We have to confront the racism deep at America's coreJune 3, 2020
By Sen. Jeff Merkley Even in a hard year, this last week has been especially difficult. Like so many of you, I am heartbroken. And I am so angry. I grieve for the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery — and so many, many others whose lives were discounted and dispatched by others who saw their color, not their humanity. I am furious at those who took their lives. But let's be crystal clear: these Americans were not the victims simply of some rogue racists — some bad apples. It's not just the apples, the entire tree has a rot of racism going back 400 years. It's the reason Amanda Cooper knew she could weaponize her privilege against Christian Cooper (no relation) in Central Park. It's why the coronavirus is killing our black friends, family members, and neighbors at a far higher rate than white people. It's why on every measure of health or education or income or wealth in America, black folks have it worse. And that rot has poisoned our criminal justice system. It's why white men with assault rifles are met with forbearance when they invade a state capitol building, but black peaceful protesters are savagely attacked. It's why the very sight of a police car is a threat to people of color, but not to white people. Of course not every police officer is a "bad cop," far from it. But that's not the point. The point is the culture of impunity, infused by centuries of racism, that empowers the worst elements and silences those who see and recognize wrongdoing. We cannot cure this all at once. But that is no excuse for inaction. We must start. And we must do the hard work. We have to confront the racism deep at America's core, and not just condemn the racist actions that get videotaped. We must tackle the culture of impunity in policing, which is a toxic threat to our rights as Americans — for all of us, and especially for people of color who are harassed or arrested or worse every day. When police fire or drive indiscriminately into crowds, or pull down the American flag to raise a "blue line" flag, who are they serving? I'm working on legislation that would help make some needed changes. When officers lose their jobs because of misuse of force or racist behavior, their police departments should be required to put their names into a national registry. No more shuffling bad cops from town to town. I want a national database of police-involved killings, with mandatory reporting — something that, incredibly, doesn't exist. These are just two small pieces in a much bigger effort that we must engage in. But we need more than policy change; we need a culture change. We all have a responsibility — especially those of us who are white — to acknowledge and confront our history, to lift up the voices of people who have been marginalized, and to work for equity and not just to denounce racism. I believe in the beautiful principles our nation was founded on — not that they describe what America is, but that they define what America should be. We can't be so disillusioned or demoralized or exhausted or angry that we give up on that vision. The path to change is through organization, and mobilization, and building a political movement, and peaceful civil disobedience. Let us stand together. Let us march together. Let us mourn together. And let us work to pursue justice. Together. Peace, –– Jeff Those of us with agency and privilege must actJune 2, 2020
By Rep Peter DeFazio This weekend, in homes and parks and streets across America, our people mourned George Floyd, the latest fatal victim of racism in America. Another gasping reminder of America's original sin. He joins Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Freddie Gray, Trayvon Martin— countless others in some 400 years of brutal legacy. It is my hope that George Floyd is the last. But unless those of us with agency and privilege stand up and take the heavy mantle from our brothers and sisters of color and lead the way to change there will be more. We must do the real work to make amends for our country's original sin and break down racism and inequality— from institutional to microaggression. Let there be justice and dignity for George Floyd and let the discomfort of his brutal death drive us to truly make America a more perfect union for all its citizens. –– Peter George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, |
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Governor Brown announces three-phase reopening plan
May 7, 2020
Thanks to millions of Oregonians staying home to keep themselves and their neighbors safe, we have prevented as many as 70,000 COVID-19 infections, and 1,500 hospitalizations in Oregon.
Now, COVID-19 hospitalizations are stabilized statewide, supply chains for personal protective equipment are improving, and we've been able to finalize our statewide testing and contact tracing strategy.
Because of these sacrifices and the hard work of our front line workers and health care experts, I'm happy to announce details for the first phase of a step-by-step reopening of Oregon.
But I want to be absolutely clear with you, reopening any part of our state comes with risk.
Until there is a vaccine, we will not be able to go back to life as we knew it. Physical distancing and face coverings are, and will, remain a part of our lives for many months to come. Hand washing and good hygiene are, and will, remain life-saving daily practices.
My reopening framework is a regional approach, taking into account how the virus has impacted different parts of Oregon. That means some areas will be able to reopen before others. For counties that meet the state's requirements to move into Phase 1 of reopening (by May 15), the following sectors will then be eligible to reopen following specific safety guidelines:
Each county must remain in Phase 1 for a minimum of 21 days, so that we can monitor whether there's an unsafe uptick in the virus. If the county still meets the prerequisites, and has not seen increased hospitalizations, then we can assess whether they are ready to move forward into the next phase.
More information on all these steps is available online at www.coronavirus.oregon.gov.
As we begin to reopen parts of the state, I ask that Oregonians continue being safe and smart.
Together, we can rebuild a healthy Oregon for everyone.
Yours,
Kate
Thanks to millions of Oregonians staying home to keep themselves and their neighbors safe, we have prevented as many as 70,000 COVID-19 infections, and 1,500 hospitalizations in Oregon.
Now, COVID-19 hospitalizations are stabilized statewide, supply chains for personal protective equipment are improving, and we've been able to finalize our statewide testing and contact tracing strategy.
Because of these sacrifices and the hard work of our front line workers and health care experts, I'm happy to announce details for the first phase of a step-by-step reopening of Oregon.
But I want to be absolutely clear with you, reopening any part of our state comes with risk.
Until there is a vaccine, we will not be able to go back to life as we knew it. Physical distancing and face coverings are, and will, remain a part of our lives for many months to come. Hand washing and good hygiene are, and will, remain life-saving daily practices.
My reopening framework is a regional approach, taking into account how the virus has impacted different parts of Oregon. That means some areas will be able to reopen before others. For counties that meet the state's requirements to move into Phase 1 of reopening (by May 15), the following sectors will then be eligible to reopen following specific safety guidelines:
- Restaurants and bars in these communities may open for sit-down service, but only with adequate physical distancing and the wearing of face coverings by employees. We encourage customers to also wear face coverings.
- Personal care businesses such as salons, barber shops, and gyms may open in a very limited way with physical distancing and increased sanitation, as well as a series of additional guidelines, like wearing face coverings and gloves at salons. Salons must also serve customers by appointment only and maintain records for contact tracing.
- Retails businesses can also open using physical distancing -- and we ask that they encourage this through proper signage, one-way flow in aisles, and using tape markings to delineate space.
- Local gatherings can increase in size to 25 with physical distancing.
Each county must remain in Phase 1 for a minimum of 21 days, so that we can monitor whether there's an unsafe uptick in the virus. If the county still meets the prerequisites, and has not seen increased hospitalizations, then we can assess whether they are ready to move forward into the next phase.
More information on all these steps is available online at www.coronavirus.oregon.gov.
As we begin to reopen parts of the state, I ask that Oregonians continue being safe and smart.
Together, we can rebuild a healthy Oregon for everyone.
Yours,
Kate
Democratic Party first in Oregon
to surpass 1 million registered voters
PORTLAND — New data released by the Oregon Secretary of State today shows that 1,006,266 Oregonians are now registered Democrats, making the Democratic Party the first political party in Oregon history to surpass the 1 million mark, and showing an increase of 10,000 new Democrats over the prior month.
“These numbers are for the record books, and demonstrate the strength of our Party’s vision for all Oregonians and the work of Democratic activists from all corners of the state,” said Carla “K.C.” Hanson, Chair of the Democratic Party of Oregon. Currently, there are more than 30 Democratic county parties and 17 caucuses representing the diverse views of Democrats from all walks of life in Oregon.
“Oregon Democrats believe that we’re greater together than we are on our own, and now — together — we are more than one million strong,” said Hanson. “Oregon Democrats set the standard for progressive leadership. We strenuously resist the Trump agenda, and work hard to ensure ALL Oregonians have access to health care, good jobs with fair and equitable pay, quality public education, sustainable energy, and a clean environment. This election year Democrats must fight to take back our wounded nation and continue the progress we’re making here in Oregon.”
While Republicans have achieved a net increase of about 5,000 voters in the last year in Oregon, Democrats have seen a net increase of nearly 30,000. New automatically registered voters are choosing to become Democrats at more than triple the rate than they join other parties. That’s because more and more Oregonians agree with Democrats’ belief that this country succeeds when everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same rules.
“Republicans have a million reasons to be nervous today. This remarkable achievement is a testament to what we already knew: Democrats are more energized and better organized than ever before,” said Tom Perez, DNC Chair. “Every day, Chair Hanson and Oregon Democrats are doing the hard work of strengthening our party and bringing more voices into our democracy — that dedication is going to pay off in November.”
Oregonians can register to vote at oregonvotes.org.
For more information on the Democratic Party of Oregon, visit dpo.org.
–– Molly Woon, DPO
“These numbers are for the record books, and demonstrate the strength of our Party’s vision for all Oregonians and the work of Democratic activists from all corners of the state,” said Carla “K.C.” Hanson, Chair of the Democratic Party of Oregon. Currently, there are more than 30 Democratic county parties and 17 caucuses representing the diverse views of Democrats from all walks of life in Oregon.
“Oregon Democrats believe that we’re greater together than we are on our own, and now — together — we are more than one million strong,” said Hanson. “Oregon Democrats set the standard for progressive leadership. We strenuously resist the Trump agenda, and work hard to ensure ALL Oregonians have access to health care, good jobs with fair and equitable pay, quality public education, sustainable energy, and a clean environment. This election year Democrats must fight to take back our wounded nation and continue the progress we’re making here in Oregon.”
While Republicans have achieved a net increase of about 5,000 voters in the last year in Oregon, Democrats have seen a net increase of nearly 30,000. New automatically registered voters are choosing to become Democrats at more than triple the rate than they join other parties. That’s because more and more Oregonians agree with Democrats’ belief that this country succeeds when everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same rules.
“Republicans have a million reasons to be nervous today. This remarkable achievement is a testament to what we already knew: Democrats are more energized and better organized than ever before,” said Tom Perez, DNC Chair. “Every day, Chair Hanson and Oregon Democrats are doing the hard work of strengthening our party and bringing more voices into our democracy — that dedication is going to pay off in November.”
Oregonians can register to vote at oregonvotes.org.
For more information on the Democratic Party of Oregon, visit dpo.org.
–– Molly Woon, DPO
DPO announces new 2020 delegate selection elections due to COVID-19
May 5, 2020
PORTLAND — The Democratic Party of Oregon voted overwhelmingly last week to revise their delegate selection plan for the 2020 Democratic National Convention to accommodate social distancing recommendations. The revised plan, which received final approval by the Democratic National Committee yesterday, does away with in-person nominating conventions and allows Oregon Democrats to hold a remote election — which includes Vote-by-Mail — to select delegates to the Convention in Milwaukee this summer.
The Democratic National Convention is where the Democratic Party officially nominates our Presidential Candidate, as well as approves the Party’s four-year national platform. Oregon’s Delegates represent Oregon Democrats in this process, making sure that their voices are heard. The new delegate selection plan has received the approval of both the Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders campaigns.
“The delegate nominating convention is a longstanding tradition for Oregon Democrats,” said Carla “K.C.” Hanson, Chair of the Democratic Party of Oregon. “However, we have to adapt in these unprecedented times. That is why we’ve established a safe and secure remote election process to choose Oregon’s delegates to the Democratic National Convention. We anticipate that this new process, which will allow any Oregon Democrat to vote remotely, will encourage more Democrats to participate.”
Registered Oregon Democrats who would like to participate in the delegate selection process can do so by completing an online form available at dpo.org/2020 by May 21st at 5:00 pm. They can choose to either run for a delegate position, vote for delegate candidates, or both. Those who register will begin receiving ballot instructions from the DPO beginning on May 27th. These ballots will be due June 12th at 5:00 pm, and results for the delegation will be announced as soon as feasible on the DPO’s website.
“We are less than 200 days away from the most important Presidential election in our lifetime,” said Hanson, who participated in the 2008 and 2012 Democratic National Conventions. “Voters across the country have seen enough from an inconceivably corrupt and inept White House and are desperate for real leadership. Participating in the process to make our presumptive nominee and his Vice Presidential pick official this August will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our Oregon Democratic delegates.”
–– Molly Woon, DPO
PORTLAND — The Democratic Party of Oregon voted overwhelmingly last week to revise their delegate selection plan for the 2020 Democratic National Convention to accommodate social distancing recommendations. The revised plan, which received final approval by the Democratic National Committee yesterday, does away with in-person nominating conventions and allows Oregon Democrats to hold a remote election — which includes Vote-by-Mail — to select delegates to the Convention in Milwaukee this summer.
The Democratic National Convention is where the Democratic Party officially nominates our Presidential Candidate, as well as approves the Party’s four-year national platform. Oregon’s Delegates represent Oregon Democrats in this process, making sure that their voices are heard. The new delegate selection plan has received the approval of both the Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders campaigns.
“The delegate nominating convention is a longstanding tradition for Oregon Democrats,” said Carla “K.C.” Hanson, Chair of the Democratic Party of Oregon. “However, we have to adapt in these unprecedented times. That is why we’ve established a safe and secure remote election process to choose Oregon’s delegates to the Democratic National Convention. We anticipate that this new process, which will allow any Oregon Democrat to vote remotely, will encourage more Democrats to participate.”
Registered Oregon Democrats who would like to participate in the delegate selection process can do so by completing an online form available at dpo.org/2020 by May 21st at 5:00 pm. They can choose to either run for a delegate position, vote for delegate candidates, or both. Those who register will begin receiving ballot instructions from the DPO beginning on May 27th. These ballots will be due June 12th at 5:00 pm, and results for the delegation will be announced as soon as feasible on the DPO’s website.
“We are less than 200 days away from the most important Presidential election in our lifetime,” said Hanson, who participated in the 2008 and 2012 Democratic National Conventions. “Voters across the country have seen enough from an inconceivably corrupt and inept White House and are desperate for real leadership. Participating in the process to make our presumptive nominee and his Vice Presidential pick official this August will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our Oregon Democratic delegates.”
–– Molly Woon, DPO
Peter DeFazio: Join me in thanking our nurses
May 6, 2020
Today is National Nurses Day, an opportunity to pause and honor nurses who are providing lifesaving care to our communities.
These heroes provide critical care 365 days a year, but in this difficult time, we should recognize that they're putting their own health at risk due to shortages of PPE.
Nurses deserve our respect, our gratitude, and far more support and protection. That's true every day, but today, it's especially important we let nurses know we've got their backs.
Head over to Facebook and watch my video, then help me show our appreciation by leaving a comment thanking our nurses.
– Peter
Today is National Nurses Day, an opportunity to pause and honor nurses who are providing lifesaving care to our communities.
These heroes provide critical care 365 days a year, but in this difficult time, we should recognize that they're putting their own health at risk due to shortages of PPE.
Nurses deserve our respect, our gratitude, and far more support and protection. That's true every day, but today, it's especially important we let nurses know we've got their backs.
Head over to Facebook and watch my video, then help me show our appreciation by leaving a comment thanking our nurses.
– Peter
Jeff Merkley: Teachers we needed you and you delivered
May 5, 2020
It's one of the core promises in our country: every child, no matter their color, where they come from, or which side of the railroad tracks they live on, is entitled to a world-class education.
How we keep that promise during a pandemic is one of the most difficult challenges our country has faced.
So, before I go any further, I have just one thing to say to America's teachers, educators, and everyone who has a hand in keeping our bright young minds moving forward during this tough time.
We see you. Today, on National Teacher Day.
And every day, we see you.
We see how you've not missed a beat when our schools were forced to physically shut due to the pandemic, and how you've carried on teaching our children from afar.
We see how you're doing everything you can to bring equity to this tough task, understanding that not every family is the same, or has access to the same tools for their children.
We see you struggling with distance like the rest of us, with doing everything you can to keep family, friends, and neighbors safe and healthy—all while carrying on with grace, because you're the front line for an entire generation looking to us for answers.
Teachers, educators, and support staff: in this trying time, you have been among the heroes our children and families needed the most, and you've delivered.
Now it's our turn to be the heroes that our teachers need. I'm talking about Congress, and about local leaders from every corner of America.
That starts by Congress stepping up to bolster state, local, and tribal governments before they have to institute devastating layoffs and deep cuts to school funding.
No surprise, Mitch McConnell and Donald Trump are balking so far, but I'm going to keep fighting like hell to support teachers in this critical work, and make sure that teachers and their families can get through this devastating pandemic.
Today, reach out to the teachers in your life and let them know how much you appreciate them, Graham.
– Jeff
It's one of the core promises in our country: every child, no matter their color, where they come from, or which side of the railroad tracks they live on, is entitled to a world-class education.
How we keep that promise during a pandemic is one of the most difficult challenges our country has faced.
So, before I go any further, I have just one thing to say to America's teachers, educators, and everyone who has a hand in keeping our bright young minds moving forward during this tough time.
We see you. Today, on National Teacher Day.
And every day, we see you.
We see how you've not missed a beat when our schools were forced to physically shut due to the pandemic, and how you've carried on teaching our children from afar.
We see how you're doing everything you can to bring equity to this tough task, understanding that not every family is the same, or has access to the same tools for their children.
We see you struggling with distance like the rest of us, with doing everything you can to keep family, friends, and neighbors safe and healthy—all while carrying on with grace, because you're the front line for an entire generation looking to us for answers.
Teachers, educators, and support staff: in this trying time, you have been among the heroes our children and families needed the most, and you've delivered.
Now it's our turn to be the heroes that our teachers need. I'm talking about Congress, and about local leaders from every corner of America.
That starts by Congress stepping up to bolster state, local, and tribal governments before they have to institute devastating layoffs and deep cuts to school funding.
No surprise, Mitch McConnell and Donald Trump are balking so far, but I'm going to keep fighting like hell to support teachers in this critical work, and make sure that teachers and their families can get through this devastating pandemic.
Today, reach out to the teachers in your life and let them know how much you appreciate them, Graham.
– Jeff
Wyden calls for $3.6B to expand vote-by-mail, early voting
“The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy – a right that generations of Americans before us have fought to secure, and a right that we must protect now.”
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Chris Coons, D-Del., and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., today urged Congressional leadership to include $3.6 billion to help states expand vote-by-mail and early voting in the next COVID-19 relief package.
“Officials in sixteen states have already postponed presidential primary elections or transitioned their elections to all mail-in voting. We must take action now to plan for upcoming elections. Voters across Wisconsin can attest to the fact that failure to enact reforms and provide additional resources to states will result in widespread chaos and disenfranchisement of voters,”the senators wrote in a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
“This is not a partisan issue – this is an American issue. The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy – a right that generations of Americans before us have fought to secure, and a right that we must protect now,” the senators continued.
In March, Senators Wyden, Klobuchar, Coons and more than twenty other senators introduced the Natural Disaster and Emergency Ballot Act of 2020 to expand no-excuse absentee vote-by-mail to all states, extend early in-person voting in every state to at least 20 days, and reimburse states for additional costs in administering elections during the pandemic. Last week, all three senators published an op-ed in USA TODAY, highlighting the need for the fourth relief package to include money and direction for states to expand vote-by-mail and early voting.
The letter is available here and as follows:
Dear Speaker Pelosi, Leaders Schumer, McConnell, and McCarthy:
As Congress prepares a fourth stimulus package to help our nation recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19, we also need to do more to ensure our democracy is prepared to overcome the challenges brought on by this pandemic. The $400 million in election funding that was included in the third stimulus package is a critical first step, but states need far more resources to protect the remaining primaries and the November elections.
Republican and Democratic election officials across the country have expressed concern that this pandemic will affect their ability to administer safe elections. Officials in sixteen states have already postponed presidential primary elections or transitioned their elections to all mail-in voting. We must take action now to plan for upcoming elections. Voters across Wisconsin can attest to the fact that failure to enact reforms and provide additional resources to states will result in widespread chaos and disenfranchisement of voters.
As medical experts recommend that Americans remain at home, in-person voting on Election Day, where masses of people gather at specified precinct locations, could pose a substantial risk of increasing the spread of the virus. Experts have also warned that the U.S. could face a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the fall, so we must prepare accordingly. States need resources to scale vote-by-mail, expand early in-person voting, hire and train poll workers, and ensure everyone has access to online mail-in ballot requests and voter registration. By implementing these measures, we can help ensure Americans are able to safely participate in our democracy. Nobody should have to choose between their health and their right to vote.
That’s why the next relief bill Congress passes must include significant funding – $ 3.6 billion – to help states ensure our elections are safe and accessible. The National Association of Secretaries of State has also raised serious concerns regarding some of the provisions associated with the $400 million in the third COVID-19 supplemental. Secretaries have noted that the twenty percent match requirement is particularly problematic. Congress must ensure that election officials can readily access the emergency resources they need to meet this threat head-on.
Accordingly, we respectfully request that you prioritize the following in any subsequent COVID-19 related funding:
• Removing the match requirement and other burdensome provisions that prevent election officials from immediate and easy access to funding.
• Providing $3.6 billion in additional resources for states, and critical funding for the Election Assistance Commission to distribute the funds.
• Enacting election reforms, like those found in the Natural Disaster and Emergency Ballot Act of 2020, to make voting during a pandemic safe and easy.
• This is not a partisan issue – this is an American issue. The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy – a right that generations of Americans before us have fought to secure, and a right that we must protect now.
Sincerely,
Ron Wyden
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Chris Coons, D-Del., and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., today urged Congressional leadership to include $3.6 billion to help states expand vote-by-mail and early voting in the next COVID-19 relief package.
“Officials in sixteen states have already postponed presidential primary elections or transitioned their elections to all mail-in voting. We must take action now to plan for upcoming elections. Voters across Wisconsin can attest to the fact that failure to enact reforms and provide additional resources to states will result in widespread chaos and disenfranchisement of voters,”the senators wrote in a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
“This is not a partisan issue – this is an American issue. The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy – a right that generations of Americans before us have fought to secure, and a right that we must protect now,” the senators continued.
In March, Senators Wyden, Klobuchar, Coons and more than twenty other senators introduced the Natural Disaster and Emergency Ballot Act of 2020 to expand no-excuse absentee vote-by-mail to all states, extend early in-person voting in every state to at least 20 days, and reimburse states for additional costs in administering elections during the pandemic. Last week, all three senators published an op-ed in USA TODAY, highlighting the need for the fourth relief package to include money and direction for states to expand vote-by-mail and early voting.
The letter is available here and as follows:
Dear Speaker Pelosi, Leaders Schumer, McConnell, and McCarthy:
As Congress prepares a fourth stimulus package to help our nation recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19, we also need to do more to ensure our democracy is prepared to overcome the challenges brought on by this pandemic. The $400 million in election funding that was included in the third stimulus package is a critical first step, but states need far more resources to protect the remaining primaries and the November elections.
Republican and Democratic election officials across the country have expressed concern that this pandemic will affect their ability to administer safe elections. Officials in sixteen states have already postponed presidential primary elections or transitioned their elections to all mail-in voting. We must take action now to plan for upcoming elections. Voters across Wisconsin can attest to the fact that failure to enact reforms and provide additional resources to states will result in widespread chaos and disenfranchisement of voters.
As medical experts recommend that Americans remain at home, in-person voting on Election Day, where masses of people gather at specified precinct locations, could pose a substantial risk of increasing the spread of the virus. Experts have also warned that the U.S. could face a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the fall, so we must prepare accordingly. States need resources to scale vote-by-mail, expand early in-person voting, hire and train poll workers, and ensure everyone has access to online mail-in ballot requests and voter registration. By implementing these measures, we can help ensure Americans are able to safely participate in our democracy. Nobody should have to choose between their health and their right to vote.
That’s why the next relief bill Congress passes must include significant funding – $ 3.6 billion – to help states ensure our elections are safe and accessible. The National Association of Secretaries of State has also raised serious concerns regarding some of the provisions associated with the $400 million in the third COVID-19 supplemental. Secretaries have noted that the twenty percent match requirement is particularly problematic. Congress must ensure that election officials can readily access the emergency resources they need to meet this threat head-on.
Accordingly, we respectfully request that you prioritize the following in any subsequent COVID-19 related funding:
• Removing the match requirement and other burdensome provisions that prevent election officials from immediate and easy access to funding.
• Providing $3.6 billion in additional resources for states, and critical funding for the Election Assistance Commission to distribute the funds.
• Enacting election reforms, like those found in the Natural Disaster and Emergency Ballot Act of 2020, to make voting during a pandemic safe and easy.
• This is not a partisan issue – this is an American issue. The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy – a right that generations of Americans before us have fought to secure, and a right that we must protect now.
Sincerely,
Ron Wyden
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