Senate COVID-19 Response Leaves Communities and Democracy Behind

Covid-19, Education News, Education Resources, Voting Rights News, Voting Rights Resources 07.27,20

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shin Inouye, [email protected], 202.869.0398

WASHINGTON – Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement on the introduction of the latest Senate COVID-19 response legislation:

“The Senate proposal is an insult to the lives we have lost to this global pandemic and to those who continue to suffer. It is a morally deficient response that does not support our most marginalized communities and protect our democratic institutions. Supplemental unemployment insurance and eviction moratoriums are set to expire this week, but this proposal does far too little to address the dire circumstances far too many working people face. Outrageously, Senate Republicans want to cut assistance and offer blanket immunity to corporations, prioritizing profit over people.

“Despite a bipartisan consensus that states and localities are in urgent need of federal assistance to safeguard elections this year, the bill provides not a single penny to election administration. The Senate must provide adequate election funding and set guardrails to ensure every voter can safely cast their ballot amid this devastating public health crisis.

“At a time when we need bold leadership to support the most vulnerable and ensure no one is left behind, Senate Republicans yet again fail to act.”

The Leadership Conference and leading civil rights organizations outlined the steps the Senate needs to take to protect public health more effectively, preserve and strengthen our public institutions, and ensure that our economic recovery works for everyone. The groups urge senators to pass legislation that:

  • Ensures robust and equal access to quality health care
  • Provides targeted and more relief for marginalized communities
  • Protects the most vulnerable working people
  • Ensures safeguards for homes and financial health, and provides shelter to those most in need
  • Reduces law enforcement responses and the risks to incarcerated people and corrections employees
  • Combats the sharp increase in hate crimes
  • Minimizes learning loss, ensures equal educational opportunity, and protects student loan borrowers
  • Protects our democracy and elections
  • Ensures a fair and accurate 2020 Census
  • Protects immigrants and citizens alike

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 220 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.