csmonitor--2020-04-23--States band together to take next step against coronavirus

But it ’ s also a reminder that , even in partisan times , governors are the ultimate fix-it crew , judged by getting things done .
“ We know we need each other ’ s expertise , support , ideas , troubleshooting , ” says David Postman , chief of staff to the governor of Washington state .
The hope is that it could have a lasting effect .
Should states face something like this again , he adds , “ let ’ s go back and remember what we did in 2020.
” No wonder they feel they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationwide are forming regional partnerships to help think through how to reopen responsibly and strategically .
It ’ s an extension of how governors often operate – relying on one another in emergencies .
Nothing has tested governors like COVID-19 .
It stretches across the entire country and has proved hard to control .
But opening up will be much harder than shutting down , as governors compete for equipment and struggle to maintain health standards in the face of protests , costs , and skyrocketing unemployment .
For America ’ s governors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past few weeks : These next steps will be exceedingly difficult .
David Postman was looking forward to his first day off in more than six weeks .
As chief of staff to the governor of Washington state – where the novel coronavirus burst early in the United States – he figured the Easter weekend might provide that opportunity .
It was not to be .
Instead , he spent the weekend teleconferencing and texting with his counterparts in Oregon and California .
The three chiefs of staff were working on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the governors wanted to move quickly .
Rumblings were coming from President Donald Trump about an upcoming decision to reopen states ’ economies .
“ We need to be out there .
We want to show people that we are working together , ” says Mr. Postman , recalling the urgency of the moment .
On Monday morning , the governors – all of them Democrats – agreed to guidelines for reopening their economies , including a decline in the rate of the virus ’ s spread , more testing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day , New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo , also a Democrat , announced a coalition of Northeastern states , followed later in the week by a bipartisan Great Lakes group .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .
On one hand , states cooperate on a daily basis , from local agreements on transport to larger ones that affect regions – such as Eastern states capping greenhouse gases and Western ones sharing Colorado River water .
And when hurricanes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states are quick to send firefighters and utility trucks .
But nothing is testing governors like COVID-19 .
It stretches across the entire country , and it is unpredictable and harder to control .
While governors say they will rely on science to open up their economies , the science is not so clear .
And opening up will be harder than shutting down , as governors compete for equipment and struggle to maintain health standards in the face of mounting pushback , costs , and skyrocketing unemployment .
To this point , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ partnerships : How do they reopen responsibly and strategically ?
For instance , when is it OK to allow elective surgeries , or how to conduct contact tracing ?
The coalitions are a reminder that even as the “ political poison ” in Congress has “ leaked ” into the states , relationships among governors are “ nothing like it is in Washington , ” says former New Jersey Gov .
Thomas Kean .
Members of Congress are graded on speeches and votes , he explains .
Governors , on the other hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve done .
Period.
” That means getting the next steps right .
And governors know they ’ ll need one another .
“ The effect of this pandemic is so much more widespread than any other calamity , or emergency , or crisis in anyone ’ s memory – and its path and duration are hard to predict , ” says John Weingart , director of the Center on the American Governor at Rutgers University in New Jersey .
“ No one wants restrictions relaxed too soon , but what nobody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soon.
’ ” Emergency planning is the very first thing new governors learn about when they gather after Election Day for training by the National Governors Association .
A telling example for the newbies : Pennsylvania Gov .
Dick Thornburgh .
In 1979 , after less than three months in office , he had to deal with the accident at the Three Mile Island nuclear plant .
States should be able to count on federal help with resources , guidance , and expertise , Mr. Weingart says .
On Thursday , Congress passed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on top of $ 2.5 trillion already passed .
But generally , “ states would prefer to rely on each other , as opposed to the federal government , ” says Raymond Scheppach , former executive director of the National Governors Association .
“ They understand each other and they ’ ll get answers quicker.
” They even have a formal compact that allows them to share assistance during emergencies – including smokejumpers , National Guardsmen , and equipment .
In today ’ s crisis , regional cooperation is “ the only way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kean , a popular two-term governor in the 1980s .
What if New Jersey were to open its beaches before New York ?
he posits .
“ All the people in New York are going to come to our beaches.
” He and Democrat Mario Cuomo , a former New York governor , met at least once a month over dinner or lunch .
They became close friends .
Good relationships with the governors of Massachusetts and North Carolina also led to the governors “ stealing ” ideas from one another , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , many governors say .
Republican Gov .
Charlie Baker of Massachusetts spoke in a local TV interview Monday about the need to get over “ the baloney and the noise ” of partisan politics .
“ We ’ re all in this together and we need to behave and act like that , ” he said , rattling off the names of his counterparts from Maine to New Jersey , most of whom are Democrats .
Regional cooperation is vital , he said last week , given how integrated New England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out-of-state drivers enter Massachusetts on an average weekday , including nearly 150,000 commuters from New Hampshire and Rhode Island .
“ Part of the planning also requires listening to and learning from our neighboring states , ” Governor Baker said , though he emphasized that he would always act first and foremost in the interest of Massachusetts citizens .
That is the balancing act ahead – weighing one state ’ s needs , and even counties within states , against the needs of neighbors .
The point was stressed by the seven Midwestern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the broader Great Lakes area .
( The group includes Michigan , Wisconsin , Minnesota , Illinois , Kentucky , Ohio , and Indiana . )
“ Phasing in sectors of our economy will be most effective when we work together as a region , ” they said in an April 16 statement .
“ This doesn ’ t mean our economy will reopen all at once , or that every state will take the same steps at the same time .
But close coordination will ensure we get this right.
” Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over his authority , over shortages of tests and personal protective equipment , and his encouragement of protesters to “ liberate ” certain Democratic states from restrictions .
But they have generally praised the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for its expertise and Vice President Mike Pence for his outreach .
And Wednesday saw California ’ s Gov .
Gavin Newsom – who has led the Democratic “ resistance ” against the president – touting a “ very good phone call ” with President Trump .
More testing swabs are on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In that way , the cooperation between states is not just about filling federal gaps , suggests Mr. Weingart .
“ It seems clear that the effect of the virus is different in different parts of the country , or on a different schedule , and it ’ s a healthy response for states to band together in some instances.
” This week , Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis announced that six Southeastern states , all led by Republican governors , are also forming a coalition to share ideas about reopening .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loosen restrictions than their Democratic counterparts , though Colorado ’ s Democratic governor announced he will let his state ’ s stay-at-home order expire next week and allow businesses to reopen with restrictions .
Mr. Scheppach expects that governors will become closer because of this challenge , and hopes their efforts will lead to greater cooperation in the future .
So far , the American public has given governors high marks for their handling of the crisis , with 76 % of Democrats and 73 % of Republicans praising their state ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poll released last month .
“ We know we need each other ’ s expertise , support , ideas , troubleshooting , ” says Washington state ’ s Mr. Postman .
Should states face something like this again , “ let ’ s go back and remember what we did [ to collaborate ] in 2020.
” Staff writer Christa Case Bryant contributed to this report from Boston .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .

But it’s also a reminder that, even in partisan times, governors are the ultimate fix-it crew, judged by getting things done. “We know we need each other’s expertise, support, ideas, troubleshooting,” says David Postman, chief of staff to the governor of Washington state. The hope is that it could have a lasting effect. Should states face something like this again, he adds, “let’s go back and remember what we did in 2020.”
No wonder they feel they could use a little backup. Governors nationwide are forming regional partnerships to help think through how to reopen responsibly and strategically. It’s an extension of how governors often operate – relying on one another in emergencies.
All of a sudden, all over America, governors are forming coronavirus partnerships with neighboring states. Why? Because states need to actually get things done.
Nothing has tested governors like COVID-19. It stretches across the entire country and has proved hard to control. But opening up will be much harder than shutting down, as governors compete for equipment and struggle to maintain health standards in the face of protests, costs, and skyrocketing unemployment.
For America’s governors, one thing has become clear during the past few weeks: These next steps will be exceedingly difficult.
David Postman was looking forward to his first day off in more than six weeks. As chief of staff to the governor of Washington state – where the novel coronavirus burst early in the United States – he figured the Easter weekend might provide that opportunity.
It was not to be. Instead, he spent the weekend teleconferencing and texting with his counterparts in Oregon and California. The three chiefs of staff were working on a formal collaboration between their West Coast states, and the governors wanted to move quickly. Rumblings were coming from President Donald Trump about an upcoming decision to reopen states’ economies.
“We need to be out there. We want to show people that we are working together,” says Mr. Postman, recalling the urgency of the moment.
Why We Wrote This All of a sudden, all over America, governors are forming coronavirus partnerships with neighboring states. Why? Because states need to actually get things done.
On Monday morning, the governors – all of them Democrats – agreed to guidelines for reopening their economies, including a decline in the rate of the virus’s spread, more testing, and protecting vulnerable populations. The same day, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, also a Democrat, announced a coalition of Northeastern states, followed later in the week by a bipartisan Great Lakes group.
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.
On one hand, states cooperate on a daily basis, from local agreements on transport to larger ones that affect regions – such as Eastern states capping greenhouse gases and Western ones sharing Colorado River water. And when hurricanes, fires, or floods hit, states are quick to send firefighters and utility trucks.
But nothing is testing governors like COVID-19. It stretches across the entire country, and it is unpredictable and harder to control. While governors say they will rely on science to open up their economies, the science is not so clear. And opening up will be harder than shutting down, as governors compete for equipment and struggle to maintain health standards in the face of mounting pushback, costs, and skyrocketing unemployment.
Al Drago/Reuters View caption Hide caption President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence watch a video of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaking during the daily coronavirus task force briefing at the White House in Washington April 19, 2020.
To this point, that is the key question binding these partnerships: How do they reopen responsibly and strategically? For instance, when is it OK to allow elective surgeries, or how to conduct contact tracing? The coalitions are a reminder that even as the “political poison” in Congress has “leaked” into the states, relationships among governors are “nothing like it is in Washington,” says former New Jersey Gov. Thomas Kean.
Members of Congress are graded on speeches and votes, he explains. Governors, on the other hand, “get graded on what you’ve done. Period.”
That means getting the next steps right. And governors know they’ll need one another.
“The effect of this pandemic is so much more widespread than any other calamity, or emergency, or crisis in anyone’s memory – and its path and duration are hard to predict,” says John Weingart, director of the Center on the American Governor at Rutgers University in New Jersey. “No one wants restrictions relaxed too soon, but what nobody knows is the definition of ‘too soon.’”
Remember Dick Thornburgh
Emergency planning is the very first thing new governors learn about when they gather after Election Day for training by the National Governors Association. A telling example for the newbies: Pennsylvania Gov. Dick Thornburgh. In 1979, after less than three months in office, he had to deal with the accident at the Three Mile Island nuclear plant.
States should be able to count on federal help with resources, guidance, and expertise, Mr. Weingart says. On Thursday, Congress passed nearly $500 billion in coronavirus-related aid on top of $2.5 trillion already passed.
But generally, “states would prefer to rely on each other, as opposed to the federal government,” says Raymond Scheppach, former executive director of the National Governors Association. “They understand each other and they’ll get answers quicker.” They even have a formal compact that allows them to share assistance during emergencies – including smokejumpers, National Guardsmen, and equipment.
In today’s crisis, regional cooperation is “the only way to do it,” says Mr. Kean, a popular two-term governor in the 1980s. What if New Jersey were to open its beaches before New York? he posits. “All the people in New York are going to come to our beaches.”
He and Democrat Mario Cuomo, a former New York governor, met at least once a month over dinner or lunch. They became close friends. Good relationships with the governors of Massachusetts and North Carolina also led to the governors “stealing” ideas from one another, he says.
That same approach must apply now, many governors say. Republican Gov. Charlie Baker of Massachusetts spoke in a local TV interview Monday about the need to get over “the baloney and the noise” of partisan politics. “We’re all in this together and we need to behave and act like that,” he said, rattling off the names of his counterparts from Maine to New Jersey, most of whom are Democrats.
Michael Conroy/AP View caption Hide caption Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb answers questions at the Statehouse in Indianapolis on March 24, 2020. His state has joined a regional coronavirus partnership.
Regional cooperation is vital, he said last week, given how integrated New England states’ economies are. About 250,000 out-of-state drivers enter Massachusetts on an average weekday, including nearly 150,000 commuters from New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
“Part of the planning also requires listening to and learning from our neighboring states,” Governor Baker said, though he emphasized that he would always act first and foremost in the interest of Massachusetts citizens.
That is the balancing act ahead – weighing one state’s needs, and even counties within states, against the needs of neighbors. The point was stressed by the seven Midwestern governors who formed a bipartisan coalition in the broader Great Lakes area. (The group includes Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana.)
“Phasing in sectors of our economy will be most effective when we work together as a region,” they said in an April 16 statement. “This doesn’t mean our economy will reopen all at once, or that every state will take the same steps at the same time. But close coordination will ensure we get this right.”
Relationship with D.C.
Some governors have butted heads with the president over his authority, over shortages of tests and personal protective equipment, and his encouragement of protesters to “liberate” certain Democratic states from restrictions. But they have generally praised the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for its expertise and Vice President Mike Pence for his outreach. And Wednesday saw California’s Gov. Gavin Newsom – who has led the Democratic “resistance” against the president – touting a “very good phone call” with President Trump. More testing swabs are on the way, the president assured him.
In that way, the cooperation between states is not just about filling federal gaps, suggests Mr. Weingart. “It seems clear that the effect of the virus is different in different parts of the country, or on a different schedule, and it’s a healthy response for states to band together in some instances.”
This week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that six Southeastern states, all led by Republican governors, are also forming a coalition to share ideas about reopening. They are moving more quickly and broadly to loosen restrictions than their Democratic counterparts, though Colorado’s Democratic governor announced he will let his state’s stay-at-home order expire next week and allow businesses to reopen with restrictions.
Mr. Scheppach expects that governors will become closer because of this challenge, and hopes their efforts will lead to greater cooperation in the future. So far, the American public has given governors high marks for their handling of the crisis, with 76% of Democrats and 73% of Republicans praising their state’s governor, according to a Monmouth University poll released last month.
“We know we need each other’s expertise, support, ideas, troubleshooting,” says Washington state’s Mr. Postman. Should states face something like this again, “let’s go back and remember what we did [to collaborate] in 2020.”
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
Staff writer Christa Case Bryant contributed to this report from Boston.
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.


csmonitor--2020-04-23--'It's just too soon': Trump pushes back on reopening Georgia

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he “ disagreed strongly ” with the decision by Georgia 's Republican governor to reopen salons , gyms , and other nonessential businesses that had been shuttered to contain the coronavirus , saying , “ It 's just too soon.
” During the daily White House briefing , the president indicated that while he is in favor of states reopening their economies , Gov .
Brian Kemp is moving a little too fast .
Mr. Kemp announced earlier this week that as of Friday , elective medical procedures could resume in Georgia , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gyms could reopen with restrictions .
Limited in-restaurant dining is scheduled to resume on Monday .
The announcement immediately prompted pushback by Atlanta 's Democratic mayor , other political opponents , and health experts who warned that the state has not yet taken the steps recommended under federal guidelines the Trump administration issued for reopening the economy safely .
Georgia ranks in the bottom 10 U.S. states in per capita testing for the coronavirus .
Officials are struggling to increase testing for new infections and boost tracking of those in contact with infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , health officials said , the state risks a quick rebound of COVID-19 .
“ The virus moves faster than government does , ” said Dr. Jennifer Nuzzo , an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security .
“ So if I had to bet on who would come out of the gate faster , it would be the virus.
” Mr. Trump has been stressing the importance of reopening states sooner rather than later to get the U.S. economy back on track .
Just last week , the president urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MICHIGAN !
” and other Democratic-led states from stay-at-home orders – at the same time that mostly Republican governors like Mr. Kemp were taking steps to lift those restrictions .
But on Wednesday , Mr. Trump indicated that Mr. Kemp 's aggressive reopening strategy went beyond the recommendations of a three-phase plan the administration unveiled last week .
The plan advises 14 days of declining new infections and robust testing of health care workers before proceeding to a phased opening of the economy .
“ I want him to do what he thinks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` But ...
I think [ opening ] spas and beauty salons and tattoo parlors and barbershops in Phase One ... it ’ s just too soon.
” The president added that “ there 's a lot of good feeling between myself and Brian Kemp .
I like him a lot .
...
I know the people from spas and beauty parlors , tattoo parlors .
Bikers for Trump – a lot of tattoos .
I love them .
I love these people .
And barbershops , these are great people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a little bit longer until you get into a Phase Two . ''
Not long after Mr. Trump ’ s remarks , Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of neighboring South Carolina issued a statement saying he agreed with the president and that while he has “ great respect for Governor Kemp ... the best path forward is to follow the guidelines set by President Trump and his team.
” Mr. Kemp responded in a tweet Wednesday night that he appreciated Mr. Trump 's guidance but would move forward with his plan .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data and guided by state public health officials , ” the governor said .
“ I am confident that business owners who decide to reopen will adhere to minimum basic operations , which prioritize the health and well-being of employees and customers.
” In pushing his plans to jump-start the state 's economy , Mr. Kemp stressed that the state was ramping up its virus testing .
The number of tests administered in Georgia had plateaued between 3,500 to 4,000 a day .
However , on Wednesday , the state reported almost 6,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Commissioner Kathleen Toomey said the state will expand its ability to “ aggressively ” trace the contacts of infected people .
“ This is the way we ’ re going to keep spread from occurring , even as we begin to gradually open up the state , ” Mr. Toomey said .
The state hasn ’ t said how many people are tracing contacts now , how many it seeks , or how quickly the state ’ s 18 public health districts can ramp up .
As of Wednesday , more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the virus and more than 840 had died , according to the state Department of Public Health .
Mr. Toomey and Mr. Kemp said the state will use a cellphone app to track infected people , and ask those people to voluntarily share cellphone data so that the state can find other contacts .
Many businesses and workers have expressed reservations about Mr. Kemp 's plan .
“ I understand everybody wants to get back to normal , '' said Dewond Brown , a line cook who was laid off last month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people say every day it ’ s not time yet.
” State Sen. Nikema Williams , chairwoman of the Democratic Party of Georgia , weighed in on the situation Wednesday after the president 's briefing , remarking , “ You know it ’ s a serious failure when Donald Trump , whose failed leadership is responsible for how badly this crisis is hitting America , distances himself from his crony Brian Kemp , who is endlessly determined to make this crisis as painful as possible for Georgians.
” This story was reported by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Savannah , Georgia .
AP reporters Sudhin Thanawala and Ben Nadler in Atlanta and Kimberly Kruesi in Nashville , Tennessee , contributed to this report .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he “disagreed strongly” with the decision by Georgia's Republican governor to reopen salons, gyms, and other nonessential businesses that had been shuttered to contain the coronavirus, saying, “It's just too soon.”
During the daily White House briefing, the president indicated that while he is in favor of states reopening their economies, Gov. Brian Kemp is moving a little too fast.
Mr. Kemp announced earlier this week that as of Friday, elective medical procedures could resume in Georgia, and that barbershops, nail salons, and gyms could reopen with restrictions. Limited in-restaurant dining is scheduled to resume on Monday.
The announcement immediately prompted pushback by Atlanta's Democratic mayor, other political opponents, and health experts who warned that the state has not yet taken the steps recommended under federal guidelines the Trump administration issued for reopening the economy safely.
Georgia ranks in the bottom 10 U.S. states in per capita testing for the coronavirus. Officials are struggling to increase testing for new infections and boost tracking of those in contact with infected people. If that isn't done, health officials said, the state risks a quick rebound of COVID-19.
“The virus moves faster than government does,” said Dr. Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. “So if I had to bet on who would come out of the gate faster, it would be the virus.”
Mr. Trump has been stressing the importance of reopening states sooner rather than later to get the U.S. economy back on track. Just last week, the president urged his supporters on Twitter to “LIBERATE MICHIGAN!” and other Democratic-led states from stay-at-home orders – at the same time that mostly Republican governors like Mr. Kemp were taking steps to lift those restrictions.
But on Wednesday, Mr. Trump indicated that Mr. Kemp's aggressive reopening strategy went beyond the recommendations of a three-phase plan the administration unveiled last week. The plan advises 14 days of declining new infections and robust testing of health care workers before proceeding to a phased opening of the economy.
“I want him to do what he thinks is right," Mr. Trump said. "But ... I think [opening] spas and beauty salons and tattoo parlors and barbershops in Phase One ... it’s just too soon.”
The president added that “there's a lot of good feeling between myself and Brian Kemp. I like him a lot. ... I know the people from spas and beauty parlors, tattoo parlors. Bikers for Trump – a lot of tattoos. I love them. I love these people. And barbershops, these are great people. But you know what? Maybe wait a little bit longer until you get into a Phase Two."
Not long after Mr. Trump’s remarks, Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of neighboring South Carolina issued a statement saying he agreed with the president and that while he has “great respect for Governor Kemp ... the best path forward is to follow the guidelines set by President Trump and his team.”
Mr. Kemp responded in a tweet Wednesday night that he appreciated Mr. Trump's guidance but would move forward with his plan.
“Our next measured step is driven by data and guided by state public health officials,” the governor said. “I am confident that business owners who decide to reopen will adhere to minimum basic operations, which prioritize the health and well-being of employees and customers.”
In pushing his plans to jump-start the state's economy, Mr. Kemp stressed that the state was ramping up its virus testing. The number of tests administered in Georgia had plateaued between 3,500 to 4,000 a day. However, on Wednesday, the state reported almost 6,000 tests over 24 hours.
State Public Health Commissioner Kathleen Toomey said the state will expand its ability to “aggressively” trace the contacts of infected people.
“This is the way we’re going to keep spread from occurring, even as we begin to gradually open up the state,” Mr. Toomey said.
The state hasn’t said how many people are tracing contacts now, how many it seeks, or how quickly the state’s 18 public health districts can ramp up.
As of Wednesday, more than 21,000 people in Georgia had been infected with the virus and more than 840 had died, according to the state Department of Public Health.
Mr. Toomey and Mr. Kemp said the state will use a cellphone app to track infected people, and ask those people to voluntarily share cellphone data so that the state can find other contacts.
Many businesses and workers have expressed reservations about Mr. Kemp's plan.
“I understand everybody wants to get back to normal," said Dewond Brown, a line cook who was laid off last month. “But you hear the medical people say every day it’s not time yet.”
State Sen. Nikema Williams, chairwoman of the Democratic Party of Georgia, weighed in on the situation Wednesday after the president's briefing, remarking, “You know it’s a serious failure when Donald Trump, whose failed leadership is responsible for how badly this crisis is hitting America, distances himself from his crony Brian Kemp, who is endlessly determined to make this crisis as painful as possible for Georgians.”
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
This story was reported by The Associated Press. Mr. Bynum reported from Savannah, Georgia. AP reporters Sudhin Thanawala and Ben Nadler in Atlanta and Kimberly Kruesi in Nashville, Tennessee, contributed to this report.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-04-24--In new wave of virus aid, Trump to sign Congress' $484B bill

President Donald Trump will be holding a signing ceremony Friday for a bill providing a nearly $ 500 billion infusion of coronavirus spending , rushing new relief to employers and hospitals buckling under the strain of a pandemic that has claimed almost 50,000 American lives and one in six U.S. jobs .
The measure passed Congress almost unanimously Thursday , but the lopsided tally belies a potentially bumpier path ahead as battle lines are being formed for much more ambitious future legislation that may prove far more difficult to maneuver through Congress .
The bipartisan measure passed as lawmakers gathered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first time since March 27 , adopting stricter social distancing rules while seeking to prove they can do their work despite the COVID-19 crisis .
Lawmakers ' face masks and bandannas added a somber tone to their effort to aid a nation staggered by the health crisis and devastating economic costs of the pandemic .
`` Millions of people out of work , '' said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. `` This is really a very , very , very sad day .
We come to the floor with nearly 50,000 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the uncertainty of it all .
We hope to soon get to a recovery phase .
But right now we 're still in mitigation . ''
Anchoring the bill is the Trump administration 's $ 250 billion funding request to replenish a fund to help small- and medium-size businesses with payroll , rent , and other expenses .
The payroll program provides forgivable loans so businesses can continue paying workers while forced to stay closed for social distancing and stay-at-home orders .
It also contains $ 100 billion demanded by Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , along with a $ 60 billion set-aside for small banks and an alternative network of community development banks that focus on development in urban neighborhoods and rural areas ignored by many lenders .
There 's also $ 60 billion for small-business loans and grants delivered through the Small Business Administration 's existing disaster aid program .
Mr. Trump celebrated the bill 's passage at his daily White House briefing Thursday .
`` At a time when many Americans are enduring significant economic challenges , this bill will help small businesses to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
The 388-5 vote – with Rep. Justin Amash , I-Mich. , voting `` present '' – came at the end of a nettlesome path to passage .
Republicans sought immediate action on Trump 's `` clean '' request for the small business money – backed by powerful , GOP-leaning business groups – but Democrats demanded equal funding for their priorities , frustrating Republicans who accused them of seeking leverage during the crisis .
Republicans said delays in replenishing the paycheck subsidy program probably pushed some struggling businesses over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic were everywhere in the House chamber Thursday .
As Ms. Pelosi spoke from the floor , she lowered a white scarf that had covered much of her face .
House Chaplain Patrick Conroy delivered the opening prayer wearing a yellow protective mask , and most lawmakers and aides on the chamber 's sparsely populated floor wore masks as well .
With the entire Capitol closed to the public , visitors ' galleries were set aside for lawmakers in an effort to separate them .
Passage of more coronavirus relief is likely in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warning that the business-backed Payroll Protection Program will exhaust the new $ 250 billion almost immediately .
Launched just weeks ago , the program quickly reached its lending limit after approving nearly 1.7 million loans .
That left thousands of small businesses in limbo as they sought help .
Ms. Pelosi and allies like Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal , D-Mass.
, said the next measure will distribute more relief to individuals , extend more generous jobless benefits into the fall , provide another round of direct payments to most people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off afford health insurance through COBRA .
Democrats tried to win another round of funding for state and local governments in Thursday 's bill but were rebuffed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , who says he 's going to try to pump the brakes on runaway deficit spending .
Mr. McConnell says he does n't want to bail out Democratic-governed states for fiscal problems that predated the pandemic , but there 's plenty of demand for state fiscal relief among Republicans , too .
After the Senate passed the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans would entertain no more coronavirus rescue legislation until the Senate returns to Washington , promising rank-and-file Republicans greater say in the future legislation , rather than leaving it in the hands of top bipartisan leaders .
Ms. Pelosi attacked Mr. McConnell for at first opposing adding any money to his original $ 250 billion package and saying cash-strapped states should be allowed to declare bankruptcy , a move that they currently can not do and that would threaten a broad range of state services .
Mr. McConnell 's comments provoked an outcry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he later tempered his remarks .
`` Oh , really ? ''
Ms. Pelosi said .
`` What made you think that was a good idea ? ''
Thursday 's measure brings total rescue funding over the four measures , as measured by the cumulative deficit impact of spending proposals and tax cuts , to $ 2.4 trillion , according to the Congressional Budget Office .
Each day brings new evidence of the economic calamity wrought by the virus .
Thursday morning the government reported that 4.4 million people filed for unemployment benefits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Over the last five weeks , roughly 26 million people have filed for jobless aid , or about one in six U.S. workers .
The state of Michigan announced this week that it is temporarily laying off almost 3,000 workers .
All told , the four coronavirus relief bills crafted by Congress would deliver at least $ 2.4 trillion for business relief , testing , and treatment , and direct payments to individuals and the unemployed , according to the Congressional Budget Office .
The deficit is virtually certain to breach $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go well above that when CBO issues new data as early as Friday .
Among the candidates for aid in the next bill is the Postal Service , which has more than 600,000 workers but is getting clobbered by COVID-19-related revenue losses .
In related matter , the House used a party-line 212-182 vote Thursday to establish a special committee to oversee how the Trump administration spends the huge sums of money Congress is providing to battle the coronavirus .
Republicans accused Democrats of playing politics with the crisis , but Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the effort .
This story was reported by The Associated Press .
AP writer Laurie Kellman contributed to this report .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

President Donald Trump will be holding a signing ceremony Friday for a bill providing a nearly $500 billion infusion of coronavirus spending, rushing new relief to employers and hospitals buckling under the strain of a pandemic that has claimed almost 50,000 American lives and one in six U.S. jobs.
The measure passed Congress almost unanimously Thursday, but the lopsided tally belies a potentially bumpier path ahead as battle lines are being formed for much more ambitious future legislation that may prove far more difficult to maneuver through Congress.
The bipartisan measure passed as lawmakers gathered in Washington as a group for the first time since March 27, adopting stricter social distancing rules while seeking to prove they can do their work despite the COVID-19 crisis.
Lawmakers' face masks and bandannas added a somber tone to their effort to aid a nation staggered by the health crisis and devastating economic costs of the pandemic.
"Millions of people out of work," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. "This is really a very, very, very sad day. We come to the floor with nearly 50,000 deaths, a huge number of people impacted, and the uncertainty of it all. We hope to soon get to a recovery phase. But right now we're still in mitigation."
Anchoring the bill is the Trump administration's $250 billion funding request to replenish a fund to help small- and medium-size businesses with payroll, rent, and other expenses. The payroll program provides forgivable loans so businesses can continue paying workers while forced to stay closed for social distancing and stay-at-home orders.
It also contains $100 billion demanded by Democrats for hospitals and a nationwide testing program, along with a $60 billion set-aside for small banks and an alternative network of community development banks that focus on development in urban neighborhoods and rural areas ignored by many lenders. There's also $60 billion for small-business loans and grants delivered through the Small Business Administration's existing disaster aid program.
Mr. Trump celebrated the bill's passage at his daily White House briefing Thursday. "At a time when many Americans are enduring significant economic challenges, this bill will help small businesses to keep millions of workers on the payroll," he said.
The 388-5 vote – with Rep. Justin Amash, I-Mich., voting "present" – came at the end of a nettlesome path to passage. Republicans sought immediate action on Trump's "clean" request for the small business money – backed by powerful, GOP-leaning business groups – but Democrats demanded equal funding for their priorities, frustrating Republicans who accused them of seeking leverage during the crisis. Republicans said delays in replenishing the paycheck subsidy program probably pushed some struggling businesses over the edge into closure.
Signs of the pandemic were everywhere in the House chamber Thursday. As Ms. Pelosi spoke from the floor, she lowered a white scarf that had covered much of her face. House Chaplain Patrick Conroy delivered the opening prayer wearing a yellow protective mask, and most lawmakers and aides on the chamber's sparsely populated floor wore masks as well.
With the entire Capitol closed to the public, visitors' galleries were set aside for lawmakers in an effort to separate them.
Passage of more coronavirus relief is likely in the weeks ahead. Supporters are already warning that the business-backed Payroll Protection Program will exhaust the new $250 billion almost immediately. Launched just weeks ago, the program quickly reached its lending limit after approving nearly 1.7 million loans. That left thousands of small businesses in limbo as they sought help.
Ms. Pelosi and allies like Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal, D-Mass., said the next measure will distribute more relief to individuals, extend more generous jobless benefits into the fall, provide another round of direct payments to most people, and help those who are laid off afford health insurance through COBRA.
Democrats tried to win another round of funding for state and local governments in Thursday's bill but were rebuffed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who says he's going to try to pump the brakes on runaway deficit spending. Mr. McConnell says he doesn't want to bail out Democratic-governed states for fiscal problems that predated the pandemic, but there's plenty of demand for state fiscal relief among Republicans, too.
After the Senate passed the latest bill Tuesday, Mr. McConnell declared that Republicans would entertain no more coronavirus rescue legislation until the Senate returns to Washington, promising rank-and-file Republicans greater say in the future legislation, rather than leaving it in the hands of top bipartisan leaders.
Ms. Pelosi attacked Mr. McConnell for at first opposing adding any money to his original $250 billion package and saying cash-strapped states should be allowed to declare bankruptcy, a move that they currently cannot do and that would threaten a broad range of state services. Mr. McConnell's comments provoked an outcry – including from GOP governors – and he later tempered his remarks.
"Oh, really?" Ms. Pelosi said. "What made you think that was a good idea?"
Thursday's measure brings total rescue funding over the four measures, as measured by the cumulative deficit impact of spending proposals and tax cuts, to $2.4 trillion, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
Each day brings new evidence of the economic calamity wrought by the virus. Thursday morning the government reported that 4.4 million people filed for unemployment benefits last week as layoffs sweep the economy. Over the last five weeks, roughly 26 million people have filed for jobless aid, or about one in six U.S. workers.
The state of Michigan announced this week that it is temporarily laying off almost 3,000 workers.
All told, the four coronavirus relief bills crafted by Congress would deliver at least $2.4 trillion for business relief, testing, and treatment, and direct payments to individuals and the unemployed, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The deficit is virtually certain to breach $3 trillion this year and is likely to go well above that when CBO issues new data as early as Friday.
Among the candidates for aid in the next bill is the Postal Service, which has more than 600,000 workers but is getting clobbered by COVID-19-related revenue losses.
In related matter, the House used a party-line 212-182 vote Thursday to establish a special committee to oversee how the Trump administration spends the huge sums of money Congress is providing to battle the coronavirus. Republicans accused Democrats of playing politics with the crisis, but Democrats said Congress needs to keep an eye on the effort.
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
This story was reported by The Associated Press. AP writer Laurie Kellman contributed to this report.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-04-27--As tensions mount over lockdowns, Trump courts both sides

But “ there ’ s a real risk here , ” says Steven Schier , an emeritus political science professor at Carleton College in Northfield , Minn. “ Public opinion is clearly not with these protests to open up now .
So he has to worry that he ’ s associating himself with an unpopular movement that could produce some bad results.
” It is an apparent political effort to “ have his cake and eat it too.
” In a fundamental way , Mr. Trump is also tapping into the nation ’ s deep roots in individualism and personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distrust on the right in experts and elites .
That has produced seemingly contradictory messages : On the one hand , Mr. Trump has been urging governors to follow science-based federal guidelines for a phased “ opening of America.
” At the same time , he ’ s been egging on protesters at state capitols who are rebelling against those same guidelines that are keeping most Americans sheltering-in-place .
With six months until Election Day , President Trump is hoping voters will see him as having done all he can to save the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protecting public health in a pandemic that has so far claimed 55,000 American lives .
In a past life – that is , before COVID-19 – President Donald Trump was banking on a strong economy to usher him into a second term .
That calculation has largely evaporated , but not entirely .
With six months until Election Day , President Trump is now asking voters to make a multi-step mental leap : Remember the once-robust economy , and then see him as having done all he can to save the nation from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect public health in a pandemic that has so far claimed 55,000 American lives .
The bifurcated approach has produced seemingly contradictory messages : On the one hand , Mr. Trump has been urging governors to follow science-based federal guidelines for a phased “ opening of America.
” At the same time , he ’ s been egging on protesters at state capitols who are rebelling against those very same guidelines that are keeping most Americans sheltering-in-place .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a risky gambit – an apparent political effort to “ have his cake and eat it too , ” as he whips up his core supporters with calls to “ liberate ” their states , while trying not to alienate the more mainstream voters he will need in November .
The latest poll numbers in key battleground states show Mr. Trump losing to former Vice President Joe Biden .
In a fundamental way , Mr. Trump is also tapping into the nation ’ s deep roots in individualism and personal responsibility , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of experts and elites .
“ He ’ s been very good at building a base , which is very loyal to him , and continuing to remind the base he ’ s on their side , ” says historian Michael Kazin , an expert on populism at Georgetown University .
“ As the economy gets worse , more and more people will say that while the virus might be dangerous , it ’ s also dangerous to have businesses close up for good.
” The political challenges are several fold .
Social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreseeable future .
Online campaign events – attracting audiences in the hundreds , not thousands – aren ’ t the same .
That forces him to rely all the more on Twitter and friendly news outlets to reach his supporters .
Even Mr. Trump ’ s daily coronavirus briefings , which have attracted high viewership and given him a platform to spar with media , have gone south .
Since his controversial appearance last Thursday , when he sparked an uproar by seeming to float the idea of ingesting disinfectants to treat COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Friday he took no questions , and over the weekend did not hold any briefings at all .
Monday ’ s scheduled briefing was initially canceled , then reinstated .
The anti-lockdown rallies themselves also represent a mixed bag for Mr. Trump .
On one level , they reflect the spirit of rebellion that gave rise to his presidency , and before that the tea party movement .
But they also attract fringe elements .
Some have featured Confederate battle flags and signs with swastikas .
Some protesters bring firearms , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Virginia , pre-coronavirus protests centered on gun rights have morphed into anti-quarantine protests .
At a “ drive-by ” rally at the state capitol in Richmond last week , the messages contained heartfelt pleas by people eager to return to work and worried their rights are being trampled .
“ I am not a COVID-19 denier , ” says Steve Walker , a self-employed mechanic from Chesterfield , Virginia , speaking by phone after the rally .
“ But I believe that the government ’ s response to this is overreaching.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t dialed back soon , the food supply could be at risk .
But when asked about the Gadsden “ Don ’ t Tread on Me ” flag his son waved out the window of their green Dodge Durango during the protest , Mr. Walker reveals a deeper sense of grievance .
The flag , common at lockdown protests and a tea party symbol , “ is a warning to the government : We don ’ t work for you , you work for us , ” Mr. Walker says .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toward tyranny , there will be repercussions .
You have a good chance of seeing armed revolt in this state.
” Much has been made of the support some anti-quarantine protests have received from national groups and people with White House connections , such as Stephen Moore , who serves on the administration ’ s advisory board for reopening the economy .
But , supporters note , no one is paying protesters or forcing them to show up .
The anti-quarantine efforts are a natural outgrowth of the libertarian “ less government , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FreedomWorks , which has 5 million Facebook followers .
“ A lot of the people who were involved in the tea party movement have remained active in FreedomWorks , ” says Adam Brandon , the group ’ s president .
“ We ’ re in touch.
” In the last three years , he says , the group has trained 25,000 activists by sponsoring “ fly-ins ” to Washington and holding regional events .
Still , Mr. Trump ’ s all-caps tweets on April 17 calling to “ LIBERATE ” Michigan , Minnesota @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day before , the president had released a three-phase plan to “ reopen America , ” guidance aimed at helping states shift responsibly toward opening their economies without inviting a surge of new COVID-19 cases .
In fact , 8 in 10 Americans support the shelter-in-place orders in effect in most states , according to the Kaiser Family Foundation , and many governors have seen a spike in their job approval ratings amid the pandemic .
Some governors worried the president was calling for an armed insurrection .
When Democratic Minnesota Gov .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached out to Mr. Trump .
The two eventually had a “ very nice call , ” according to a Trump tweet .
“ The tweeting Trump isn ’ t necessarily the phoning Trump , ” says Steven Schier , an emeritus political science professor at Carleton College in Northfield , Minnesota .
But “ there ’ s a real risk here , ” Professor Schier says .
“ Public opinion is clearly not with these protests to open up now .
So he has to worry that he ’ s associating himself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some bad results.
” The three states that Mr. Trump tweeted “ liberate ” messages at have Democratic governors .
Mr. Trump is hoping to win Minnesota in November , after barely losing there in 2016 .
Virginia voted Democratic by more than 5 percentage points .
But Michigan is a true battleground , voting for Mr. Trump in 2016 by just a fraction of a percent – and he is fighting hard to keep it in 2020 .
It ’ s worth noting that the United States appears to be the only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Part of it is a reflection of American political culture , in which freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are enshrined in the Constitution .
“ There is a lot of social media frustration over the lockdown in several European countries , including the Netherlands and U.K. , but I have not seen many open demonstrations , ” writes Cas Mudde , a professor in the school of public and international affairs at the University of Georgia , in an email .
“ Of course , what makes the U.S. so remarkable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and large opposing his own policies.
” Professor Mudde also notes that Mr. Trump is raising expectations about a return to normalcy with his public support for the protests , but could soon be confronted with a second outbreak in states that soften their lockdowns – including Georgia , where he lives .
If that prompts a renewed tightening of lockdown measures , he adds , it could turn the protesters against the president .
One protester , Tom Zawistowski of Akron , Ohio , is a longtime tea party activist , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state ’ s Republican governor , Mike DeWine .
The governor has won praise for shutting down Ohio early , but to activists like Mr. Zawistowski , it ’ s an abuse of power .
He points to a high infection rate in some Ohio prisons but few deaths , and believes both Governor DeWine and Mr. Trump are overreacting to the virus – and doing deep harm to the economy in the process .
“ I ’ m going to keep asking questions , ” Mr. Zawistowski said Friday , as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ohio , the next day .
He indicated he would not wear a mask .
Mr. Brandon of FreedomWorks rejects the “ no mask ” approach to the protests .
“ I know the press is gravitating toward people not wearing masks , ” he says .
“ But that ’ s not the majority of people [ at the protests ] .
That ’ s totally out of our control .
We ’ re advocating that anyone who shows up , first and foremost needs to keep themselves safe in the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contributed to this report from Richmond , Virginia .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .

But “there’s a real risk here,” says Steven Schier, an emeritus political science professor at Carleton College in Northfield, Minn. “Public opinion is clearly not with these protests to open up now. So he has to worry that he’s associating himself with an unpopular movement that could produce some bad results.”
It is an apparent political effort to “have his cake and eat it too.” In a fundamental way, Mr. Trump is also tapping into the nation’s deep roots in individualism and personal responsibility, as well as a growing distrust on the right in experts and elites.
President Trump is trying to signal support for his base, many of whom have grown frustrated with government-imposed restrictions, while not alienating the swing voters he’ll need in November. It’s led to divergent messages.
That has produced seemingly contradictory messages: On the one hand, Mr. Trump has been urging governors to follow science-based federal guidelines for a phased “opening of America.” At the same time, he’s been egging on protesters at state capitols who are rebelling against those same guidelines that are keeping most Americans sheltering-in-place.
With six months until Election Day, President Trump is hoping voters will see him as having done all he can to save the nation from economic meltdown – while also protecting public health in a pandemic that has so far claimed 55,000 American lives.
In a past life – that is, before COVID-19 – President Donald Trump was banking on a strong economy to usher him into a second term.
That calculation has largely evaporated, but not entirely. With six months until Election Day, President Trump is now asking voters to make a multi-step mental leap: Remember the once-robust economy, and then see him as having done all he can to save the nation from economic meltdown, while also trying to protect public health in a pandemic that has so far claimed 55,000 American lives.
The bifurcated approach has produced seemingly contradictory messages: On the one hand, Mr. Trump has been urging governors to follow science-based federal guidelines for a phased “opening of America.” At the same time, he’s been egging on protesters at state capitols who are rebelling against those very same guidelines that are keeping most Americans sheltering-in-place.
Why We Wrote This President Trump is trying to signal support for his base, many of whom have grown frustrated with government-imposed restrictions, while not alienating the swing voters he’ll need in November. It’s led to divergent messages.
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.
It is a risky gambit – an apparent political effort to “have his cake and eat it too,” as he whips up his core supporters with calls to “liberate” their states, while trying not to alienate the more mainstream voters he will need in November. The latest poll numbers in key battleground states show Mr. Trump losing to former Vice President Joe Biden.
In a fundamental way, Mr. Trump is also tapping into the nation’s deep roots in individualism and personal responsibility, as well as the right's growing distrust of experts and elites.
“He’s been very good at building a base, which is very loyal to him, and continuing to remind the base he’s on their side,” says historian Michael Kazin, an expert on populism at Georgetown University. “As the economy gets worse, more and more people will say that while the virus might be dangerous, it’s also dangerous to have businesses close up for good.”
The political challenges are several fold. Social distancing means no campaign rallies for the foreseeable future. Online campaign events – attracting audiences in the hundreds, not thousands – aren’t the same. That forces him to rely all the more on Twitter and friendly news outlets to reach his supporters.
Even Mr. Trump’s daily coronavirus briefings, which have attracted high viewership and given him a platform to spar with media, have gone south. Since his controversial appearance last Thursday, when he sparked an uproar by seeming to float the idea of ingesting disinfectants to treat COVID-19, he has dialed way back. On Friday he took no questions, and over the weekend did not hold any briefings at all. Monday’s scheduled briefing was initially canceled, then reinstated.
Alex Brandon/AP View caption Hide caption President Donald Trump watches as Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, speaks about the coronavirus in the press briefing room of the White House in Washington April 22, 2020.
The anti-lockdown rallies themselves also represent a mixed bag for Mr. Trump. On one level, they reflect the spirit of rebellion that gave rise to his presidency, and before that the tea party movement. But they also attract fringe elements. Some have featured Confederate battle flags and signs with swastikas.
Some protesters bring firearms, though they have been urged not to. In Virginia, pre-coronavirus protests centered on gun rights have morphed into anti-quarantine protests. At a “drive-by” rally at the state capitol in Richmond last week, the messages contained heartfelt pleas by people eager to return to work and worried their rights are being trampled.
“I am not a COVID-19 denier,” says Steve Walker, a self-employed mechanic from Chesterfield, Virginia, speaking by phone after the rally. “But I believe that the government’s response to this is overreaching.”
He worries that if the closures aren’t dialed back soon, the food supply could be at risk. But when asked about the Gadsden “Don’t Tread on Me” flag his son waved out the window of their green Dodge Durango during the protest, Mr. Walker reveals a deeper sense of grievance.
The flag, common at lockdown protests and a tea party symbol, “is a warning to the government: We don’t work for you, you work for us,” Mr. Walker says. “And if you continue on a course toward tyranny, there will be repercussions. You have a good chance of seeing armed revolt in this state.”
Much has been made of the support some anti-quarantine protests have received from national groups and people with White House connections, such as Stephen Moore, who serves on the administration’s advisory board for reopening the economy.
But, supporters note, no one is paying protesters or forcing them to show up. The anti-quarantine efforts are a natural outgrowth of the libertarian “less government, more freedom” ethos of groups like FreedomWorks, which has 5 million Facebook followers.
“A lot of the people who were involved in the tea party movement have remained active in FreedomWorks,” says Adam Brandon, the group’s president. “We’re in touch.”
In the last three years, he says, the group has trained 25,000 activists by sponsoring “fly-ins” to Washington and holding regional events.
Still, Mr. Trump’s all-caps tweets on April 17 calling to “LIBERATE” Michigan, Minnesota, and Virginia were startling. The day before, the president had released a three-phase plan to “reopen America,” guidance aimed at helping states shift responsibly toward opening their economies without inviting a surge of new COVID-19 cases.
In fact, 8 in 10 Americans support the shelter-in-place orders in effect in most states, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, and many governors have seen a spike in their job approval ratings amid the pandemic.
Some governors worried the president was calling for an armed insurrection. When Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz saw the tweet, he reached out to Mr. Trump. The two eventually had a “very nice call,” according to a Trump tweet.
“The tweeting Trump isn’t necessarily the phoning Trump,” says Steven Schier, an emeritus political science professor at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota.
But “there’s a real risk here,” Professor Schier says. “Public opinion is clearly not with these protests to open up now. So he has to worry that he’s associating himself with an unpopular movement that could produce some bad results.”
The three states that Mr. Trump tweeted “liberate” messages at have Democratic governors. Mr. Trump is hoping to win Minnesota in November, after barely losing there in 2016. Virginia voted Democratic by more than 5 percentage points. But Michigan is a true battleground, voting for Mr. Trump in 2016 by just a fraction of a percent – and he is fighting hard to keep it in 2020.
It’s worth noting that the United States appears to be the only country with any significant anti-quarantine protests. Part of it is a reflection of American political culture, in which freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are enshrined in the Constitution.
“There is a lot of social media frustration over the lockdown in several European countries, including the Netherlands and U.K., but I have not seen many open demonstrations,” writes Cas Mudde, a professor in the school of public and international affairs at the University of Georgia, in an email. “Of course, what makes the U.S. so remarkable, is that the president is by and large opposing his own policies.”
Seth Herald/Reuters View caption Hide caption Protesters against the state's extended stay-at-home order to help slow the spread of the coronavirus demonstrate at the Capitol building in Columbus, Ohio, April 20, 2020.
Professor Mudde also notes that Mr. Trump is raising expectations about a return to normalcy with his public support for the protests, but could soon be confronted with a second outbreak in states that soften their lockdowns – including Georgia, where he lives. If that prompts a renewed tightening of lockdown measures, he adds, it could turn the protesters against the president.
One protester, Tom Zawistowski of Akron, Ohio, is a longtime tea party activist, and has opposed the restrictive actions of his state’s Republican governor, Mike DeWine. The governor has won praise for shutting down Ohio early, but to activists like Mr. Zawistowski, it’s an abuse of power.
He points to a high infection rate in some Ohio prisons but few deaths, and believes both Governor DeWine and Mr. Trump are overreacting to the virus – and doing deep harm to the economy in the process.
“I’m going to keep asking questions,” Mr. Zawistowski said Friday, as he prepared for a protest in Columbus, Ohio, the next day. He indicated he would not wear a mask.
Mr. Brandon of FreedomWorks rejects the “no mask” approach to the protests.
“I know the press is gravitating toward people not wearing masks,” he says. “But that’s not the majority of people [at the protests]. That’s totally out of our control. We’re advocating that anyone who shows up, first and foremost, needs to keep themselves safe in the world of COVID.”
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
Staff writer Story Hinckley contributed to this report from Richmond, Virginia.
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.


csmonitor--2020-04-27--‘Liberty is essential’: A look inside the lockdown protests

A recent YouGov/Yahoo News survey found that 60 % of respondents oppose the protests .
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam , a Democrat , says the protests aren ’ t going to influence him .
But the rally ’ s organizer isn ’ t expecting to go away .
“ I wanted this protest to be one and done , ” he says .
“ But that ’ s not going to be the case.
” The anti-lockdown protests began in Lansing , Michigan , and spread to Madison , Wisconsin , this weekend .
Last week ’ s rally in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There were elements of a Trump rally , but the purpose went beyond supporting the president , bringing together like-minded people to call for a change .
“ Was good to remember we ’ re not alone , ” noted a Facebook post .
“ It ’ s time to let us work , ” said one sign taped to a vehicle .
“ LIBERATE VIRGINIA !
” said another .
Like most United States cities in COVID-19 lockdown , Richmond , Virginia , is usually quiet .
But on Wednesday last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading to the Virginia state Capitol were gridlocked with honking , poster-waving cars .
It was a protest calling for the reopening of the state ’ s economy – one of many in recent days .
One side of East Broad Street looked like many downtown roads across COVID-19 America : empty sidewalks , locked restaurants , a handful of cars .
But last Wednesday , the other side of the Richmond street – the lanes leading to the Virginia statehouse – had 12 blocks of bumper-to-bumper honking cars , with passengers waving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noise was so loud it was hard to hear anyone from three feet away , much less the social-distancing guideline of six .
It was a protest calling for the reopening of America ’ s economy – one of many such demonstrations in state capitals in recent weeks .
Most are drive-by only , to stay within the new distancing of the COVID era .
“ It ’ s time to let us work ” reads one sign taped on the side of a vehicle .
“ LIBERATE VIRGINIA !
” says another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” reads a third .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .
“ Operation Gridlock ” began in Lansing , Michigan , on April 15 , with rallies following across the country .
This weekend , protesters thronged Madison , Wisconsin , in the latest installment .
The Richmond protest offers a window into the mounting frustration and the motivations of those turning up to demand an end to lockdowns .
Overall , the American public does not appear to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survey conducted from April 17 to 19 found that 60 % of respondents opposed protests aimed at ending sheltering-in-place .
Republicans as a group did not support them , either – a plurality of 47 % of GOP respondents thought they were a bad idea , according to YouGov .
Opponents note that cases of the novel coronavirus haven ’ t peaked in many places , making the lockdown restrictions essential .
Many also charge that the protests have been partly organized by conservative business interests .
But many attendees interviewed at # @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the lockdown .
“ We have a right to life and liberty and the government can ’ t infringe in that in the purpose of keeping us safe , ” says Marisa Nance , a mother from nearby Glen Allen , Virginia , who circled the statehouse in a gray van with “ Liberty is essential ” written in scrolling cursive across the back window .
“ [ This is ] a great opportunity to demonstrate to our kids what we ’ ve always taught them .
As citizens we are responsible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unsurprisingly in today ’ s polarized America , this general frustration blended with an array of political issues that are important to the right , from supporting President Donald Trump to anger about gun control measures , giving the protest an overall air of a MAGA rally .
“ We asked people to not fly the Trump flags , that we just wanted to open Virginia , ” says David Britt , one of the rally organizers .
But then he adds , laughing , “ people are going to do what they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who works in a mental health facility in Fairfax , Virginia , was growing more and more frustrated with the state ’ s stay-at-home lockdown after Governor Ralph Northam in mid-April extended it until at least June 10 .
But it wasn ’ t until the anti-lockdown protest in Lansing that Mr. Britt started thinking about organizing something similar in Virginia .
After a conference call with other interested friends and groups , he created the Facebook group “ Reopen Virginia , ” which soon grew to almost 400 members .
In some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MAGA rally not just in appearance , but in effect .
Like Mr. Trump ’ s raucous gatherings , it seemed to become a visible way for like-minded conservatives to feel part of a larger movement .
After it was over , participants left comments and posts on Facebook groups run by “ Reopen Virginia ” to the effect of “ was so great to see everyone yesterday , ” and “ Was good to remember we ’ re not alone.
” Still , at the rally itself many protesters didn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons for protesting .
They talked about friends who are struggling to pay their bills , or their kids who are struggling with learning from home .
The rules seem unfair and arbitrary , says Jenny Karnes , who drove almost six hours roundtrip from her home in Roanoke , Virginia , to participate in the protest after learning about it from her cousin on Facebook .
“ You can go to Walmart , Target , gas stations , and it ’ s like nothing is happening with these big chain stores , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owner have to shut down , ” says Ms. Karnes .
“ It ’ s not fair for the others who don ’ t have a choice.
” Virginia shouldn ’ t have the same guidelines as a hotspot like New York , say protesters .
Blanket restrictions for the state neglect economic anxieties and constitutional liberties , they added .
“ We should look at places individually , even northern Virginia should n't be treated the same as us out here , ” says Melissa Hipes , a protest participant from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The devastation on the economy is going to end up being far worse than the virus.
” Right to live versus right to assemble Vycki Midgette is a nurse from the eastern shore of Virginia who joined the 337-member Facebook group “ Virginians Against Excessive Quarantine ” at the invitation of a friend .
She thought the group could benefit from a nurse ’ s perspective .
She thinks the lockdown should continue as long as it takes to guard Virginians ’ safety .
“ My right to live is more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” says Ms. Midgette , who voted for Mr. Trump in 2016 and plans to support him again in 2020 .
So far , Governor Northam , a Democrat , appears to agree with that assessment .
He ’ s said the protests did not influence him .
In recent days , he ’ s extended the time that state Department of Motor Vehicles offices will remain closed , among other things .
Last Friday , he released a plan for beginning to open some businesses in early May – if new COVID @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr. Britt of “ Reopen Virginia ” says he is not deterred .
“ I wanted this protest to be one and done , ” he says .
“ But that ’ s not going to be the case.
” Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .

A recent YouGov/Yahoo News survey found that 60% of respondents oppose the protests. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, a Democrat, says the protests aren’t going to influence him. But the rally’s organizer isn’t expecting to go away. “I wanted this protest to be one and done,” he says. “But that’s not going to be the case.”
The anti-lockdown protests began in Lansing, Michigan, and spread to Madison, Wisconsin, this weekend. Last week’s rally in Richmond offers a flavor of the frustration. There were elements of a Trump rally, but the purpose went beyond supporting the president, bringing together like-minded people to call for a change. “Was good to remember we’re not alone,” noted a Facebook post.
Protests against lockdown orders are spreading. Even as health officials say it is too soon to end stay-at-home orders, some residents see government overreach.
“It’s time to let us work,” said one sign taped to a vehicle. “LIBERATE VIRGINIA!” said another.
Like most United States cities in COVID-19 lockdown, Richmond, Virginia, is usually quiet. But on Wednesday last week, 12 blocks of a road leading to the Virginia state Capitol were gridlocked with honking, poster-waving cars. It was a protest calling for the reopening of the state’s economy – one of many in recent days.
One side of East Broad Street looked like many downtown roads across COVID-19 America: empty sidewalks, locked restaurants, a handful of cars.
But last Wednesday, the other side of the Richmond street – the lanes leading to the Virginia statehouse – had 12 blocks of bumper-to-bumper honking cars, with passengers waving posters out of sun roofs. The noise was so loud it was hard to hear anyone from three feet away, much less the social-distancing guideline of six.
It was a protest calling for the reopening of America’s economy – one of many such demonstrations in state capitals in recent weeks. Most are drive-by only, to stay within the new distancing of the COVID era.
Why We Wrote This Protests against lockdown orders are spreading. Even as health officials say it is too soon to end stay-at-home orders, some residents see government overreach.
“It’s time to let us work” reads one sign taped on the side of a vehicle. “LIBERATE VIRGINIA!” says another. “The state is not God” reads a third.
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.
“Operation Gridlock” began in Lansing, Michigan, on April 15, with rallies following across the country. This weekend, protesters thronged Madison, Wisconsin, in the latest installment. The Richmond protest offers a window into the mounting frustration and the motivations of those turning up to demand an end to lockdowns.
Overall, the American public does not appear to support the protesters. A YouGov/Yahoo News survey conducted from April 17 to 19 found that 60% of respondents opposed protests aimed at ending sheltering-in-place. Republicans as a group did not support them, either – a plurality of 47% of GOP respondents thought they were a bad idea, according to YouGov.
Opponents note that cases of the novel coronavirus haven’t peaked in many places, making the lockdown restrictions essential. Many also charge that the protests have been partly organized by conservative business interests.
But many attendees interviewed at #GridlockRichmond on April 22 seemed genuinely frustrated with the lockdown.
“We have a right to life and liberty and the government can’t infringe in that in the purpose of keeping us safe,” says Marisa Nance, a mother from nearby Glen Allen, Virginia, who circled the statehouse in a gray van with “Liberty is essential” written in scrolling cursive across the back window.
“[This is] a great opportunity to demonstrate to our kids what we’ve always taught them. As citizens we are responsible,” Ms. Nance adds.
Following Lansing
Perhaps unsurprisingly in today’s polarized America, this general frustration blended with an array of political issues that are important to the right, from supporting President Donald Trump to anger about gun control measures, giving the protest an overall air of a MAGA rally.
“We asked people to not fly the Trump flags, that we just wanted to open Virginia,” says David Britt, one of the rally organizers. But then he adds, laughing, “people are going to do what they want to do.”
Mr. Britt, who works in a mental health facility in Fairfax, Virginia, was growing more and more frustrated with the state’s stay-at-home lockdown after Governor Ralph Northam in mid-April extended it until at least June 10.
But it wasn’t until the anti-lockdown protest in Lansing that Mr. Britt started thinking about organizing something similar in Virginia. After a conference call with other interested friends and groups, he created the Facebook group “Reopen Virginia,” which soon grew to almost 400 members.
In some ways, the resulting protest resembled a MAGA rally not just in appearance, but in effect. Like Mr. Trump’s raucous gatherings, it seemed to become a visible way for like-minded conservatives to feel part of a larger movement.
After it was over, participants left comments and posts on Facebook groups run by “Reopen Virginia” to the effect of “was so great to see everyone yesterday,” and “Was good to remember we’re not alone.”
Still, at the rally itself many protesters didn’t cite support for the president among their reasons for protesting. They talked about friends who are struggling to pay their bills, or their kids who are struggling with learning from home.
The rules seem unfair and arbitrary, says Jenny Karnes, who drove almost six hours roundtrip from her home in Roanoke, Virginia, to participate in the protest after learning about it from her cousin on Facebook.
“You can go to Walmart, Target, gas stations, and it’s like nothing is happening with these big chain stores, but yet the hairdresser and small business owner have to shut down,” says Ms. Karnes. “It’s not fair for the others who don’t have a choice.”
Virginia shouldn’t have the same guidelines as a hotspot like New York, say protesters. Blanket restrictions for the state neglect economic anxieties and constitutional liberties, they added.
“We should look at places individually, even northern Virginia shouldn't be treated the same as us out here,” says Melissa Hipes, a protest participant from the small town of Greenville in western Virginia. "The devastation on the economy is going to end up being far worse than the virus.”
Right to live versus right to assemble
Vycki Midgette is a nurse from the eastern shore of Virginia who joined the 337-member Facebook group “Virginians Against Excessive Quarantine” at the invitation of a friend. She thought the group could benefit from a nurse’s perspective. She thinks the lockdown should continue as long as it takes to guard Virginians’ safety.
“My right to live is more important than your right to assemble,” says Ms. Midgette, who voted for Mr. Trump in 2016 and plans to support him again in 2020.
So far, Governor Northam, a Democrat, appears to agree with that assessment. He’s said the protests did not influence him. In recent days, he’s extended the time that state Department of Motor Vehicles offices will remain closed, among other things. Last Friday, he released a plan for beginning to open some businesses in early May – if new COVID cases and hospitalizations decline for 14 days.
Mr. Britt of “Reopen Virginia” says he is not deterred.
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
“I wanted this protest to be one and done,” he says. “But that’s not going to be the case.”
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.


csmonitor--2020-04-28--Virginia judge allows gun range to reopen despite lockdown

A Virginia gun range must be allowed to open to customers despite a statewide executive order requiring nonessential businesses to close to slow the spread of the coronavirus , a judge ruled Monday .
The order issued by Lynchburg Circuit Judge F. Patrick Yeatts says federal and state protections on the right to bear arms outweigh any emergency authority held by Democratic Gov .
Ralph Northam to order the gun range closed .
The SafeSide gun range in Lynchburg filed the lawsuit challenging the governor 's executive order , along with Gun Owners of America , the Virginia Citizens Defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gun Ranges .
Attorney General Mark Herring 's office had argued that Mr. Northam 's emergency powers to protect public safety during a pandemic should be upheld .
Mr .
Herring , a Democrat , said in a statement that his office is analyzing its legal options .
`` Governor Northam ’ s efforts to save lives and slow the spread of COVID-19 are necessary and proving to be effective , but unfortunately , the gun lobby believes the ability to shoot a gun indoors during this pandemic is worth risking further spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and families less safe , ” Mr .
Herring said .
At a news conference , Mr. Northam also said the state will consider its legal options .
He emphasized that his goal is to “ promote and protect the health and safety of Virginians .
... No particular business has been singled out.
” Mr. Yeatts , in his ruling , said state law limits the governor 's power to regulate guns even in an emergency .
He said Virginia 's Constitution includes language that parallels almost exactly the Second Amendment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when he declares a state of emergency , he can ignore any law that limits his power , even laws designed to limit his powers in a state of emergency , ” Mr. Yeatts wrote .
Mr. Yeatts granted an injunction that immediately allows the range to open , saying the gun range and its customers would suffer irreparable harm with any delay .
In particular , he cited the livelihoods of the range employees and the need of gun owners to train with their weapons .
He said closing the range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners with no prior firearm experience.
” Mr. Yeatts said nothing in his order applies to any other aspect of Mr. Northam ’ s executive order and only applies to the SafeSide Lynchburg facility .
Philip Van Cleave , president of the Virginia Citizens Defense League , said he is happy the SafeSide range can open , but disappointed the order does not govern gun shops and ranges throughout Virginia .
He said his group is talking with lawyers about the best way to get a broader ruling that would apply statewide .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have challenged various aspects of Mr. Northam 's executive order , but other cases have upheld Mr. Northam 's power .
Earlier this month , a judge in southwest Virginia rejected a lawsuit that sought to carve ought a religious exemption to Mr. Northam 's executive order .
And in federal court in Alexandria , a Manassas man filed a challenge to the emergency order saying it violated First Amendment protections guaranteeing freedom of assembly .
The suit sought an emergency injunction to halt enforcement of the executive order .
But U.S District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writing that “ the only current emergency is the one caused by the coronavirus.
” Another lawsuit filed by a group of fitness centers challenging the governor 's authority impose penalties on businesses that violate his executive order is scheduled for a hearing Thursday in Culpeper County .
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 .

A Virginia gun range must be allowed to open to customers despite a statewide executive order requiring nonessential businesses to close to slow the spread of the coronavirus, a judge ruled Monday.
The order issued by Lynchburg Circuit Judge F. Patrick Yeatts says federal and state protections on the right to bear arms outweigh any emergency authority held by Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam to order the gun range closed.
The SafeSide gun range in Lynchburg filed the lawsuit challenging the governor's executive order, along with Gun Owners of America, the Virginia Citizens Defense League, and the Association of Virginia Gun Ranges.
Attorney General Mark Herring's office had argued that Mr. Northam's emergency powers to protect public safety during a pandemic should be upheld.
Mr. Herring, a Democrat, said in a statement that his office is analyzing its legal options.
"Governor Northam’s efforts to save lives and slow the spread of COVID-19 are necessary and proving to be effective, but unfortunately, the gun lobby believes the ability to shoot a gun indoors during this pandemic is worth risking further spread of the virus and making Virginia communities and families less safe,” Mr. Herring said.
At a news conference, Mr. Northam also said the state will consider its legal options. He emphasized that his goal is to “promote and protect the health and safety of Virginians. ... No particular business has been singled out.”
Mr. Yeatts, in his ruling, said state law limits the governor's power to regulate guns even in an emergency. He said Virginia's Constitution includes language that parallels almost exactly the Second Amendment.
“The Governor appears to argue that, when he declares a state of emergency, he can ignore any law that limits his power, even laws designed to limit his powers in a state of emergency,” Mr. Yeatts wrote.
Mr. Yeatts granted an injunction that immediately allows the range to open, saying the gun range and its customers would suffer irreparable harm with any delay. In particular, he cited the livelihoods of the range employees and the need of gun owners to train with their weapons. He said closing the range is “especially unsettling for new gun owners with no prior firearm experience.”
Mr. Yeatts said nothing in his order applies to any other aspect of Mr. Northam’s executive order and only applies to the SafeSide Lynchburg facility.
Philip Van Cleave, president of the Virginia Citizens Defense League, said he is happy the SafeSide range can open, but disappointed the order does not govern gun shops and ranges throughout Virginia. He said his group is talking with lawyers about the best way to get a broader ruling that would apply statewide.
The lawsuit is one of several that have challenged various aspects of Mr. Northam's executive order, but other cases have upheld Mr. Northam's power.
Earlier this month, a judge in southwest Virginia rejected a lawsuit that sought to carve ought a religious exemption to Mr. Northam's executive order.
And in federal court in Alexandria, a Manassas man filed a challenge to the emergency order saying it violated First Amendment protections guaranteeing freedom of assembly. The suit sought an emergency injunction to halt enforcement of the executive order. But U.S District Judge Leonie Brinkema rejected the request, writing that “the only current emergency is the one caused by the coronavirus.”
Another lawsuit filed by a group of fitness centers challenging the governor's authority impose penalties on businesses that violate his executive order is scheduled for a hearing Thursday in Culpeper County.
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
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.