia require all employers to do the same.
This week, major insurers said they will cover the cost of testing for the virus, as will federal health insurance programs. And some companies that rely on hourly workers are changing their time-off policies so as not to penalize employees affected by the outbreak.
While partisan debate over health care has become deadlocked, the coronavirus has exposed the public health challenge in testing and treating individuals, as well as the hardship of workers who lack paid sick leave.
Moreover, around 30 million Americans lack health insurance. Others have high deductible insurance plans that can lead to hesitation in getting tested and seeking treatment, adding to the public health challenge of preventing a rapid and debilitating spread of the coronavirus.
The coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. has roiled businesses and workers alike. But for tens of millions of workers who don’t have sick leave, it presents an acute dilemma. Staying away from work because of illness, or simply as a precaution, means going without pay. Most rich industrialized countries require paid sick leave for workers.
Mohammed Salarzai is part of the vanguard in Seattle’s fight against coronavirus. A minimum-wage airport worker, he greets passengers arriving on international flights.
“The virus has not stopped us from working,” says Mr. Salarzai, even though, he says, “it’s the frontline, and we are very scared.”
But without sick leave or benefits, Mr. Salarzai worries that if he fell ill and had to stay home for more than two weeks he couldn’t pay rent. Worse, he fears he would lose his job at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Why We Wrote This While partisan debate over health care has become deadlocked, the coronavirus has exposed the public health challenge in testing and treating individuals, as well as the hardship of workers who lack paid sick leave.
“If I miss [work] for too long, they won’t keep me there,” says the father of five from Kent, Washington.
About a third of U.S. workers in the private sector do not have paid sick leave, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That adds up to tens of millions of workers who face a trade-off between their health – and the nation’s virus containment efforts – and their financial security.
But the fast-spreading virus and the plight of workers such as Mr. Salarzai may be changing attitudes about access to health care. The subject is already top of mind for voters. While the big questions about America’s health care system will be debated in this year’s presidential campaign, more targeted changes, such as paid sick leave, look to be gathering more support.
Major companies such as Walmart and McDonald’s that rely heavily on hourly workers are adjusting their time-off policies because of coronavirus concerns. Both Uber and Lyft, for whom Mr. Salarzai works part-time, have announced help for drivers affected by the virus. This week, the nation’s major health insurers said they will cover the entire cost of testing for the virus – though not treatment – as will Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act.
State and local governments have swung into action, and Washington is also getting to work on a second tranche of virus-related federal assistance – much as it would respond to a natural disaster.
“There’s been a greater awareness now about people who either don’t have health insurance or have very-high deductible health insurance and might hesitate to get tested or seek care if they get sick,” says Paul Ginsburg, director of the USC-Brookings Schaeffer Initiative for Health Policy in Washington. The lack of sick leave also “makes it harder to control the epidemic.”
Will the outbreak – now declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization – break through the partisan gridlock over the cost and availability of health care? Probably not, says Mr. Ginsburg, given fundamental differences between the parties over health care.
But Mr. Ginsburg and others say the crisis could be a catalyst for real change in sick leave, one reason being cost. Unlike health insurance, paid time off for illness is a proportional expense for employers, depending on wages and hours worked. Paid leave generally is inching forward: Congress agreed in December to provide paid family and medical leave for federal employees. Twelve states and the District of Columbia now require employers to offer paid sick leave (though other states have specifically forbidden such mandates).
“The big issue we have is that many people are ... not full-time employees where there is paid leave, so unless you’re literally at death’s door, people don’t take time off,” says Amanda Glassman, a senior fellow at the Center for Global Development in Washington.
Mr. Salarzai is taking precautions to stay well. He wears gloves while at work, but says face masks are often not available. “They train us to keep away from people, but when you talk with them, you need to be close,” he says, explaining how he assists travelers with scanning their passports, as well as those with disabilities.
Companies roll out policies
Restaurants rely on part-time and hourly workers. Darden Restaurants, which owns Olive Garden and Longhorn, is among those companies that have responded to the virus by announcing paid time off. Its policy covers all of its hourly workers with 1 hour of leave for every 30 hours worked.
Spokesman Rich Jeffers said the new policy was in the works for the better part of a year and was rolled out early. Feedback from managers and employees was “overwhelmingly positive,” he says.
But help can’t come fast enough for workers such as Bridgette Robertson, a part-time employee at Café on The Ave in Seattle’s University District. Usually, this is a bustling eatery, but this week its tables are mostly empty, as they are at other local restaurants.
“It’s a lot slower than usual,” says Ms. Robertson, a part-time employee, in between wiping down tables with Lysol and washing her hands. “If we don’t get hours and tips, it’s bad for us,” says Ms. Robertson, who has no sick leave.
Small businesses in Seattle, which employ more than 200,000 people – many without sick leave – are being hit hard by virus-related disruptions. The area is one of several concentrations of the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S.
Revenues for restaurants in Seattle’s Chinatown International District are down between 20% and 50%, and some hotels that normally have 70% occupancy now are down to less than one-third, says Bobby Lee, director of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development.
Emergency federal aid
That’s why lawmakers and the White House are gearing up to help.
Last week, Congress passed and the president signed $8.3 billion aid package to pay for vaccines and treatment and to help state and local health officials fight the virus. Now they are working on an economic stimulus that includes a stronger safety net for individuals who may be affected by the virus – though whether Republicans and Democrats can quickly agree on a package remains to be seen.
On Wednesday evening, President Donald Trump announced a 30-day ban on most travel from Europe beginning on Friday.
Asked Thursday about the Europe travel restrictions, Mr. Salarzai says his schedule is set for the next two weeks but he expects very limited hours after that period. “It will definitely effect everyone,” he wrote in a text message. “I hope this crisis doesn’t last long. The airport looks dead.”
House Democrats on Thursday are expected to pass a bill that includes temporary paid sick leave, food aid, unemployment insurance, and widespread free testing for the virus. It’s not clear what will actually become law.
Nor is it clear whether this emergency response is a sign that federal lawmakers will eventually take long-term steps that bring the U.S. up to speed with other wealthy countries that provide broad health care coverage as well as paid sick leave.
G. William Hoagland, senior vice president at the Bipartisan Policy Center in Washington, thinks a second rescue package would be less a remedy for what ails America’s health care system and more “like a natural disaster” response. Indeed, he hopes that epidemics will be added to the list of urgent crises that qualify for federal emergency aid.
As with natural disasters, state and local officials are on the front lines. Late Wednesday, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom of California announced new statewide health guidelines canceling or postponing nonessential gatherings of more than 250 people through at least the end of March. It followed an announcement by Washington state Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee that morning, legally prohibiting such gatherings under the authority of a state of emergency.
“These changes will cause real stress – especially for families and businesses least equipped financially to deal with them,” Governor Newsom said in a statement. But the state is trying to relieve some of that stress by, for instance, encouraging workers affected by the virus to apply for paid family leave, unemployment insurance, or paid sick leave under California law.
Also on Tuesday, Governor Inslee announced an expansion of unemployment insurance for workers whose jobs are impacted by the coronavirus.
Tech giants step up
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan says that while big local companies are resilient, help is critical for small businesses and their employees who lack paid leave, and she is urging federal relief for those businesses. In the meantime, she unveiled initial recovery measures including a deferral of some business taxes.
Seattle’s tech giants Microsoft and Amazon have recommended employees work remotely if possible and pledged to continue paying normal wages to hourly workers even if their hours are cut back.
Microsoft and Amazon, together with Starbucks, Alaska Airlines, and nonprofit foundations, have donated millions of dollars to a local support fund that will help ensure access to food and housing for needy people in the Seattle area.
But many of the steps that are being taken, both in government and in the private sector, are temporary.
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empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
The pandemic has exposed “weak links” in America’s health care system that need to be fixed, says Daniel Derksen, a health policy expert at the University of Arizona in Tucson. For the second year in a row, the number of uninsured people rose to 30 million in 2018. Health costs are the leading cause of bankruptcy in the country, he says. States that have not yet expanded Medicaid could do so, even temporarily, and that would improve access during the coronavirus outbreak, but it looks like the larger issue of access and affordability lie ahead to tackle.
“Once again, in this election cycle, health care is the number one issue on voters’ minds,” says Dr. Derksen. “This is a teachable moment for Americans about why it’s so important to make primary and preventive services widely available.”


csmonitor--2020-05-04--Investors eye businesses doing good

Investors eye businesses doing good

One flip side of the COVID-19 emergency has been an intense scrutiny by investors on private companies doing good deeds .
Is a company paying extra to employees required to work on-site or with the public ( “ hazard pay ” ) ?
Is it providing enough protective gear for workers or time off to take care of children at home ?
Beyond this concern for the treatment of workers , investors are eyeing the long-term value in a firm ’ s response to the larger social needs of the coronavirus crisis .
Are executives trying to keep their suppliers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make protective equipment ?
Have big companies resisted taking rescue money from government ?
Did a corporation cancel dividends and cut executive pay ?
And as public debt rises with massive government spending , the financial firm Morgan Stanley offers this prediction : “ We expect investors to require [ corporations ] to demonstrate they are paying their fair share of taxes.
” The public health crisis has “ upended how companies operate , ” writes Larry Fink , chairman and CEO of BlackRock , in a letter to the investment firm ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years in finance , I have never experienced anything like this.
” One indicator of the shift is that both corporations and public institutions are issuing more “ social bonds ” to raise money in the struggle against COVID-19 .
The Wall Street firm Goldman Sachs has led more than $ 15 billion of COVID-related bonds globally .
Such capital will be used to help countries recover from the loss of business , build hospitals , and address other needs .
According to Bloomberg News , “ green bonds ” that support business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social bonds are increasing .
More social bonds have been issued so far in 2020 than in all of 2019 .
“ The stage is now set for social bonds to move from a niche solution to a mainstream one , ” according to Foreign Policy magazine .
Private firms have long provided goods and services to the public while creating jobs , but usually to deliver a profit .
Yet financial markets are now savvier in seeing whether a company ’ s response to societal needs , such as a health crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bottom line .
With each crisis , concepts of what is the public good are expanding .
Private capital is catching up .

One flip side of the COVID-19 emergency has been an intense scrutiny by investors on private companies doing good deeds. Is a company paying extra to employees required to work on-site or with the public (“hazard pay”)? Is it providing enough protective gear for workers or time off to take care of children at home?
Beyond this concern for the treatment of workers, investors are eyeing the long-term value in a firm’s response to the larger social needs of the coronavirus crisis. Are executives trying to keep their suppliers afloat? Did a manufacturer offer to make protective equipment? Have big companies resisted taking rescue money from government? Did a corporation cancel dividends and cut executive pay?
And as public debt rises with massive government spending, the financial firm Morgan Stanley offers this prediction: “We expect investors to require [corporations] to demonstrate they are paying their fair share of taxes.”
The public health crisis has “upended how companies operate,” writes Larry Fink, chairman and CEO of BlackRock, in a letter to the investment firm’s shareholders. “In my 44 years in finance, I have never experienced anything like this.”
One indicator of the shift is that both corporations and public institutions are issuing more “social bonds” to raise money in the struggle against COVID-19. The Wall Street firm Goldman Sachs has led more than $15 billion of COVID-related bonds globally. Such capital will be used to help countries recover from the loss of business, build hospitals, and address other needs.
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empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
According to Bloomberg News, “green bonds” that support business practices curbing climate change have dipped while social bonds are increasing. More social bonds have been issued so far in 2020 than in all of 2019. “The stage is now set for social bonds to move from a niche solution to a mainstream one,” according to Foreign Policy magazine.
Private firms have long provided goods and services to the public while creating jobs, but usually to deliver a profit. Yet financial markets are now savvier in seeing whether a company’s response to societal needs, such as a health crisis or global warming, can add to the bottom line. With each crisis, concepts of what is the public good are expanding. Private capital is catching up.


csmonitor--2020-05-04--Does online learning work? College student lawsuits say no.

They wanted the campus experience , but their colleges sent them home to learn online during the coronavirus pandemic .
Now , students at more than 25 U.S. universities are filing lawsuits against their schools demanding partial refunds on tuition and campus fees , saying they 're not getting the caliber of education they were promised .
The suits reflect students ' growing frustration with online classes that schools scrambled to create as the coronavirus forced campuses across the nation to close last month .
The suits say students should pay lower rates for the portion of the term that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quality of instruction is far below the classroom experience .
Colleges , though , reject the idea that refunds are in order .
Students are learning from the same professors who teach on campus , officials have said , and they 're still earning credits toward their degrees .
Schools insist that , after being forced to close by their states , they 're still offering students a quality education .
Grainger Rickenbaker , a freshman who filed a class-action lawsuit against Drexel University in Philadelphia , said the online classes he 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learning .
There 's little interaction with students or professors , he said , and some classes are being taught almost entirely through recorded videos , with no live lecture or discussion .
`` You just feel a little bit diminished , '' said Mr. Rickenbaker of Charleston , South Carolina .
`` It 's just not the same experience I would be getting if I was at the campus . ''
Other students report similar experiences elsewhere .
A complaint against the University of California , Berkeley , says some professors are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instruction at all .
A case against Vanderbilt University says class discussion has been stymied and the `` quality and academic rigor of courses has significantly decreased . ''
In a case against Purdue University , a senior engineering student said the closure has prevented him from finishing his senior project , building an airplane .
`` No online course can simulate the applicable , real-world experience '' he hoped to gain from the project , the complaint says .
Class-action lawsuits demanding tuition refunds have been filed against at least 26 colleges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brown , Columbia , and Cornell , along with big public schools , including Michigan State , Purdue , and the University of Colorado , Boulder .
Some of the suits draw attention to schools ' large financial reserves , saying colleges are unfairly withholding refunds even while they rest on endowments that often surpass $ 1 billion .
Several colleges declined to comment on the lawsuits , but some said students have continued to get what they paid for .
Ken McConnellogue , a spokesman for the University of Colorado , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so quick to file lawsuits only weeks into the pandemic .
He said the suits appear to be driven by a small number of `` opportunistic '' law firms .
`` Our faculty have been working extremely hard to deliver an academic product that 's got the same high standards , high-quality academic rigor as what they would deliver in the classroom , '' he said .
`` It 's different , no doubt .
And it 's not ideal .
We all would prefer to have students on our campuses , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the middle of a global pandemic here . ''
Officials at Michigan State said students are still taking classes taught by qualified faculty , and the school is still offering tutoring services , academic advising , faculty office hours , and library services .
`` We do n't negate that this has been a difficult time for our university , especially for our students , '' Emily Guerrant , a Michigan State spokeswoman , said in a statement .
The school has taken on new costs to move instruction online , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our commitment to providing meaningful and robust learning experiences at no additional cost to our Spartans . ''
Officials at Drexel University said the school has continued to provide a `` broad spectrum of academic offerings and support '' while students learn remotely .
Lawyers representing students , however , say the refunds are a matter of fairness .
`` You can not keep money for services and access if you are n't actually providing it , '' said Roy Willey , a lawyer for the Anastopoulo Law Firm in South Carolina , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a dozen cases .
`` If we 're truly going to be all in this together , the universities have to tighten their belts and refund the money back to students and families who really need it . ''
Mr. Willey said his office has received hundreds of inquiries from students looking to file suits , and his firm is looking into dozens of possible cases .
Other firms taking on similar cases say they 're also seeing a wave of demand from students and parents who say they deserve refunds .
Along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refunds for fees that students paid to access gyms , libraries , labs , and other buildings that are now closed .
All told , the complaints seek refunds that could add up to several thousand dollars per student at some schools .
The lawsuits ask courts to answer a thorny question that has come to the fore as universities shift classes online : whether there 's a difference in value between online instruction and the traditional classroom .
Proponents of online education say it can be just as effective , and universities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to create rigorous online classes in a matter of weeks .
But some of the complaints maintain that the college experience is about more than course credits .
They say there 's value to the personal interaction students get with faculty and classmates , both in the classroom and out .
Mr. Willey adds that colleges themselves often charge lower rates for online classes , which he says is a reflection of their value .
`` The tuition price speaks for itself , '' he said .
`` These students decided to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could have chosen to go to online colleges and earn their degree that way , but they did n't . ''
Even before the first lawsuits were filed , demands for tuition refunds had been spreading .
Students at dozens of schools have started petitions calling for refunds as online classes left them underwhelmed .
Scores of schools have returned portions of housing and dining fees , but few if any have agreed to return any share of tuition .
At the University of Chicago , hundreds of students signed a letter saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's tuition , which was due April 29 , unless the school reduces tuition by 50 % and keeps it at that level during the crisis .
Colleges counter that the coronavirus has put them under sharp financial strain , too .
Some estimate that they could lose up to $ 1 billion this year as they brace for downturns in student enrollment , state funding , and research grants .
Some have already announced layoffs and furloughs as they work to offset losses .
But the lawsuits say it 's not fair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Jennifer Kraus-Czeisler , a lawyer for the New York firm Milberg Phillips Grossman , which is representing several students , said colleges have a duty to return fees for services they are n't providing .
`` We 're not disparaging the schools for closing .
They did what was appropriate , '' she said .
`` But they 're profiting at the expense of students .
It just seems unconscionable . ''
This story was reported by The Associated Press .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

They wanted the campus experience, but their colleges sent them home to learn online during the coronavirus pandemic. Now, students at more than 25 U.S. universities are filing lawsuits against their schools demanding partial refunds on tuition and campus fees, saying they're not getting the caliber of education they were promised.
The suits reflect students' growing frustration with online classes that schools scrambled to create as the coronavirus forced campuses across the nation to close last month. The suits say students should pay lower rates for the portion of the term that was offered online, arguing that the quality of instruction is far below the classroom experience.
Colleges, though, reject the idea that refunds are in order. Students are learning from the same professors who teach on campus, officials have said, and they're still earning credits toward their degrees. Schools insist that, after being forced to close by their states, they're still offering students a quality education.
Grainger Rickenbaker, a freshman who filed a class-action lawsuit against Drexel University in Philadelphia, said the online classes he's been taking are poor substitutes for classroom learning. There's little interaction with students or professors, he said, and some classes are being taught almost entirely through recorded videos, with no live lecture or discussion.
"You just feel a little bit diminished," said Mr. Rickenbaker of Charleston, South Carolina. "It's just not the same experience I would be getting if I was at the campus."
Other students report similar experiences elsewhere. A complaint against the University of California, Berkeley, says some professors are simply uploading assignments, with no video instruction at all. A case against Vanderbilt University says class discussion has been stymied and the "quality and academic rigor of courses has significantly decreased."
In a case against Purdue University, a senior engineering student said the closure has prevented him from finishing his senior project, building an airplane. "No online course can simulate the applicable, real-world experience" he hoped to gain from the project, the complaint says.
Class-action lawsuits demanding tuition refunds have been filed against at least 26 colleges, targeting prestigious private universities, including Brown, Columbia, and Cornell, along with big public schools, including Michigan State, Purdue, and the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Some of the suits draw attention to schools' large financial reserves, saying colleges are unfairly withholding refunds even while they rest on endowments that often surpass $1 billion.
Several colleges declined to comment on the lawsuits, but some said students have continued to get what they paid for.
Ken McConnellogue, a spokesman for the University of Colorado, said it's disappointing that people have been so quick to file lawsuits only weeks into the pandemic. He said the suits appear to be driven by a small number of "opportunistic" law firms.
"Our faculty have been working extremely hard to deliver an academic product that's got the same high standards, high-quality academic rigor as what they would deliver in the classroom," he said. "It's different, no doubt. And it's not ideal. We all would prefer to have students on our campuses, but at the same time, we're in the middle of a global pandemic here."
Officials at Michigan State said students are still taking classes taught by qualified faculty, and the school is still offering tutoring services, academic advising, faculty office hours, and library services.
"We don't negate that this has been a difficult time for our university, especially for our students," Emily Guerrant, a Michigan State spokeswoman, said in a statement. The school has taken on new costs to move instruction online, she added, but "we have maintained our commitment to providing meaningful and robust learning experiences at no additional cost to our Spartans."
Officials at Drexel University said the school has continued to provide a "broad spectrum of academic offerings and support" while students learn remotely.
Lawyers representing students, however, say the refunds are a matter of fairness.
"You cannot keep money for services and access if you aren't actually providing it," said Roy Willey, a lawyer for the Anastopoulo Law Firm in South Carolina, which is representing students in more than a dozen cases. "If we're truly going to be all in this together, the universities have to tighten their belts and refund the money back to students and families who really need it."
Mr. Willey said his office has received hundreds of inquiries from students looking to file suits, and his firm is looking into dozens of possible cases. Other firms taking on similar cases say they're also seeing a wave of demand from students and parents who say they deserve refunds.
Along with tuition, the cases also seek refunds for fees that students paid to access gyms, libraries, labs, and other buildings that are now closed. All told, the complaints seek refunds that could add up to several thousand dollars per student at some schools.
The lawsuits ask courts to answer a thorny question that has come to the fore as universities shift classes online: whether there's a difference in value between online instruction and the traditional classroom. Proponents of online education say it can be just as effective, and universities say they've done everything they can to create rigorous online classes in a matter of weeks.
But some of the complaints maintain that the college experience is about more than course credits. They say there's value to the personal interaction students get with faculty and classmates, both in the classroom and out. Mr. Willey adds that colleges themselves often charge lower rates for online classes, which he says is a reflection of their value.
"The tuition price speaks for itself," he said. "These students decided to go to in-person, on-campus universities. They could have chosen to go to online colleges and earn their degree that way, but they didn't."
Even before the first lawsuits were filed, demands for tuition refunds had been spreading. Students at dozens of schools have started petitions calling for refunds as online classes left them underwhelmed. Scores of schools have returned portions of housing and dining fees, but few if any have agreed to return any share of tuition.
At the University of Chicago, hundreds of students signed a letter saying they will refuse to pay this term's tuition, which was due April 29, unless the school reduces tuition by 50% and keeps it at that level during the crisis.
Colleges counter that the coronavirus has put them under sharp financial strain, too. Some estimate that they could lose up to $1 billion this year as they brace for downturns in student enrollment, state funding, and research grants. Some have already announced layoffs and furloughs as they work to offset losses.
But the lawsuits say it's not fair to pass those losses on to students. Jennifer Kraus-Czeisler, a lawyer for the New York firm Milberg Phillips Grossman, which is representing several students, said colleges have a duty to return fees for services they aren't providing.
"We're not disparaging the schools for closing. They did what was appropriate," she said. "But they're profiting at the expense of students. It just seems unconscionable."
This story was reported by The Associated Press.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-05-04--College amid coronavirus: high school seniors wary of paying for ‘Zoom U’

“ I know that getting a college degree is definitely a better start and you get better pay , ” says Mr. Post , who enrolled at his first choice : the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth .
“ But if they decide to do online this fall , I don ’ t know if I can justify paying thousands of dollars and taking out loans.
” The first week of May has long been the traditional deadline for high school seniors to choose which college to attend .
But with uncertainty surrounding the ongoing impact of COVID-19 , many students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the deposit .
The decisions they make could have huge ramifications for institutions of higher learning , some of which were already cash-strapped before the pandemic meant a financial hit worth hundreds of millions of dollars .
“ I need to be hands-on .
I don ’ t know if the online courses can work for me , ” he says .
So the idea of paying thousands of dollars for more of the same in the fall does not appeal .
Plainfield High senior Devon Post has not enjoyed finishing high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have Wi-Fi in his remote part of Connecticut , and using his phone to create a hotspot for his aging computer has been spotty , at best .
The past year was a whirlwind of activity for Samantha Beeson , a high school senior who was looking forward to end-of-year rituals before heading off to college in the fall .
As the president of the marketing club at Johnson Ferry Christian Academy in Marietta , Georgia , a trained Italian opera singer active in theater , and a cheerleader , she was already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came to an end and a new stage in her life commenced .
“ I think of the senior year of high school , it ’ s kind of the end of being a kid , ” says Ms. Beeson , who just sent her deposit to enroll in Furman University in South Carolina .
“ But then the coronavirus kinda took that closure from us in such an unexpected way and in such a fast amount of time.
” “ And I don ’ t think there ’ s anything harder than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re going to walk across the stage and with all your friends , and your family is going to be there , and , you know , now that ’ s going to be over a Zoom call .
It ’ s kinda disheartening , ” Ms. Beeson says .
“ And now the beginning of college might be taken away as well.
” Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .
The first week of May has long been among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the traditional deadline for high school seniors and others to choose which college to attend .
But with uncertainty surrounding the ongoing impact of COVID-19 across the country , many students like Ms. Beeson ca n't bring themselves to put down the deposit .
The decisions they make could have huge ramifications for institutions of higher learning , some of which were already cash-strapped before the pandemic meant a financial hit worth hundreds of millions of dollars .
“ I know that getting a college degree is definitely a better start and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Devon Post , a senior at Plainfield High School in rural Connecticut , who enrolled at his first choice : the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth .
“ But if they decide to do online this fall , I don ’ t know if I can justify paying thousands of dollars and taking out loans , ” says Mr. Post , an ambassador for the National Society for High School Scholars ( NSHSS ) .
He hasn ’ t enjoyed finishing high school online , either .
Living in a relatively remote part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Foxwoods Casino , he can ’ t get Wi-Fi .
Using his cellphone as a hotspot for his aging computer has been spotty .
“ I need to be hands-on .
I don ’ t know if the online courses can work for me , ” he says .
Ms. Beesen feels similarly , even though she still plans to enroll in Furman University even if they start online .
“ The idea of doing my first semester of college online is hard for me , because it ’ s already so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We ’ re not only paying for classes , we ’ re paying for the experience .
We ’ re paying for the dorm life , the cafeteria life , the outdoor life , and all those things why I chose to go to Furman in the first place.
” Across the country , about half of high school seniors and returning students say they could deal with e-learning and online classes in their colleges this fall , though they would much prefer in-person classes , according to a national survey released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a third of U.S. students , however , said they would rather not enroll this fall if classes meet online .
A number of colleges and universities in California and other states have already announced they plan to hold online classes this fall , while other U.S. institutions say they will reopen with in-person classes .
In a survey of college officials by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers , more than half said they were making plans for the possibility of putting the fall semester entirely online .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge sort of philosophical shift in their minds , asking , like , why were we going to a particular college to begin with ?
” says Craig Meister , an admissions consultant based in Baltimore .
“ Was it for the name ?
Was it for the prestige ?
Was it for the experience ?
” “ But I think a lot of students and families are realizing , it ’ s not just the five classes you are going to be taking in the fall , or the name you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience of being in dorms , networking , fraternities and sororities , making new friends , being independent , ” continues Mr. Meister .
“ And if that ’ s all taken away from you – and so much else has seemed to be recently taken away from these students and families – is now really the time to proceed ?
” Students like Mr. Post have begun to consider taking a “ gap year , ” and deferring their enrollment until the fall of 2021 .
Some are beginning to question the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the exorbitant costs of going to college in the first place .
“ I ’ ve never had a job , so maybe just getting an apprenticeship might be nice , ” says Mr. Post .
“ And once I start getting work skills and ability – meaning the kinds of stuff that my future employers can see I have – maybe I need to just take a couple leap years before deciding on going to college .
I ’ ll even have some money in the bank.
” The uncertainty surrounding the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the fall has also left college admissions officers scrambling as many see enrollment numbers decline and requests to take a gap year rise .
“ We ’ re definitely seeing a lot of students take advantage of the deadline flexibility that we offered , ” says Adam Miller , director of admission at Whitman College in Walla Walla , Washington , noting that a number of families want to wait before submitting a deposit .
“ But there ’ s the possibility that when it comes down to it , and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start considering their options for next year , there may not be very many attractive options , ” he says .
“ A lot of gap year programs involve summer work , maybe some sort of academic experience , or maybe travel .
And those are all pretty severely impacted as well by COVID-19 .
It ’ s not clear to me what the comparable alternatives will be for students.
” Adelphi University in Garden City , New York , has also seen a lag in enrollments so far , says Kristen Capezza @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We ’ re seeing the aftermath of those students who are trying to hold out for a level of certainty before making their decision , ” she says .
“ As much as hopefully we can work to resume an in-person semester , I do think there ’ ll be some added precautions either way , ” she says .
The university has been setting up classrooms to follow social distancing guidelines and starting to look at the possibility of testing students to create a bubble on campus , or resume group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Until a vaccine becomes available , I think you ’ ll start to see a lot of that at campuses in the fall , ” Ms. Capezza continues .
“ I don ’ t see how you can resume business as usual without some of those added precautionary measures in place.
” Still , rather than delaying the start of a college education , she says now is actually the best time to begin .
“ Typically when economies weaken , you ’ ll see education actually start to pick up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go in and strengthen skill sets and learn and prepare yourself for when the economy gets stronger and things start to boom again , ” she says .
This is one reason Ms. Beeson is planning to start Furman this fall , even if her summer orientation has already been cancelled and her college career will begin with online classes at home in Georgia .
Despite the disappointments of the disrupted end-of-semester rituals , she has been discovering something completely new about herself , she says , as her yearslong frantic schedule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s one of the biggest things I ’ ve learned , how we live in such a fast-paced world , and how important it is not always having to be busy , ” Ms. Beeson says .
“ And just the power of being bored – so many creative ideas , so many values I ’ ve suddenly realized.
” Among those : “ Being with my family , getting to spend a lot more time with my sister , getting to know her better – especially if I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Don ’ t get me wrong , this hasn ’ t been easy for me , ” she says .
“ But I definitely have reprioritized and learned a lot I probably wouldn ’ t have.
” Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .

“I know that getting a college degree is definitely a better start and you get better pay,” says Mr. Post, who enrolled at his first choice: the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. “But if they decide to do online this fall, I don’t know if I can justify paying thousands of dollars and taking out loans.”
The first week of May has long been the traditional deadline for high school seniors to choose which college to attend. But with uncertainty surrounding the ongoing impact of COVID-19, many students can’t bring themselves to put down the deposit. The decisions they make could have huge ramifications for institutions of higher learning, some of which were already cash-strapped before the pandemic meant a financial hit worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
“I need to be hands-on. I don’t know if the online courses can work for me,” he says.
The class of 2020 has resigned itself to no pomp, due to circumstances. But high school seniors are wary of paying thousands without knowing what fall will look like – leading to uncertainty about both their futures, and colleges’.
So the idea of paying thousands of dollars for more of the same in the fall does not appeal.
Plainfield High senior Devon Post has not enjoyed finishing high school online. He doesn’t have Wi-Fi in his remote part of Connecticut, and using his phone to create a hotspot for his aging computer has been spotty, at best.
The past year was a whirlwind of activity for Samantha Beeson, a high school senior who was looking forward to end-of-year rituals before heading off to college in the fall.
As the president of the marketing club at Johnson Ferry Christian Academy in Marietta, Georgia, a trained Italian opera singer active in theater, and a cheerleader, she was already anticipating mixed emotions as all her activities came to an end and a new stage in her life commenced.
“I think of the senior year of high school, it’s kind of the end of being a kid,” says Ms. Beeson, who just sent her deposit to enroll in Furman University in South Carolina. “But then the coronavirus kinda took that closure from us in such an unexpected way and in such a fast amount of time.”
Why We Wrote This The class of 2020 has resigned itself to no pomp, due to circumstances. But high school seniors are wary of paying thousands without knowing what fall will look like – leading to uncertainty about both their futures, and colleges’.
“And I don’t think there’s anything harder than hearing your graduation, when you’re going to walk across the stage and with all your friends, and your family is going to be there, and, you know, now that’s going to be over a Zoom call. It’s kinda disheartening,” Ms. Beeson says. “And now the beginning of college might be taken away as well.”
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.
The first week of May has long been among the most busy for admissions officers, as the traditional deadline for high school seniors and others to choose which college to attend. But with uncertainty surrounding the ongoing impact of COVID-19 across the country, many students like Ms. Beeson can't bring themselves to put down the deposit. The decisions they make could have huge ramifications for institutions of higher learning, some of which were already cash-strapped before the pandemic meant a financial hit worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
“I know that getting a college degree is definitely a better start and you get better pay,” says Devon Post, a senior at Plainfield High School in rural Connecticut, who enrolled at his first choice: the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
“But if they decide to do online this fall, I don’t know if I can justify paying thousands of dollars and taking out loans,” says Mr. Post, an ambassador for the National Society for High School Scholars (NSHSS).
He hasn’t enjoyed finishing high school online, either. Living in a relatively remote part of Connecticut with his mom, a manager at Foxwoods Casino, he can’t get Wi-Fi. Using his cellphone as a hotspot for his aging computer has been spotty.
“I need to be hands-on. I don’t know if the online courses can work for me,” he says.
Ms. Beesen feels similarly, even though she still plans to enroll in Furman University even if they start online.
Leila Navidi/Star Tribune/AP View caption Hide caption Serafina Rivera, a senior at Nova Classical Academy, dances with her prom date Ben Parsonage, a junior, during their prom for two at Ms. Rivera's home in St. Paul, Minn., on May 1, 2020. With schools cancelled due to coronavirus concerns, Ms. Rivera’s mother Deborah Rathman decided to throw a prom in her own home. The couple have only had contact with each other and their own families since Minnesota's stay-at-home order began.
“The idea of doing my first semester of college online is hard for me, because it’s already so expensive,” Ms. Beeson says. “We’re not only paying for classes, we’re paying for the experience. We’re paying for the dorm life, the cafeteria life, the outdoor life, and all those things why I chose to go to Furman in the first place.”
Across the country, about half of high school seniors and returning students say they could deal with e-learning and online classes in their colleges this fall, though they would much prefer in-person classes, according to a national survey released last week by the NSHSS. About a third of U.S. students, however, said they would rather not enroll this fall if classes meet online.
A number of colleges and universities in California and other states have already announced they plan to hold online classes this fall, while other U.S. institutions say they will reopen with in-person classes. In a survey of college officials by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, more than half said they were making plans for the possibility of putting the fall semester entirely online.
“I see a lot of families doing a huge sort of philosophical shift in their minds, asking, like, why were we going to a particular college to begin with?” says Craig Meister, an admissions consultant based in Baltimore. “Was it for the name? Was it for the prestige? Was it for the experience?”
“But I think a lot of students and families are realizing, it’s not just the five classes you are going to be taking in the fall, or the name you’ll graduate with, but the experience of being in dorms, networking, fraternities and sororities, making new friends, being independent,” continues Mr. Meister. “And if that’s all taken away from you – and so much else has seemed to be recently taken away from these students and families – is now really the time to proceed?”
Students like Mr. Post have begun to consider taking a “gap year,” and deferring their enrollment until the fall of 2021. Some are beginning to question the need to spend – or borrow – the exorbitant costs of going to college in the first place.
“I’ve never had a job, so maybe just getting an apprenticeship might be nice,” says Mr. Post. “And once I start getting work skills and ability – meaning the kinds of stuff that my future employers can see I have – maybe I need to just take a couple leap years before deciding on going to college. I’ll even have some money in the bank.”
The uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic and its ongoing impact going into the fall has also left college admissions officers scrambling as many see enrollment numbers decline and requests to take a gap year rise.
“We’re definitely seeing a lot of students take advantage of the deadline flexibility that we offered,” says Adam Miller, director of admission at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, noting that a number of families want to wait before submitting a deposit.
“But there’s the possibility that when it comes down to it, and it’s July or August and students start considering their options for next year, there may not be very many attractive options,” he says. “A lot of gap year programs involve summer work, maybe some sort of academic experience, or maybe travel. And those are all pretty severely impacted as well by COVID-19. It’s not clear to me what the comparable alternatives will be for students.”
Adelphi University in Garden City, New York, has also seen a lag in enrollments so far, says Kristen Capezza, vice president of enrollment management. “We’re seeing the aftermath of those students who are trying to hold out for a level of certainty before making their decision,” she says.
“As much as hopefully we can work to resume an in-person semester, I do think there’ll be some added precautions either way,” she says. The university has been setting up classrooms to follow social distancing guidelines and starting to look at the possibility of testing students to create a bubble on campus, or resume group gatherings with temperature scans or required masks.
“Until a vaccine becomes available, I think you’ll start to see a lot of that at campuses in the fall,” Ms. Capezza continues. “I don’t see how you can resume business as usual without some of those added precautionary measures in place.”
Still, rather than delaying the start of a college education, she says now is actually the best time to begin. “Typically when economies weaken, you’ll see education actually start to pick up because it’s the perfect time to go in and strengthen skill sets and learn and prepare yourself for when the economy gets stronger and things start to boom again,” she says.
This is one reason Ms. Beeson is planning to start Furman this fall, even if her summer orientation has already been cancelled and her college career will begin with online classes at home in Georgia.
Despite the disappointments of the disrupted end-of-semester rituals, she has been discovering something completely new about herself, she says, as her yearslong frantic schedule has slowed to a home-bound crawl.
“It’s one of the biggest things I’ve learned, how we live in such a fast-paced world, and how important it is not always having to be busy,” Ms. Beeson says. “And just the power of being bored – so many creative ideas, so many values I’ve suddenly realized.” Among those: “Being with my family, getting to spend a lot more time with my sister, getting to know her better – especially if I’m about to move to college.”
“Don’t get me wrong, this hasn’t been easy for me,” she says. “But I definitely have reprioritized and learned a lot I probably wouldn’t have.”
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.