Future Caucus Response to COVID-19

As COVID-19 continues to sweep the nation, legislatures have sprung into action as both sides of the aisle work to keep America safe. From innovatively supporting constituents online, to pushing for modern technology adaptations in legislatures, check out how the Congressional Future Caucus (CFC) and the State Future Caucus Network (SFCN) are tackling the pandemic.

HOW THE FUTURE CAUCUS IS SUPPORTING CONSTITUENTS ONLINE

CFC:

• U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell provides frequent updates on Twitter and is calling for input from college students regarding how the virus has impacted them through a form available on his website.
• U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) wrote a letter to the governor urging to make COVID-19 tests more available.
• U.S. Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL) hosted a telephone town hall to address the virus with his constituents.
• U.S. Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) hosted a Facebook town hall to address the virus with his constituents.
• U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) is in self-quarantine after coming into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

SFCN:

• State Rep. Jeramey Anderson (D-MS) introduced two relief measures, providing relief from sales taxes on groceries and state testing requirements for students.
• State Rep. Shevrin Jones (D-FL) wrote a letter to the governor requesting a pause in evictions and utility shut-offs in order to relieve those who are suffering financially from the pandemic.
• State Rep. Jasmine Clark (D-GA) co-authored a letter to the governor to help small businesses by deferring the sales tax deadline, expanding unemployment insurance, and removing restrictions on “approved foods” for GA’s WIC program. She also participated in “QuaranTeen Talk,” an Instagram Live video, where she discussed the social and political implications of COVID-19.
• State Rep. Ted James (D-LA) hosted an event where he provided meals-to-go for families and neighbors of children under 18.
• State Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) went under self-quarantine after attending CPAC and AIPAC conferences in Washington, DC.
• Georgia Future Caucus Co-Chair State Rep. Colton Moore (R-GA) released a video addressing legislative and state actions on COVID-19.
• State Rep. Ajay Pittman (D-OK) spoke on a radio show where she discussed the virus and how Oklahoma plans to move forward.

HOW THE FUTURE CAUCUS IS PUSHING TO MODERNIZE LEGISLATURES

CFC:

• U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell introduced the bipartisan MOBILE Resolution regarding Congress’s use of technology and remote work capabilities
• U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams calls for a change in House rules to allow members to vote remotely in emergency circumstances.

SFCN:

• State Rep. Chaz Beasley (D-NC) introduced legislation in 2019 to modernize technology.
• State Sen. Jeff Bridges (D-CO) introduced bipartisan legislation to amplify Colorado legislature’s hiring authority for tech/data jobs.
• A bipartisan bill was introduced in Maryland which seeked to update how state agencies and the legislature protect constituent data.
• A bill was introduced in NJ regarding modernization of legislative resources and state agency cyber resources.
• Two bipartisan bills were introduced in Texas concerning modernization of state government and services.