April 2020: Coronavirus, Census, and Sanctions
Over the past few weeks, Minnesotans have shown unbelievable resiliency in these uncertain times. I am so proud and grateful for our brave healthcare, agriculture, delivery, manufacturing, grocery store, and emergency service workers who are working to keep us healthy and safe.
Please check out my website for helpful resources and up to date information on COVID-19. I was so glad to talk to many of you virtually at my two digital town halls. I was able to answer your COVID-19 healthcare questions with two doctors from the University of Minnesota and host a Small Business Roundtable with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, State Representative Mohamud Noor, and community leaders to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses across the district.
While a major COVID-19 relief package was signed into law, I know that it is far from enough. I will continue to fight to provide Americans with the help they need to get through this crisis.
I know that these are scary times for many, but I continue to find hope in the way that our communities have come together to support and love one another. Do not hesitate to reach out to my office for any assistance you might need at this time.
It’s time to fill out the Census! The Census serves as a vital foundation of our democracy by and for the people. It determines our political representation and shapes how federal funding is distributed to states and local communities every year. To reduce in-person contact, you can fill out the census online, on the phone (1–844–330–2020) or, via mail as soon as you can.
Last week, I introduced the Suspend School Meal Debt Act with Representative Deb Haaland to require school food authorities and local educational agencies to stop collecting unpaid meal fees during the COVID–19 pandemic, providing much-needed relief for families across the nation. This piece of legislation will provide essential economic relief for families by reducing the stress and putting money into their pockets. I will continue to fight for universal school meals in Minnesota and nationwide.
Ending Cruel Economic Sanctions
Keeping in place sanctions on Iran during the current public health crisis is not only cruel, it’s criminal. A recent Human Rights Watch report found that US sanctions are making it harder for Iran to import desperately needed medicine and other humanitarian supplies. Representative Ocasio-Cortez, Senator Bernie Sanders, and 31 other lawmakers joined me in a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo calling on the Administration to substantially suspend sanctions throughout this emergency. You can read the full letter here.
Standing Up for Amazon Workers
I remain extremely concerned about working conditions for the thousands of Amazon warehouse employees who continue to fulfill shipping orders for millions of online orders. So far, workers at 10 Amazon warehouses have tested positive. Amazon leadership has continued to retaliate against workers organizing for better conditions and protections amidst the pandemic. Senator Sanders and I led a letter to Jeff Bezos, the CEO of Amazon, inquiring about the company’s plans to protect its workers throughout this crisis. As more Americans turn to online orders to protect their safety, it’s imperative that we protect the warehouse employees working tirelessly to fulfill orders.
Ending Mass Deportation during COVID-19
It’s unconscionable that amidst a global health crisis ICE continues to raid communities and deport people who may have contracted COVID-19 back to countries enduring their own health crisis. Millions of undocumented people may avoid seeking medical attention fearing deportation, and thousands of children and families remain at great risk in overcrowded and under resourced ICE detention facilities. Our public health response requires universal participation. Read my letter to Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf here.
