COVID-19 Update

Just because the President denies facts doesn't mean that you should too! As we continue to work through these uncharted times, make sure that you're staying up to date on what's happening in Colorado and with our democratic processes by checking out these websites:

ColoradoDems.org/covid-19-updates -- This page is loaded with updates that's perfect for candidates, assembly organizers, county delegates, and everyone else to check out for updates on how we're keeping democracy moving forward while staying safe! Click here to visit!
Covid19.colorado.gov -- Your one-stop-shop for updates on all things COVID-19. Check out the most up-to-date information from Governor Polis and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment so you can keep yourself healthy. Click here to visit!

You Can't Quarantine Democracy: Week 2!

Our furry coworkers (and our youth coworkers) still (?) enjoy our company in Week 2!

We may be working remotely, but you can bet that Team CDP is working hard (and still talking each others' ears off) to keep the wheels of democracy moving forward as we connect with county parties and help them adjust so assemblies and conventions can still be held!

A Quick Note from Chair Morgan Carroll:

"Thank you to all of the hard-working county officers and volunteers who did the important and usually thankless work of organizing caucuses, county assemblies and conventions, and are doing the necessary work for multi-county and congressional assemblies and conventions. I also want to thank the candidates who have been gracious in adapting to the changes needed. You have all been creative, flexible, and fair. We appreciate you and all the work you have done to make sure democracy proceeds - safely. I also want to thank our staff at the Colorado Democratic Party for working round-the-clock well beyond their usual long hours and job duties to make sure we can provide the support and guidance needed statewide — and to do it while working remotely."

What's changed?

As you probably, Governor Jared Polis announced on Wednesday a new stay at home order that extends through Saturday, April 11, 2020 in order to combat the coronavirus.

"Now is the time to stay at home," Polis said. "You have the chance to be a hero and save thousands of lives by staying at home. The lives of many Coloradans ... hinges on your ability to be able to stay at home for the next couple weeks to the most of your ability ... Now is not the time to die, and I will not let it happen on our watch."

So what does this mean? Well, many counties and multi-counties were already converting over to digital versions of their assemblies and conventions (whether by e-meeting, conference call, or e-ballots). With this order, all of the remaining county Democratic Parties will be hosting digital assemblies and conventions, and the multi-county assemblies and congressional district assemblies and conventions will be digital as well.

Important Links

BE COUNTED IN THE 2020 CENSUS!

We may all be practicing social distancing, but one activity we can all participate in is making sure to complete the 2020 Census you may have received in your mail by now!

What's the Census?

The count is mandated by the Constitution and conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, a nonpartisan government agency. The 2020 Census counts the population in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories.

Why should I participate?

This critical process ensures that Colorado receives fair representation in Congress and its fair share of federal funding. There is approximately $880 billion in federal funding allocated across the United States based on Census counts. In Colorado, this equates to approximately $13 billion annually or an estimated $2,300 per person according to a study by George Washington University. Some of the programs funded by Census dollars are Head Start programs; section 8 housing; Tier 1 grants for educational agencies and emergency food and shelter.

Are my answers safe?

The Census is safe and important; the answers are protected by law and are not shared with anyone pursuant to federal law, to include any other Federal Agency.

How do I participate?

By April 1, 2020, every home will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. You will have three options for responding:

Online.
By phone.
By mail.

If you have not already received it, check your mail for official Census Bureau mail with detailed information on how to respond to the 2020 Census.

Click here to sign up for updates from the Federal Census Bureau, and click here to learn more!

Dems Leading the Way

Bennet, Senate Democrats Fight for More Help for Families in Coronavirus Bill

Photo Credit: CNN via YouTube

What's in the $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill

From CNN

Congressional lawmakers put the finishing touches on a $2 trillion stimulus bill to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, with cash and assistance for regular Americans, Main Street businesses and hard-hit airlines and manufacturers, among others.

Direct payments to individuals

Under the plan as it was being negotiated, single Americans would receive $1,200, married couples would get $2,400 and parents would see $500 for each child under age 17.
However, the payments would start to phase out for individuals with adjusted gross incomes of more than $75,000, and those making more than $99,000 would not qualify at all. The thresholds are doubled for couples.

Student loan payments suspended

The Department of Education would suspend payments on student loan borrowers without penalty through September 30, according to the bill.
CNN reported last week that the Department of Education was planning to allow student loan borrowers to suspend payments without penalty and accruing interest for at least 60 days.

REAL ID deadline delayed

The deadline to obtain a REAL ID, federally mandated identification that will be needed for passengers to board aircraft, will be extended until at least September 2021 -- a year past the current deadline, according to a draft version of the Senate stimulus bill obtained by CNN.
Before the coronavirus pandemic swept across the US, states were preparing to issue residents "REAL ID-compliant" driver's licenses or identification by the October 1 deadline.

Historic boost for unemployment benefits

In an unprecedented expansion of unemployment insurance, the federal government would give jobless workers an extra $600 a week for four months on top of their state benefits, which range from $200 to $550 a week, on average, depending on the state.
In addition, lawmakers want to add up to 13 weeks of extended benefits, which would be fully covered by the federal government. Currently, state unemployment checks last up to between 12 weeks and 28 weeks, depending on the state.
Plus, the deal calls for a new pandemic unemployment assistance program, which would provide jobless benefits to those who are unemployed, partially unemployed or unable to work because of the virus and don't qualify for traditional benefits. This includes independent contractors and the self-employed, who typically don't qualify for such assistance, and to gig economy workers, who aren't eligible in many states. These benefits would mirror what's available in an individual's state.

$500 billion lending program

The Treasury Department can provide $500 billion in loans, loan guarantees and investments.
That specifically includes $25 billion for passenger air carriers, $4 billion for cargo air carriers and $17 billion for businesses that work in national security. The rest of the funds, $454 billion, are given wide latitude to provide loans to businesses, states and municipalities.
The measure includes restrictions on businesses who receive the loans. Those businesses may not issue dividends for up to a year after the loan is no longer outstanding, and must retain 90% of employment levels as of March 24, "to the extent practicable," through September 30. The loans also cannot last longer than five years.
There's a specific provision in the program for direct loans to mid-sized businesses, defined as between 500 and 10,000 employees, as well as non-profit organizations, where no payments will be due for the first six months after the loan is issued.
A congressional oversight commission will monitor how the money is spent.

Trump businesses can't get money

The legislation prohibits federally elected officials and their immediate relatives from obtaining funds from the $500 billion program.
Businesses that are owned or partly owned by "the President, the Vice President, the head of an Executive department, or a Member of Congress; and the spouse, child, son-in-law, or daughter-in-law" will be barred. The provision applies to anyone with 20% or greater stake in a business.
Senate stimulus deal includes individual checks -- but don't expect the money until at least May
Senate stimulus deal includes individual checks -- but don't expect the money until at least May
This was a key provision for Democrats concerned that Trump would provide funds to his personal businesses in the stimulus package.

No money for border wall

The Defense Department will get $1.2 billion for the National Guard's coronavirus response. Over 10,000 National Guard members to date have been activated.
An additional $1 billion is available for Defense Purchases Act purchases.
Notably, while the Pentagon will be allowed to transfer the money to other "applicable" accounts, it prohibits transferring the money to the counter-drug account, an account which has been used to fund Trump's border wall.

Airlines and airports get what they wanted

The package includes $32 billion in grants for wages and benefits to the decimated airline industry.
That includes $25 billion for passenger airlines, $4 billion for cargo airlines, and $3 billion for industry contractors, such as those who handle catering, baggage, ticketing, and aircraft cleaning.
In addition, another $25 billion for passenger airlines and $4 billion for cargo airlines will be available in the form of loans or loan guarantees.
Companies that receive the assistance are barred from making furloughs, pay cuts, or stock buybacks, and from issuing dividends to investors, through September. It also institutes limits on executive compensation.
Airlines may also be required to operate routes they would otherwise like to cancel because of low ridership or profitability. Under the bill, the Transportation Department can require air carriers continue service on routes, particularly for the "needs of small and remote communities and the need to maintain well-functioning health care and pharmaceutical supply chains, including for medical devices and supplies."

Hospitals get billions

The stimulus package would provide about $117 billion for hospitals, according to an estimate from the American Hospital Association, which called it an important first step.
The bill creates a $100 billion public health and social emergency fund to reimburse providers for expenses and lost revenues related to the coronavirus pandemic. About $65 billion will go to hospitals, with the rest funneled to doctors, nurses, suppliers and others, the association said.
The legislation also boosts reimbursements by 20% for treating Medicare patients with coronavirus. And it eliminates $8 billion in scheduled payment reductions to hospitals caring for large numbers of uninsured and Medicaid patients, as well as temporarily removing a 2% cut for treating Medicare patients, which was part of the automatic budget cuts under sequestration.
The American Hospital Association, along with the American Medical Association and American Nurses Association, had asked Congress to provide $100 billion for health care personnel and providers to address the outbreak.

Contractors and 'gig' workers

Independent contractors and so-called gig workers will be eligible to receive federal aid. The language could provide additional certainty to millions of part-time workers who drive for Uber or deliver for Amazon, in what has become a major part of the digital economy.
The provisions are responsive to requests by tech execs including Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, who this week wrote to Trump asking for economic support for Uber drivers.
"My goal in writing to you is not to ask for a bailout for Uber, but rather for support for independent contractors and, once we move past the immediate crisis, the opportunity to legally provide them with a real safety net going forward," Khosrowshahi wrote.
Gig economy businesses such as Uber have battled fiercely at the state level, especially in California, to avoid having to classify their drivers as employees who would be eligible for corporate benefits.

Protections against foreclosures and evictions

The bill includes housing protections against foreclosures on mortgages and evictions for renters.
The bill states that anyone facing a financial hardship from coronavirus shall be given a forbearance on a federally backed mortgage loan of up to 60 days, which can be extended for four periods of 30 days each. The legislation says that servicers of federally backed mortgage loans may not begin the foreclosure process for 60 days from March 18.
The bill also does not allow fees, penalties or additional interest to be charged as a result of delayed payments. It includes similar protections for those with multifamily federal mortgage loans, allowing them to receive a 30-day forbearance and up to two 30-day extensions.
Those with federally backed mortgage loans who have tenants would also not be allowed to evict tenants solely for failure to pay rent for a 120-day period, and they may not charge fees or penalties to tenants for failing to pay rent.

$25 million for the Kennedy Center

The bill contains $25 million to support the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC.
A Democratic aide familiar with the negotiations said the funding has bipartisan support.
"This is a federal agency that is funded by a mixture of appropriations and ticket revenues. They've had to cancel all their performances, so they have no revenue and have already laid off nearly 800 people. If they don't get a cash infusion, they will become insolvent and could be unable to reopen," the aide said.
The Kennedy Center closed on March 17 and does not plan to reopen until at least May 10.
The stimulus package also includes $75 million for the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal program that Trump has tried to cut from his budget proposals for the past four years and that in a Republican-led Congress already has seen its budget dwindle by several million dollars.

More funding for food assistance

The bill provides $450 million for The Emergency Food Assistance Program, which supplies food banks, which are expected to see more clients as job losses mount. Some $350 million would buy additional food, and $100 million would be used for distribution.
The package also provides $200 million for food assistance for Puerto Rico and other US territories, as well as $100 million for food distribution on American Indian reservations.
While it appears that the bill provides billions in additional funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps) and Child Nutrition Program, it would not expand eligibility or benefits.

Evacuations of Americans

The bill includes $324 million for the State Department, as well as money specifically for "evacuation expenses," according to a draft obtained by CNN. The proposed legislation doesn't specify who would be evacuated, whether it's US diplomats or American citizens living overseas, or potentially both.
A senior State Department official said that 9,300 Americans had already been repatriated. A different senior State Department official said the government was tracking 13,500 Americans seeking assistance abroad.

Peace Corps, diplomatic programs and refugees

The bill includes $88 million for the Peace Corps, an independent US government agency that sends American volunteers abroad. The organization suspended all operations last week and evacuated its volunteers. Its director said operations will return to normal "when conditions permit."
In addition, the measure provides an additional $324 million for diplomatic programs, $258 million for international disaster assistance, $350 million for migration and refugee assistance and $95 million for USAID operating expenses.
It also authorizes the agencies to administer oaths of office remotely, but they must submit a report to the relevant committees "describing the process and procedures for administering such oaths, including appropriate verification."

Click here to read more.

Polis Continues to Lead With a Steady Hand

Photo Credit: Hart Van Denburg/CPR News

Gov. Polis signs two new executive orders aimed at coronavirus relief

From the Denver Post

The signing of two new executive orders by Gov. Jared Polis to combat coronavirus were announced Thursday, one to limit COVID-19 in prisons and the other extending expiration dates of certain state licenses and documents.

“We will continue taking the bold steps necessary to limit the spread of this virus including those to increase convenience for Coloradans staying at home. These new actions will ensure Coloradans can have their licenses renewed without having to go in person,” Gov. Polis said in a news release. “We also took actions to protect our prison guards and facilities today. For now, people need to stay at home whenever possible to save lives.”

Executive order D 2020 016 concerns “protocol for state prisons and community corrections facilities,” the release said.

Directives of the order include:

Colorado Department of Corrections can temporarily limit the amount of prisoners it accepts, based on certain criteria, keeping offenders in pre-transfer facilities.
DOC can award “earned time credits” to reduce the current prison population.
Qualifying inmates can be referred to a “Special Needs Parole” program.
A $17 daily subsistence payment required from community corrections clients will be suspended.

“The potential spread of COVID-19 in facilities and prisons poses a significant threat to prisoners and staff who work in facilities and prisons, as well as the communities to which incarcerated persons will return,” the release said.

Click here to read more.

Phil Weiser to courts: Halt Evictions

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser calls on state courts to pause evictions

From Durango Herald

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser is calling on state courts to halt eviction proceedings because of the COVID-19 crisis.

“In this emergency, evicting any Coloradan from their home would exacerbate the public health and economic crisis we are fighting together. I applaud Gov. Polis in leading state agencies and local governments in an effort to stop evictions during this crisis,” Weiser said in a news release issued Sunday.

Weiser commended state courts that have already suspended or postponed eviction proceedings and are not accepting new eviction applications during this crisis. He also praised Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan Coats for granting local judges the authority to make that determination.

“So far, courts in Denver, Mesa County, Weld County, and Boulder County, among others, have taken this important step. I urge all Colorado courts to join in recognizing the urgent need to pause all eviction orders during this emergency. Nobody should be without their home as we all grapple with this crisis.”

Click here to read more.

Griswold Commends Election Funding in Coronavirus Bill

Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold Statement on Election Funding in Coronavirus Stimulus Package

From Longmont Observer

Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold issued the following statement on the election funding component of the Federal Coronavirus stimulus package.

“Voting is a fundamental right that is essential both in times of tranquility and crisis. To ensure the integrity and confidence of our electoral system, elected officials across the nation should strongly consider following Colorado’s lead by incorporating mail ballot systems.”

“It’s encouraging that the U.S. Senate has recognized the need to fund American elections during this national health crisis. The planned $400 million of stimulus funding for states to promote mail ballots is a good step forward, but ultimately will need to be augmented in order for states to adopt mail ballots before the November General Election. With just six months to the election, action and funding are needed now.”

Click here to read more.

Facebook Update from Joe Neguse

TONIGHT:

Join Jason Crow for a Tele-Town Hall

Constituents can join the call, which begins at 7:20 p.m., by dialing 855-286-0296 or visit https://crow.house.gov/live.

About: Aurora Congressman Jason Crow is holding another virtual town hall Friday evening to address novel coronavirus concerns and questions from district constituents.

The town hall follows the passage of the CARES Act, a $2.2 trillion rescue package that was rushed to President Donald Trump’s desk for a signature on Friday. The stimulus has been deemed a life preserver to the U.S. economy and health care system left flailing by the coronavirus pandemic.

Chief Medical Officer of Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Dr. Eric France will be participating in the call to answer questions about the pandemic and how the state health agency is responding.

Crow hosted a similar town hall last week, which attracted more than 4,700 participants, who voiced concerns about getting access to health care and economic resources.

Click here to read more.

Trump, Gardner, & GOP Watch

Neville Invokes "Gestapo" In Response to Safety Orders re: COVID-19

‘Outlandish’ Stay-At-Home Order Leads to ‘Gestapo-like Mentality,’ Says Colo Republican Leader

From Colorado Times Recorder

Describing the metro area’s stay-at-home order as “outlandish and outrageous,” leading to a “gestapo-like mentality,” Colorado’s Republican House leader vowed Wednesday to fight it, ignore it, and continue doing his job.

“It’s completely insane,” said Colorado House Republican leader Patrick Neville of Castle Rock this morning on KNUS’ Peter Boyles show, as first reported by 9News. “I think we have — what? — something like 40 people, maybe it’s 80 people, somewhere in that range, who have actually been hospitalized [due to coronavirus]. I mean, look, there is a real shortage on things like [protection equipment], the masks and stuff like that for hospital workers, because global supply chains have been disrupted, a real shortage on ventilators and things like that. Those are kind of the real issues we need to be facing.”

The Tri-County Health Department explained its reasoning in the stay-at-home order:

“Although a large portion of the individuals who contract COVID-19 do not become seriously ill, persons with mild symptoms and asymptomatic persons with COVID-19 may place other vulnerable members of the public at significant risk,” states the order. “A large surge in the number of persons with serious infections can compromise the ability of the healthcare system to deliver consistent and necessary healthcare to the public. Colorado is experiencing a rapid increase COVID-19 transmission, and it is threatening the health of residents and threatening to overwhelm the healthcare system in Colorado, including within TCHD’s district [which includes Neville’s district].”

Neville did not return a call seeking to find out if he disagrees with the order’s assessment of COVID-19 in Colorado and, if so, on what basis he disagrees.

Click here to read more.

Volunteer of the Week

Betty Wallach, Administrative Vice Chair/Secretary of the Pitkin County Democratic Party, is one of the Democrats’ volunteer superheroes, having worked tirelessly first in New York and now in Colorado. Betty has lived and breathed politics since before she was old enough to vote, actively protesting the Vietnam War and fighting other battles in Washington, D.C. in college, canvassing, and doing much other political work in her career. After nearly fifty years of consistent efforts, Betty is still working for the Democratic goals because, as she says, “we haven’t won” yet, after all our efforts. She, her husband Howard, and their son David were busy e-canvassing as a family and planning the annual party for the Dems in Aspen this year, despite the fact that Betty and Howard both contracted the coronavirus and are still recovering. They organized and ran their County Assembly this month as a virtual event, also while trying to recover from the coronavirus, and had a smooth, successful Assembly, which would have been remarkable even without their illness.

Betty also exhorts others to continue to volunteer, and she offers this advice: “There is nothing more important than defeating, in my opinion, the powers of evil” in our current administration. We should work for the Democratic cause because, “politics permeates every aspect of our lives,” rather than being just an activity we might opt to enjoy. Politics affects our social life, our health services, our ability to exercise our rights—all parts of our lives, so we should all be committed to continuing political activity. She also adds that she thinks the old saying from the 1960s and ‘70s is true: if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem. So Betty urges all Democrats to get busy to help our country out of this terrible situation and elect a responsible, ethical government in 2020.

Do you want to volunteer? Reach out to our volunteer coordinator Karin Asensio at [email protected], and see how YOU CAN GET INVOLVED!

Join the Elbow Bumpers Club!

What's the Elbow Bumpers Club (formerly known as the High Fivers Club), you ask? It started with a simple idea: There are nearly 1.2 million registered Democrats in Colorado -- what if every single one of them gave just $5 a month to the Colorado Democratic Party (CDP)?

Answer: The CDP would be the best-funded state party in the country -- with zero dollars from corporate PACs and plenty for flipping red seats to blue!

Here's the reality -- the Colorado Dems are working in overdrive to keep the wheels of democracy moving forward, and now is a time when we could really use your help! If you haven't joined the High Fivers Club (temporarily known as the Elbow Bumpers Club now) -- please consider a few reasons to give!

The CDP is the central base that helps recruit volunteers, train candidates, and assist county parties win elections. While the Democratic National Committee provides some limited funds, the reality is it is up to us to raise our own money so we can support Democratic candidates running for office in Colorado.
We knock on doors and meet with voters to talk about voting Democratic even before we know who our nominees are! As part of the High Fivers Club, you can help us get supplies for volunteers so we can knock on 50,000 more doors before we know our nominee.
Once we have our nominee, we'll use what we've learned about voters to help them jump-start their Get Out the Voter efforts and stay toe-to-toe with Donald Trump and the Republicans.

Click the gif below to join Elbow Bumpers Club!

The Funnies!

Editor's Note: Since we haven't been able to be on the road, we thought we would end today's edition of the Dispatch by showing a few solid political cartoons!

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Contributions or gifts to the Democratic Party of Colorado are not tax deductible