Member Voices
Messages from Senate Leaders
Notes from Corporate Members
McDonald’s
“Whether it’s our customers that come to enjoy delicious food or our crew providing essential service to their communities, McDonald’s puts people first,” reports Susanne Barham, Government Relations Senior Director. "Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have implemented more than 50 process changes to keep employees and customers safe. McDonald’s and its independent franchisees provide jobs for almost 2 million people across the world and are committed to inspiring workplaces where everyone — from crew to C-suite — is equally supported and empowered to realize their full potential. McDonald’s is excited to add thousands of new crew members this summer as we continue to take a thoughtful and judicious approach to serving our communities. Recently, we announced new global brand standards required at all McDonald’s restaurants to ensure all crew members and customers feel safe, valued, and respected. I invite you to read more in this message from our CEO, Chris Kempczinski.”
BSA | The Software Alliance
“The COVID-19 pandemic further emphasizes the fundamental role and value of software through the technologies allowing remote working and remote learning for so many Americans,” said Tom Foulkes, Senior Director, State Advocacy at BSA | The Software Alliance. “Our member companies continue to help bridge the digital divide, which the pandemic has only exacerbated, by connecting students to teachers, small businesses to customers, and family to family.” For more information regarding BSA member response and resources, click here.
Eli Lilly
While the national focus is largely on vaccines, antibody treatments are an important component in battling coronavirus. The FDA has granted emergency use authorization for Eli Lilly’s investigational neutralizing antibody bamlanivimab for the treatment of recently diagnosed, mild-to-moderate COVID-19 illness in high-risk patients, writes Daniel J. Wahby, Sr. Director of State Government Affairs. Patients and healthcare providers should review this Fact Sheet for information on authorized use and requirements, and potential treatment locations can be found via the National Infusion Center Association. To learn more about antibody therapy and how to fight COVID-19, visit HHS.gov.
Amazon
“At Amazon, our partnership with American small businesses is a fundamental part of our commitment to delighting customers. This continues to be an incredibly difficult time for entrepreneurs and small business owners,” reports Ellie Booth, Senior Manager, Public Policy. “Nobody had a playbook for how to keep a business going through a global pandemic, but smaller companies have been able to count on Amazon to help grow their businesses and keep people employed during the crisis. We’re proud that independent businesses — almost all small and medium-sized businesses — sell more than half of everything purchased on Amazon and continue to grow faster than Amazon’s own first-party retail business.
“The 2020 holiday season was the best ever for our selling partners, with their worldwide sales growing over 50% compared to the same time period in 2019. Amazon spent $18 billion in 2020 to help small and medium-sized businesses reach more customers, including investments in logistics, tools, services, programs, and people. What’s good for small business is good for our customers and communities around the world.” To learn more, click here.
State Farm Insurance Companies
As driving behaviors evolve during the COVID-19 pandemic, State Farm continues to identify ways to support customers, reports Bob Watkins, Associate General Counsel. Based on current trends, State Farm is working to reduce auto rates in every state.
These planned rate reductions will total approximately $2.2 billion nationally. They are in addition to a $2 billion dividend, flexible customer payment options, and philanthropic relief included in State Farm's Good Neighbor Relief Program. Altogether, auto customers should see about $4.2 billion in savings.
Learn more about State Farm's COVID-19 response, ways to connect, and how they’re helping customers facing financial burdens.
T-Mobile
The “digital divide” was already a concern before the pandemic, but COVID-19 has exacerbated it. T-Mobile recognizes that connectivity is at the core of equitable opportunity, reports Dan Leary, Director of State Government Affairs. That is why T-Mobile recently announced Project 10Million, a $10.7 billion initiative to help close the digital divide and connect those who need it most.
Since March 2020, T-Mobile has worked to connect 1.6 million students with free or highly subsidized service across more than 3,100 school districts. Specifically, Project 10Million will deliver internet connectivity to millions of underserved student households at no cost, including free wireless hotspots, free high-speed data, and access to at-cost laptops and tablets — all of which is valued at approximately $500 per household.
“This endeavor would not be possible without the depth and reach of T-Mobile's nationwide network,” says Dan. “Our service ensures T-Mobile and Project 10Million can deliver reliable connectivity for millions of families across the U.S. At T-Mobile, we are committed to using our tremendous capacity for good." For more information, interested school administrators, teachers, parents and students can visit www.t-mobile.com/p10m.
ADT
Throughout the pandemic, ADT has continued to provide security and peace of mind to millions of residential, small business and commercial customers, connecting hospitals, schools, essential businesses, homes and families to police, fire and medical emergency services, reports Holly Borgmann, Vice President, Government Affairs.
ADT innovation and technology was also deployed to help address some of the unique safety concerns brought to the forefront by the pandemic. After learning that domestic violence was on the rise while people were sheltering in place, ADT released a free version of its mobile safety app ADT SoSecure. The app allows users to silently connect to ADT's monitoring centers, which can locate the customer using the GPS in their phone and call for help on the user’s behalf. This version of the app will remain free.
Holly expressed that it’s been ADT’s honor to continue protecting and connecting customers during these uncertain times.
Avangrid Renewables
COVID-19 has driven Avangrid Renewables to operate its existing power generation fleet across two dozen states in new and different ways while also providing more than a half-million dollars in medical and nutrition assistance to communities across Avangrid Renewables’ footprint. Kevin Lynch, Managing Director, External Affairs, reports that more than 95 percent of Avangrid's office staff have been working remotely since March. "Our South Texas wind projects endured Hurricane Hanna while our west coast facilities and main office staff are coping with the catastrophic fires,” says Kevin. "On a positive note, this year we have completed a new wind farm in Illinois, are in advanced construction on plants in South Dakota, New Mexico, and New York, and are breaking ground on new projects in Oregon and Washington, all under work practices designed to protect construction crews and local communities."
August 23, 2020
Recording Industry
Association of America
Among those financially impacted by the disastrous COVID-19 pandemic have been hundreds of thousands of people who work in the live music and entertainment industries. As studio lots, theaters, concert halls and other venues closed across the country, the jobs of performers, musicians, managers, producers, promoters, stagehands, drivers, and countless others vanished as well.
Rafael Fernandez, Jr., Senior Vice President, State Public Policy and Industry Relations at RIAA, reports that music companies are advocating for COVID relief. The RIAA led more than four dozen partner organizations to send letters to Congress seeking emergency unemployment insurance access, emergency paid leave, tax credits, and other programs for those who cannot work due to canceled performances or production shutdowns. The RIAA also outlined additional steps Congress can take to further ensure that the entertainment community is not forgotten during this time. Additionally, RIAA launched MusicCOVIDRelief.com, a one-stop resource hub for musicians and songwriters who need financial assistance.
July 20, 2020
UPS
UPS is using its logistics and transportation resources and expertise to support first responders and healthcare workers, deliver for its customers and keep communities safe. Mike Kiely, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for U.S. Government Affairs, shared that the company is assisting with the logistics planning and operation of drive-up coronavirus testing sites in several cities across the U.S. while also delivering millions of testing components per week. Additionally, UPS is shipping personal protective equipment (PPE) to relief workers around the world and working with healthcare companies to bolster the resilience of their supply chains. Finally, the UPS Foundation has surpassed $16 million in grants to numerous organizations that are aiding in the distribution of PPE for healthcare workers and other life-sustaining activities for impacted individuals and communities. Learn more about UPS’s response efforts here.
July 9, 2020
Unilever
Unilever United States launched United For America, a wide-ranging set of measures to support the American people during the COVID-19 pandemic, reported Stefani Millie Grant, Senior Manager, External Affairs and Sustainability at Unilever. As part of the initiative, Unilever contributed over $20 million in products and services to help those impacted by the pandemic, including donations of food, soap, personal hygiene and home cleaning products. On May 21, along with over 90 of our business partners, we organized a day of service for our employees and directed an equivalent of one day’s worth of products produced in our U.S. plants to frontline aid organizations, Feeding America and Direct Relief, who will deliver our donations to those affected by COVID-19. The next phase will focus on working in cities to deliver services needed to rebuild economies and communities.
July 2, 2020
Motion Picture Association-America
The Motion Picture Association-America (MPA-A) and its member companies are supporting the industry and its workforce through direct aid, as well as through federal, state and local advocacy, reports Vans Stevenson, Senior Vice President, State Government Affairs. To date, MPA-A member companies have established over a billion dollars in relief funds, donated critical PPE and other essential goods from productions, and created PSAs and other informational content for communities to stay safe and healthy during this unprecedented crisis. The industry also continues to do what it does best: keep people entertained, inspired, informed and connected while at home. Learn more here.
June 9, 2020
SAS
SAS has been working with states to provide real-time data analytics to help understand, measure and react to threats relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, reports Paula Henderson, Senior VP, US Commercial and Public Sector. SAS helps governments by aggregating huge volumes of disparate data sets to track COVID-19 cases and overlay insights and trends that identify at-risk populations. The company also provides hospital capacity analyses and integrates data for more efficient emergency management. As states look to the recovery phase, SAS assists in integrating data sets and providing analytics that enhance revenue forecasting and economic modeling to augment budget planning. Please click here to see some of the solutions SAS has created to assist states from the perspectives of public health, transparency and economic recovery.
May 21, 2020
Intuit
Anika Hagenson, Sr. Manager, State Government Relations, shared that Intuit continues to create resources to help individuals... MORE
May 20, 2020
Walmart
Walmart has undertaken significant efforts to ensure the health of communities and associates during the COVID-19 crisis... MORE
April 22, 2020
The Proctor & Gamble Company
Beth Percynski, Senior Manager, State Government Relations, described the efforts P&G is... MORE
April 22, 2020
Novartis
Novartis has been quick to mobilize its expertise and philanthropic aid in response to COVID-19, reports Tommy Suter, Director ... MORE
April 15, 2020
Anthem
Kevin Riordan, Regional Vice President, Federal Affairs, checked in with information on... MORE
Troy Jackson
President of the Senate (ME)
Priorities in 2021 Ensuring the best legislation for Mainers on health care, seniors, veterans, property taxes, and jobs.
Milestones Sen. Jackson spearheaded legislation to lower the cost of prescription drugs; to increase access to care and fund rural hospitals; and for property tax relief. He has led the charge to protect workers’ rights and advocated for good-paying jobs in rural Maine.
Did you know? Sen. Jackson is a fifth-generation logger from Allagash. He entered politics because he “was tired of people with big suits and soft hands” in Augusta and Washington making decisions without regard for working families in his community and all across the state.
Quote “It’s hard enough for working families and seniors to make ends meet in ordinary times, let alone in a global pandemic. Sky-high prescription drug prices only make things worse.”
About Sen. Jackson
Leroy M. Garcia, Jr.
President of the Senate (CO)
Priorities in 2021 Create jobs and rebuild the state’s economy. Invest in education. Ensure healthcare is affordable and accessible to all. Support veterans with educational and professional opportunities. Protect regional water rights and water conservation.
Build back a stronger Colorado by creating jobs and investing in rural communities, education, and our economy. Creating innovative solutions to lower healthcare costs. Supporting veterans when they return home from service.
Milestones Senator Garcia helped pass bipartisan legislation to increase transparency and accountability of law enforcement in Colorado. He has spearheaded efforts to create a pilot program to addressing Colorado’s opioid epidemic, and is currently working on a pilot program that will reduce rates of Veteran Suicide in the state. Additionally, he has pushed for accountability and transparency of his district’s utility provider, as well as protection for Southern Colorado’s water. He also serves as Immediate Past President on NCSL’s Executive Committee.
Did you know? Sen. Garcia is a sixth-generation Coloradan, and currently works as a paramedic and teaches emergency medical services in Pueblo. From 2001 to 2007, he served in the Marine Corps and was deployed to Iraq as a mortuary affairs specialist.
Quote “We come ready and willing to not just recover from this pandemic and the civil discord that has gripped our nation — but to build back a stronger, more just Colorado.”
About Sen. Garcia
Stephen Sweeney
President of the Senate (NJ)
Priorities in 2021 Address the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, including job and economic growth. Ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities within the workforce. Help schools and small businesses upgrade water and ventilation systems. Support services and programs serving vulnerable populations.
Milestones Senator Sweeney sponsored laws to raise the minimum wage, establish marriage equality, and ensure equal pay for women. He played a leading role in promoting property tax relief, fought for full and fair funding for all New Jersey’s schools, proposed sweeping reforms to the public employee pension and health benefits, sponsored a law that expands the development of offshore wind energy, and established a bipartisan panel to address fiscal challenges.
Quote “Dignity and hard work should be respected with fair pay and other benefits. A guaranteed minimum wage and affordable healthcare should be considered amongst the most basic rights for all workers.”
Did you know? Senator Sweeney was inspired to enter politics when his daughter was born with Down Syndrome and he saw the need for advocacy to protect the state’s vulnerable people. He was selected to lead New Jersey’s Senate a record six terms.
Chuck Winder
Senate President Pro Tempore (ID)
Priorities in 2021 Senator Winder is supporting the Governor’s transportation funding request that supports both the state and local transportation needs. Education and prudent tax cuts continue to be key priorities.
Milestones In 2018, the legislature increased education funding for K–12 by over $100M while also overseeing a $200M tax cut, the largest tax cut in Idaho’s history.
Did you know? Sen. Winder formerly served as a naval aviator, and in 2018 received the Legislator of the Year award from the Idaho Professional Firefighters.
Senate President Pro Tempore (CT)
Priorities in 2021 Reform of health insurance policies, especially to reduce excessive co-pays and high deductibles. Legislation related to absentee ballot access and telemedicine coverage.
Milestones Significant progressive legislation—most notably an earned income tax credit for the working poor, increases to the minimum wage, and paid family and medical leave for Connecticut’s workers. Passed legislation in 2020 dealing with police accountability and the price of insulin.
Did you know? Martin Looney is currently in his 15th Senate term, and his fourth as Senate President Pro Tem. He was elected to the State Senate in 1992 after serving in the General Assembly since 1980.
Bill Ferguson
President of the Senate (MD)
Priorities in 2021 Resolving the inequities of the public education system in Baltimore City and finding ways to close the city’s educational achievement gap. Serving as Co-chair of the Joint COVID-19 Response Legislative Work Group and working with the small business task force to ameliorate impacts of the pandemic.
Milestones In 2021, Sen. Ferguson will work to implement the Kirwan Commission recommendations, which are designed to transform Maryland public schools into some of the best in the world.
Did you know? After serving in the Teach for America program in an underserved Baltimore community, Sen. Ferguson served as the Special Assistant to Dr. Andres Alonso, former CEO of the Baltimore City Public Schools. Senator Ferguson is the second youngest person to serve as President of the Maryland Senate.
Lee Schoenbeck
Senate President Pro Tempore (SD)
Priorities in 2021 COVID-19 relief and allocation of one-time money from Federal coronavirus funds; needs-based scholarship for public, private and tribal colleges; safe operation of the legislature in these less than “normal” times.
Milestones Playing a key role in passing legislation through the years to maximize opportunity and funds for education at all levels, and in in whatever setting (public, private, home school) that parents choose.
Did you know?
• From his start as an intern to his current role, Sen. Schoenbeck, at the age of 62, has served in the state legislature in parts of each of the last six decades.
• One summer, the senator and his youngest son, Jake, played all 129 golf courses in South Dakota.
• Sen. Schoenbeck and his lab are avid pheasant hunters. After a good snow, you’re likely to find him in a slough somewhere chasing the willy ringnecks.
Jacob “Jake” Corman
Senate President Pro Tempore (PA)
Priorities in 2021 In remarks following his recent election, Sen. Corman said he wants to ensure the public has faith in the Senate’s work through transparency: transparency in the Senate and in working relationships, media, politics and the elections. He established a bipartisan Special Committee on Election Integrity and Reform to address concerns arising from the 2020 general election.
Milestones Sponsored legislation to modernize PA’s pension system and limit future financial risks for taxpayers. Introduced and pressed for passage of the Endowment Act, which reversed NCAA sanctions against Penn State and directed $60M to help victims of child sexual abuse, and the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Act that significantly strengthened the state’s anti-hazing laws. Led the largest reform of the state’s election system in 80 years as well as negotiated budgets that held the line on spending while ensuring historic levels of education funding.
Toni G. Atkins
Senate President Pro Tempore (CA)
Priorities in 2021 Sen. Atkins has long been a champion of affordable housing, and in December 2020 led the introduction of the "Building Opportunities for All” Senate Housing Package, which includes six bills aimed at creating housing solutions for California’s working families.
Quote “California’s truest potential is to be a place where nothing stands in the way of its people fulfilling their truest potential.” (2018 Inaugural Address)
Did you know? Sen. Atkins is the first woman and the first openly LGBTQ person to lead the California Legislature’s upper house.
Peter Courtney
President of the Senate (OR)
Robert Stivers II
President of the Senate (KY)
Mike Shirkey
Senate Majority Leader (MI)
“None of us were prepared for the impact of COVID-19. In Michigan, the legislature and governor initially worked together to respond in the early days of the pandemic. Unfortunately, our cooperative relationship was brief. For months now, Michigan’s governor has relied upon a distorted interpretation of state law to govern almost exclusively by executive order. As a result, the state legislature has been prohibited from participating in the policy-making process when it comes to responding to virus-related issues in our state.
“COVID presents many challenges, but none of us anticipated it would usher in an era of government by executive order in our state. As legislators, we firmly believe that citizens benefit from our known system of government that is based on the fundamental principle of' ‘checks and balances.’ We were ready to fight a battle against the virus, but we never expected to fight a battle against our own governor to uphold our duty as elected representatives.
“We eagerly await the outcome of the lawsuit we were forced to file against the executive in order to restore our state’s system of government. This court case will determine whether we will once again fully participate as a legislative body in policymaking or be forced to watch as state law is misused to maintain a lengthy period of governing by executive order.”
Greg Treat
Senate President Pro Tempore (OK)
Dominick J. Ruggerio
President of the Senate (RI)
May 28, 2020
Rodric Bray
Senate President Pro Tempore (IN)
“The COVID-19 pandemic is creating real challenges for our citizens and governments across... MORE
May 28, 2020
Page Cortez
President of the Senate (LA)
“Louisiana is no stranger to adversity and our greatest asset is our citizenry. We entered the... MORE
April 22, 2020
Stuart Adams
President of the Senate (UT)
“In Utah, we aim to move into a new phase while maintaining many of the same efforts... MORE
Karen Fann
President of the Senate (AZ)
“Arizona has been very blessed with good weather and a strong economy which is helping... MORE
May 20, 2020
Novartis
Novartis has been quick to mobilize its expertise and philanthropic aid in response to COVID-19, reports Tommy Suter, Director of State Government Affairs. Initiatives include a commitment to donate up to 130 million doses of hydroxychloroquine; the development of a COVID-19 Response Fund, which will provide $120M in support of impacted communities around the world; and several efforts to leverage Novartis’ capabiliites in discovery, development and scale-up manufacturing. Read more here.
May 21, 2020
Intuit
Anika Hagenson, Sr. Manager, State Government Relations, shared that Intuit continues to create resources to help individuals and small businesses navigate the complexity of finances during COVID-19. “Intuit announced an investment of more than $8 million through several initiatives in late March, and we’re not stopping there,” said Anika. The maker of TurboTax, QuickBooks, and Mint developed a free online tool to calculate federal stimulus payments and help those who don’t file taxes to register with the IRS, assess federal PPP loan eligibility and apply for funds through QuickBooks Capital, and to help individuals understand how to apply for unemployment and adjust their own budgets. Learn more about Intuit’s resources here.
May 20, 2020
Walmart
Walmart has undertaken significant efforts to ensure the health of communities and associates during the COVID-19 crisis, reports Gerard Dehrmann, Walmart’s Senior Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations. The company has partnered with states and local municipalities to provide PPE, other essential items, services, and operational assistance. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have committed more than $35M in cash and in-kind donations to combatting COVID-19 and supporting workers on the frontlines. In response to a request from HHS, Walmart opened drive-through testing sites in many of its parking lots, notably in hot spots and underserved areas. Walmart has hired 200,000 associates since the beginning of the pandemic, and has committed nearly $1B in bonuses for their associates in recognition for their outstanding contributions and ongoing efforts. Learn more about Walmart’s efforts here.
April 15, 2020
Anthem
Kevin Riordan, Regional Vice President, Federal Affairs, checked in with information on Anthem’s COVID-related initiatives in support of local communities, including several steps to ensure access to care; cost-free telehealth services for physical and behavioral health; paid leave for Anthem medical professionals to support COVID care providers; plus expanded coverage for members undergoing treatment related to a COVID-19 diagnosis. Read more here.
June 8 Update: Anthem announced further commitments to drive national change with a $50 million pledge focused on directly impacting racial injustice, strengthening communities and addressing health inequities.
April 22, 2020
Stuart Adams
President of the Senate (UT)
“In Utah, we aim to move into a new phase while maintaining many of the same efforts that have been effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and crushing the curve. Our current stay-at-home practices are not sustainable economically. We need a thoughtful, data-driven approach that will help get Utahns back to work without causing a resurgence of cases. The Utah Legislature convened in a virtual special session on April 16 to consider policies and address urgent needs — the House Speaker and I were in the Capitol, and the rest of the Legislature participated via video conferencing. We’re working hard to protect both lives and livelihoods.”
April 22, 2020
The Proctor & Gamble Company
Beth Percynski, Senior Manager, State Government Relations, described the efforts P&G is currently pursuing under the banner “Stepping Up as a Force for Good.” In addition to providing product donations and financial support to in-need communities, P&G installed new lines to start production of hand sanitizer which will help ensure safe internal operations and is being shared with hospitals, health authorities, and relief organizations. Work is also underway to produce critically needed face masks. Learn more about P&G’s efforts here.
May 28, 2020
Page Cortez
President of the Senate (LA)
“Louisiana is no stranger to adversity and our greatest asset is our citizenry. We entered the COVID-19 pandemic scene with one of the highest growth rates in the world and it quickly became clear that New Orleans was a ‘hot spot’ for the virus. Despite these statistics, the dedication of our leaders combined with the resiliency of our residents ensured that this trajectory was quickly controlled. While the threat posed by the virus continues, we are increasingly encouraged by data that reflects fewer cases, deaths, and hospitalizations. And, as our first priority remains the health and safety of our people, it is also our obligation to protect the livelihoods of our small business owners and support economic recovery across the state.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues in the legislature as we move forward with our 2020 Regular Legislative Session and into a special session. We are working diligently to do the people’s work while balancing the welfare of our citizens as we reopen Louisiana.”
April 22, 2020
Karen Fann
President of the Senate (AZ)
“Arizona has been very blessed with good weather and a strong economy which is helping us get through the COVID-19 epidemic. As of April 9, we had 3,018 confirmed cases and 89 deaths. We are hoping the apex will peak in the next two weeks which will allow us to start the recovering process. If you would like more details about how we are handling the epidemic, go to ArizonaTogether.org or search Arizona Senate Republicans. My prayers are with all of you and your families and I’m looking forward to when our ‘family’ can enjoy our friendships again in person.”
May 28, 2020
Rodric Bray
Senate President Pro Tempore (IN)
“The COVID-19 pandemic is creating real challenges for our citizens and governments across America. With Governor Holcomb's leadership, we have tried to make informed decisions based on science and real data. For that reason, we have had some success slowing the spread of this virus. That has allowed our governor to lay out a five-stage plan to reopen our economy, giving our citizens a clear view of how we will get back to work.
“Indiana has also partnered with Indiana University to conduct a scientific study of how many Hoosiers have or have had COVID-19 and whether they were symptomatic. This data-driven approach was highlighted by The New York Times and will help our state make informed decisions as we continue to navigate this unprecedented situation.”
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