This Week in Statehouse Action: Fear and Loathing in Las Virus version

Posted On Apr 26, 2020 By admin With Comments Off

Greetings, coronacomrades!

As we join together to ignore Trump’s brutal recommendation that we start hanging out in close proximity again in the not-too-distant future, I’m pleased to bring you the latest on what is–and isn’t–happening in state parliaments these days.

Because while the federal government departments dithers and Trump actively works to stimulate the situation worse, states are on the front lines of managing the response to the coronavirus epidemic.

FiscalNote, a handy subscription service that tracks legislation in territories, is not only tracking coronavirus-related statutes, but it’s likewise making some of that info available for free.

Campaign Action

And by “some, ” I mean it’ll tell you how many statutes first introduced and enacted, but you are required to a FiscalNote login to actually see the full list of legislation or details of any of the legislations.

While FiscalNote has a somewhat delineate, the workhorse National Conference of State Legislatures has an actual roster of coronavirus-related proposals by position that’s modernized every weekday.

Each bill’s status is listed, and each enter attaches back to the bill’s page on that state legislature’s website so you can read the legislation and check on votes and such yourself.

Much more useful. And it’s searchable!

This list of proposed legislation is long, but let’s take a sec to note some of the key relief values Democratic majorities have been moving abruptly to pass in some of these states 😛 TAGEND

In Maine, the Democratic-controlled legislature approved more fund for the district CDC, handed Gov. Janet Mills emergency powers and access to $11 million to fight coronavirus, and enhanced the state’s and localities’ ability to support unemployed workers.

In Maryland, Democrat approved emergency funding to respond to the pandemic, expanded access to unemployment for those laid off because of the virus, vetoed boss from fuelling workers who need to quarantine, compelled coverage for immunizations, and restricted price gouging.

In New Jersey, the Democratic assembly passed multiple invoices providing assistance to class, works, and employers and giving state food banks $15 million to help meet residents’ originating needs in this time of expanding economic hardship.

In New York, lawmakers approved calibrates supporting sick leave and job-protected leave for those affected by coronavirus.

In Washington, Democratic lawmakers approved $ 200 million in emergency funds to assist the commonwealth fight the pandemic.

Definitely check out the full list to find out what lawmakers are doing to fight the pandemic in your state.

As the United State achieves the questionable distinction of having the most confirmed coronavirus disputes in the world, it introduces me no desire to submit to you a brief accounting of GOP Lawmakers Making Things Worse.

In Pennsylvania, Republican Rep. Stephanie Borowicz has introduced relevant resolutions in which she literally suggests that “the dreaded calamity of the pandemic … is likely to be but a beating foisted upon us for our arrogant sins.”

This resolution calls for March 30, 2020, to be designated “A State Day of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer” in the hopes that this will, um, lead to the pardon of said “sins.”

One of her Democratic collaborators called the measure “the stupidest resolve I’ve ever seen a politician introduce.”

And as an erudite buyer of this newsletter, you know that’s quite the distinction.

In Colorado, after a state agency extending three counties problem a stay-at-home order on Wednesday morning, six GOP lawmakers from one of those counties–including Republican leadership in both chambers–called on those provinces to sever their ties with the health bureau.

In the middle of a pandemic.

Genius!

One of the Republican announcing the dictate a “heavy-handed application of governmental power” is quarantined in his second home in California until March 31 because he were positive for coronavirus.

GOP House Leader Patrick Neville described the degree as leading to a “gestapo-like mentality” and dedicated to ignore it.

Now that Gov. Jared Polis has issued a statewide stay-at-home order, Neville has yet to clarify if he intends to defy that and incur the potential $ 1,000 punishment or up to a year in prison.

Last week in this space, I wrote about the recklessly irresponsible Georgia Republican who spent eight hours in close proximity with his fellow lawmakers while waiting for his coronavirus test makes( which were, by the by, positive ).

In the precede week, five of GOP Sen. Brandon Beach’s peers in the legislature have also were positive for coronavirus( though one of those is thought to be unrelated to Beach’s boneheadedness ).

Amid all this nonsense, I’m genuinely pleased to report that even more legislatures have decided to adjourn for a while for responding to the pandemic since my listing last week 😛 TAGEND

Arizona has adjourned until April 13.

Florida adjourned sine die on March 19.

Idaho has also adjourned sine die.

Kansas has adjourned until April 27.

Michigan has adjourned until April 3.

The Ohio Senate adjourned until … Friday( March 27 ). The Ohio House is set to reconvene on March 31.

Oklahoma’s House and Senate are “closed” through … Friday( March 27 ).

Pennsylvania is “meeting” remotely.

South Carolina canceled its session this week.

South Dakota’s legislature will assemble March 30 via “electronic conference.”

Progress!

Welp, that’s a fold for this week. Thanks for tuning in amid all the stress and weirdness that has really become the only constant in our lives these days. Whatever your place is right now, you obviously deserve to spend tomorrow taking care of yourself.

And exclusively you know what form that should make!

Maybe you’ll spend your era at work, painfully aware of how fortunate you are to be employed right now. Maybe you’ll spend the day watching kittens. Or jellyfish. Or maybe you’ll spend some time outside. Maybe you’ll do some yoga in your living room. Maybe you’ll watch some opera. Maybe you’ll drink a whole bottle of wine-colored while video chatting with friends. Maybe you’ll call a relative you haven’t talked to in a long time. Maybe you’ll finish watching that series you’ve had on your DVR for two years.

Anyway, look after you. Not only will no one psyche, but it’s truly the one of very good things you can do for the many, countless people who care about your wellbeing.