Member Voices
Messages from Senate Leaders
Notes from Corporate Members
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.
Eli Lilly
With stress on our economy amid the crisis caused by COVID-19, many people may struggle to pay for their medicines. Daniel J. Wahby, Sr. Director of State Government Affairs for Eli Lilly, notes that Lilly has long provided help to anyone having trouble affording insulin and other medications. In addition to its Diabetes Solution Center, Lilly recently announced participation in a Medicare Part D program to reduce the cost of insulin to seniors. Beginning January 1, 2021, participating seniors will see out-of-pocket costs for covered Lilly insulins reduced to no more than $35 per 30-day supply. Lilly also has affordability programs for medicines that treat cancer, migraine, immunology and other conditions. All are invited to visit Lilly.com and to share this information with constituents or anyone having trouble affording their Lilly medicine.
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
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.
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 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
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.
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
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.”
Senate Presidents’ Forum
579 Broadway
Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706
Tel: 914-693-1818
Copyright © 2020 Senate Presidents' Forum. All rights reserved.