Jump to today’s actions:
Background
As wealthy countries reopened businesses and schools, it became clear that tens of thousands of Americans died because of Trump’s failed leadership. Joe Biden’s pandemic response plan would be guided by science, public health experts and reliable data. Biden started last week when he encouraged everyone to wear a mask while outside for the next three months. He urged every governor to mandate it. Experts calculate this simple act would save over 40,000 lives from Covid-19.
Mask opponents assert they have the right to choose not to wear a mask. “It’s not about your rights,” Biden said. “It’s about your responsibilities as an American.”
His proposals include:
Ensure public health professionals make public health decisions, not politicians.
Free the world’s leading public health agency, the US Centers for Disease Control, from political meddling.
Protect health care workers, first responders, assisted living staff and other frontline workers by ensuring they have supplies of Personal Protection Equipment.
Provide free testing, treatment and, when available, free vaccines.
Protect financially hard-hit workers, families and businesses.
Biden’s plan also includes a proposal to revive a ravaged economy by launching a $2 trillion green energy and infrastructure program. Ending Covid-19 begins with a Biden/Harris Administration.
There is no time to rest, no time for vacation. This is a "fight for the soul of our nation."
How you can help
1. Call the Senate.
Script for Sen. Merkley
Script for Sen. Wyden
2. Call the House.
Script for Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01)
Script for Greg Walden (OR-02)
Script for Earl Blumenauer (OR-03)
Script for Peter Defazio (OR-04)
Script for Kurt Schrader (OR-05)
3. Get 2020 Ready.
Oregonians are joining with activists across the country to power a LANDSLIDE democratic victory in November 2020, from the White House to the Senate to the State Houses. Here’s how you can get involved:
Elections Power Hour weekly strategy call. Mondays at 5pm
Call Arizona voters. Thursdays, training at 5pm, calling begins at 5:30
Write letters to voters with Swing Left and Vote Forward. Saturdays 12-2pm
Write postcards to Voters of Color with Reclaim Our Vote. Sundays 3-5pm
Sources
Axios, Aug. 15, 2020: The U.S. is far behind other rich countries in coronavirus response
Biden/Harris Website: The Biden Plan to Combat Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Prepare for Future Global Health Threats – Joe Biden for President: Official Campaign Website
Washington Post, Aug.14, 2020: Trump keeps misreading the politics of the pandemic - The Washington Post
NY Times, Aug. 13, 2020: Biden, Seizing on Masks as a Campaign Issue, Calls for a Mandate - The New York Times