Introduction →

Welcome back to my weekly newsletter, John! As a reminder I will be using this tool to keep you up to date on the most important news in Georgia, our nation’s capital, and throughout the country.

This week I’ve been thinking a lot about the false choice between our economy and public health. President Trump and some on the extreme right have begun a campaign to confuse the public about the profound public health challenge that COVID-19 presents to the people of our great nation. They would have Americans believing that we must choose between the public health or a robust stock market. Their posturing is consistent with their values, which are that it's every man and woman for themselves.

In their narrow vision, the public health emergency that we face will subside as the weak and sickly are culled from our ranks, leaving the strong and the healthy poised to enjoy an economic boon like no one has ever seen. If some must die for there to be a robust economic recovery, they suggest, then so they must.

They tell us, therefore, that we should look forward to Easter Sunday, when the churches will once again be full. On Easter Sunday, we will herald the return of normalcy when everyone is back to work and the economy is roaring back, just in time for November. This is a false promise.

My friends, our reality is that America has yet to reach the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because the administration ignored the experts for two months before awakening to a shallow recognition of the danger, we find ourselves still without an adequate ability to test people for the virus. To date, we have tested just 0.2% of Americans. We find ourselves running low on personal protective equipment, we don’t have enough ventilators to keep people alive, and already some hospitals do not have enough capacity to treat people needing hospitalization. Things are getting dire, and we won’t be turning the corner by Easter.

Fortunately, many federal, state and local leaders are taking charge. They are ordering social distancing measures that experts say are the only way for our nation to begin flattening the curve of rising infections. And I see folks answering the call, not just for their own personal health, but for the sake of their loved ones, neighbors, co-workers, and friends. The voluntary mobilization of good people across our nation gives me great confidence that together, we will make it through to the other end of this crisis -- and it will not require some perverse choice between the sick or elderly “putting their lives on the line” for the stock market.

While disregarding the nonsense, we should all heed the advice of the experts and do what is necessary to flatten the curve on new infections. We should also display our deep sense of appreciation and gratitude for all those who are putting their lives on the line in order for us to be safe, including the health care workers at our medical facilities, and those who are hard at work in our supermarkets and all other essential places that must stay open. And if so inclined, we should pray, but not just for ourselves, because this crisis shows us that we are all in this TOGETHER!

We will get through this. But only together.

Yours,
-- Hank

Census Update →

John, the Census is now live! It is incredibly important that each and every US resident take the Census -- that includes undocumented immigrants and foreign citizens. The Census determines how federal funds are distributed and political boundaries are drawn. Taking the Census has a huge impact on everyone who lives in your community.

So make sure you’re counted -- take the Census now!

Georgia Election Update →

Due to the pandemic, Georgia is encouraging all voters to vote by mail. To that end, each of Georgia’s voters will be mailed an absentee ballot request form. By requesting an absentee ballot, you can easily vote from the comfort of your home and without risking exposure to COVID-19 by voting in person. As a reminder, the Georgia presidential primary has been moved to May 19th.

I highly recommend voting by mail, John. Don’t let the pandemic stop you from exercising your right to vote. The way Trump and his Republican allies have handled the COVID-19 crisis makes it clearer than ever that elections have consequences. YOU have the power to vote incompetent leaders out of office and progressive Democrats into office.

Dr. Fauci’s Viral GIF →



This viral GIF of Dr. Fauci has been making the rounds on the internet. Why? It's the perfect reaction that sums up the situation: Policymakers around the world are ignoring the advice of scientists and epidemiologists at the expense of their constituents' health. It is mind-boggling when our lawmakers decide they are better equipped to handle viral pandemics than THE PEOPLE WHO DEVOTE THEIR ENTIRE LIVES to studying and handling these issues.

Here’s a great example: Trump has said he wants to “re-open the country” in a matter of weeks -- something most experts have advised against, including Dr. Fauci!

These are not the kinds of people we want leading our country. The American people deserve better. That’s why I will continue doing all I can to stand up to Trump and to fight for our district.