Democratic AGs Taking Necessary Steps to Protect the People

As states across the country balance the loosening of stay-at-home orders with public safety concerns, Democratic AGs continue to lead the way on vital issues and continue to fight for their communities.

Here is the latest from Democratic AGs:

DEFENDING HEALTH CARE
This week, a coalition of Democratic AGs led by California AG Xavier Becerra, submitted their opening brief to the U.S. Supreme Court defending the Affordable Care Act. The ACA has been a critical lifeline for workers who have lost employment during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet Trump and Republican AGs continue to push their efforts to “terminate health care.” Read this note for more on what Dem AGs are doing to protect health care.

SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES
A coalition of 24 Democratic AGs urged Congressional leadership to make key changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to ensure that funds are distributed to struggling small businesses. Specifically, the coalition notes that the current program leaves out many minority and women owned businesses across the country and suffers from a lack of transparency, technical savvy, and functionality that has led to funds being distributed to large, well-connected companies.

PROTECTING GIG WORKERS
From coast to coast, Democratic AGs want to make sure gig workers have access to key resources. For Example, Pennsylvania AG Josh Shapiro partnered with DoorDash to ensure that the company’s gig workers are protected by receiving financial support, child care support, and health-related support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ADVOCATING FOR SURVIVORS
A coalition of 24 Democratic AGs called on the U.S. Senate to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The letter highlights the importance of VAWA during this crisis, noting that “violence against women has been a public health crisis for generations, and the COVID-19 outbreak illustrates the urgent need to further strengthen protections for women under federal law.”

The actions above are just a snapshot of the incredible work Dem AGs are doing to keep our families and communities safe. In addition to the highlights above, Dem AGs are:

• Providing guidance to government agencies on how to address Open Meeting Acts & Sunshine Laws in this new environment;
• Pushing large corporations to provide paid family leave;
• Advocating for a pause in eviction proceedings;
• Urging utility companies to postpone late payment fees and service shut-offs;
• Fighting against hate crimes and discrimination against the Asian American and Pacific Islander populations;
• Working with the courts and the criminal justice system to guarantee both justice and fairness through the courts during this emergency.

For more on Democratic AG leadership during this challenging time, check out the previous updates here:

• May 1 – UPDATE #8
• April 24 – UPDATE #7
• April 17 – UPDATE #6
• April 10 – UPDATE #5
• April 3 – UPDATE #4
• March 27 – UPDATE #3
• March 20 – UPDATE #2
• March 13 – UPDATE #1

And be sure to follow along on DAGA’s social media accounts linked here: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.