The federal government just bailed out financial institutions to the tune of 1.5 TRILLION dollars in an effort to prop up the economy, while leaving suffering workers in the lurch. We’ve been hearing for years that there simply isn’t enough money to provide healthcare, college, and housing as basic human rights, but this massive corporate giveaway proves (just as it did with the 2008 bank bailouts) that the money is there when the 1% and big corporations need it. Due to federal inaction, local governments all over the country are being forced to enact increasingly radical measures to stave off financial disaster for workers and the poor, steps (like the eviction moratorium in Portland) which were previously considered “impossible.”

Spain and its beautiful autonomous region, Catalonia, have many friends throughout the world who are deeply disturbed by the ongoing struggles and now, the heartbreaking medical crisis in Catalonia that is impacting its society and its economy. Many of us look forward to returning to Spain and contributing to its economy and the economy of its unique regions. But Catalonia must first be allowed to address its medical needs and to impose an immediate lock down to stop the spread of coronavirus infection. We ask for your urgent action so that Catalonia can stem the impact of this humanitarian crisis quickly and preserve its vital economy. Thank you for your consideration of this global appeal.

Senator Richard Burr (R NC) and his wife sold up to $1.7 million dollars worth of stocks just before the stock market crashed during the Coronavirus epidemic. Burr is the head of the Senate Intelligence Committee and was getting daily briefings about the developing crisis and its seriousness long before most working families knew how deep this crisis would be. Senator Burr told his constituents that the Coronavirus was under control, but six days later he sold off up to $1.7 million worth of stocks. In the midst of a global health crisis and impending recession that could be more catastrophic than most of us have ever experienced, Senator Burr lied to American voters about the depth of the crisis they were about to face, putting all of us at risk, and protected his own bank account instead. Senator Burr must resign. Immediately.

In mid-February, while Donald Trump was telling the country that the coronavirus was a "hoax" and "no big deal," Sen. Richard Burr was telling members of the "Tar Heel Circle" to prepare for the worst. The "Tar Heel Circle" is a private group that promises access to legislators, with membership fees up to $10,000. He told the members that the coronavirus would be worse than the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918, which killed more than 50 million people worldwide. Meanwhile, Burr sold up to $1.5 million in stock, partly in hotel chains, which he knew would take a big hit once people were forced to cancel trips and vacations. This is akin to insider trading! Burr used information he was specifically privy to as a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee to help donors and line his pockets--but he didn't warn his constituents. He put all of his constituents at more risk. Burr has committed an unforgivable transgression as our representative, and we need to tell him to resign immediately. https://www.newsobserver.com/news/coronavirus/article241330126.html?utm_source=pushly&intcid=pushly_496965 https://www.newsobserver.com/opinion/article241334586.html

At a moment when we are asking nurses and other health care workers to step up and protect people, we must be able to protect them as well.

In order to get this initiative on the ballot for Fall 2020, NEWR needs to gather just over 3,300 signatures from Boulder city residents. Until the COVID-19 crisis struck, we were well on our way to doing so, having gathered close to 2,000 signatures. But, out of concern for public health and safety, we have decided to suspend canvassing for the time being. While pausing our canvassing effort is the right decision, it means we are not likely to hit our signature goal and that we must find another way to get on the ballot. Fortunately, in these unprecedented times, Boulder's City Council has indicated that if we can supply ample evidence of public support, they may place our initiative on the ballot themselves.

Poll workers dropping out. Last-minute polling place closures. Voter confusion. Low turnout. Voters in Florida, Arizona, and Illinois dealt with these unprecedented challenges and more on their primary day due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. In response, election officials must take the necessary steps to ensure that every voter can cast their ballot safely going forward. That includes temporarily postponing in-person voting. The Center for Disease Control has advised against events and gatherings nationwide and has called for individuals to practice social distancing. Election officials must follow the guidance of these public health experts -- and step up to prevent serious disruptions and risks to voters in future state primaries. It’ll take all of us -- whether you live in a state that has already voted, one that’s voting soon, one that isn’t voting until the summer -- speaking out together to make sure that voters can exercise their rights without fear or confusion. Add your name to tell election officials: in-person voting must be delayed for the next few weeks -- to protect voters and our democracy.

This is urgent: Two members of Congress have tested positive for coronavirus, and several members who came into contact with them are self-quarantining. We need Congress to act NOW before we're left with just Donald Trump in power. Sign the petition: Call on Congress to pass emergency powers to legislate remotely! Any day now, members of Congress could be forced into quarantine, leaving Donald Trump in power with NO congressional oversight.(1) This is not a drill: As the coronavirus pandemic sweeps the country, we’ve never needed Congressional oversight more. Our legislators are the only ones looking out for working people and passing bills to provide health care and economic support, while Trump pumps money into Wall Street and the oil industry. Congress needs to pass emergency legislation NOW to allow lawmakers to vote and deliberate by teleconference. Without it, we will be left in the middle of a pandemic with a full-blown crisis of democracy. Sign the petition: Call on Congress to pass emergency powers to legislate remotely! Although the technology to telecommute and conference remotely has existed for decades, Congress and most state legislatures are behind the times. Congressional rules dictate that legislators must convene in person to pass any legislation, whether during an emergency or not.(2) This is a system designed for failure during the coronavirus pandemic. We’re already seeing the worst-case scenario overseas. 10% of the Iranian Parliament has tested positive for the coronavirus, and two members have died. The European Parliament was forced to shut down in Strasbourg. And in New York, lawmakers have already contracted the virus. Many members of Congress have been exposed.(3) Half of the Senate and one-quarter of the House is over age 65, a risk factor for serious complications or death from coronavirus, and the CDC has recommended gatherings of less than ten people.(4) A quarantine is imminent. The national budget will be up for debate in the summer, and the government will shut down without a new one. Congress needs to pass emergency coronavirus bills and ensure that people are getting the supplies and care they need. And we have an election approaching that we could need to adjust the rules for, like implementing vote-by-mail, if participation is affected by the pandemic. The Supreme Court has already shut down due to the coronavirus outbreak.(5) Without new procedures in place, the country will be left with no legislative branch, either—just Donald Trump and his out-of-control executive orders. The window to preserve our democracy is closing—we have to act now. Sources: 1. Common Dreams, "As Lawmakers Fall Ill, Congress and State Legislatures Must Enact Continuity Plans," March 16, 2020 2. Ibid 3. Ibid 4. Quorum, "How Old is Congress?," accessed March 17, 2020 5. CNBC, "Supreme Court postpones arguments because of coronavirus, citing Spanish flu precedent," March 16, 2020

Sign on to tell Governor Cooper to place a temporary moratorium on the enforcement of eviction orders and to push Congress to do the same nationally. Keep Families safe during this COVID-19 crisis. We are calling on Governor Cooper and Congress to take three immediate actions for housing security during this time of crisis: A national moratorium on evictions. This should include a moratorium on all foreclosures, evictions of both public and private housing, sweeps of houseless people, and utility shutoffs, and restore utility service for all households. A national mortgage and rent holiday. This should cover public and private properties by passing a law reducing rents and mortgage payments to zero for the duration of the crisis, including any fees or interest payments. A national $200 billion dollar Housing Security Fund. This fund should be used to provide: at least $120 billion for rent and mortgage payment assistance for anyone affected by the pandemic; adequate funding for homes and expanded services for people experiencing homelessness; and assistance to families to secure safe housing in this crisis and its aftermath, with payment support to cover applications, first month’s rent, and security deposits. In addition, the federal government must provide immediate cash payments to all people in the United States, immediately, and ensure a just, green transition post-pandemic. See the full set of demands for federal action here. These actions for housing security are essential in our fight to slow the spread of COVID-19. This pandemic has the potential to exponentially increase inequality in America, and if it does it will also worsen the pandemic itself. We need immediate and bold federal action now to ensure all have safe and secure housing through this crisis.

The industry has always put its short-term profits over the health of our climate, environment and wildlife. Now that it's facing a reckoning, it's desperate for Congress — and taxpayers — to keep it afloat. Giving billions to coal, oil and gas companies while ordinary Americans are suffering diverts critical time and resources from the very real public-health crisis on hand.

In the face of the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, many spas in Colorado have not closed, endangering the health of their employees. A partial list includes: St Julien Spa, The Broadmoor, Brown Palace, Massage Envy, Idaho Springs Resort.  Massage Therapists, Aestheticians, Cosmetologists, Manicurists, and Pedicurists are in extreme danger because they cannot follow the 6-foot social distancing rule.

We are bread winners for our families who have worked steadily throughout our lives, who paid into unemployment insurance and have been actively looking for jobs, networking, and using every resource available to us. With companies throughout New Jersey and all around the United States slowing down or putting on hold hiring processes because of severe financial impact of critical and necessary measures put in place to slow the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus, we have become financially crippled, with no possible sources of income coming to us anytime soon. Though the federal or state may eventually provide relief, the immediate access to unemployment funds and benefits (such as the approval for training that was in process before the virus and now on hold, along with regular unemployment payments) is necessary for our own and our family’s well-being. We want to be included in relief efforts currently being drafted. We must support veterans who have given their lives to this country and the workers who want to work, but are unable to get jobs due to this virus. It is important to New Jersey’s economy to support unemployed workers immediately. Tell Governor Phil Murphy to publicly support the proposal and sign it as part of the COVID-19 Emergency Relief.