Politics, policy, and people of color. Stay in rhythm and catch The Beat!
Politics, policy, and people of color. Stay in rhythm and catch The Beat!
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May 30, 2019
Elijah Cummings Pushes HBCU Startup Funding, Lucy Flores Announces Talk Show, and a New Chief on the Hill
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HE SPEAKSSpecial counsel Robert Mueller spoke publicly on Wednesday for the first time since the start of his investigation. Per the report and his public remarks, he did not absolve the president of obstructing justice, saying: “If we had had confidence that the president clearly did not commit a crime, we would have said so.” WHAT TRUMP HEARD… Along with the rest of the MAGA crowd: “case closed.” WHAT A SMALL NUMBER OF DEMS HEARDTime to start impeachment proceedings. WHAT NANCY PELOSI HEARDThe ongoing investigations will trump this president. Stay tuned. YOU TALKIN’ TO ME? That’s what Robert DeNiro heard. But he wants to hear more. BONE SPURS LOSES SEA LEGSThe White House asked the U.S. Navy to make sure a warship named for late Senator John McCain would be "out of sight" ahead of Donald Trump's visit to Japan over the weekend. UNDER HIS EYEThe Louisiana House of Representatives passed an abortion ban on Wednesday that would prohibit women from terminating a pregnancy once a fetal heartbeat has been detected. Up next? Missouri. FROM INCARCERATION TO GENTRIFICATIONAn eight-story minimum security men’s prison in Harlem will be sold off to real estate developers boasting “unobstructed sights of Central Park and the city’s sprawling skyline to the south.” STONEFISH… A school of 259 fossilized fish was discovered by a biologist on vacation in Japan. The remains were found in a slab of limestone estimated to be about 50 million years old. STANDBY… Any minute now some three-star Michelin restaurant is going to have those fish on a menu with truffle butter for $259. CAN’T BEAT THAT... We’re back on Monday but leaving you with all this...
  • Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (D-OH) and Congressman Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) want the federal government to stop garnishing social security checks.
  • California passes a historic bill on cops’ use of deadly force.
  • The Blacksonian looks for a successor.
  • Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) names a new Chief of Staff. Read to the bottom!
  • The Cherokee Nation, the largest Native American tribe, will cast votes for a new principal chief on Saturday from every corner of the U.S. Check it out in Blogs!
  • Catch The Beat DC’s Tiffany D. Cross on MSNBC’s AM Joy on Sunday at 10A EDT.
 Congresswomen Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM) and Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-FL) honoring the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage on Capitol Hill last week.
A fan grabs a pic with Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) and writer and producer Andrés Palencia over the weekend at the Beverly Hills Hotel in CA.
Elijah Cummings Bill Funds Failure to Reach Major Successes
Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-MD) has introduced the Parren Mitchell Minority Business Education and Empowerment Act, which would introduce grants to HBCUs throughout the U.S to help launch Small Business Development Centers, as well as fund ideas that students come up with during their time in school. Rather than have the funding connected to business success, renewal would be driven by learning outcomes, student engagement, and quality of curriculum as well as whether or not the businesses got off the ground. “As a proud Howard University graduate and a member of Morgan State University’s Board of Regents, I know the vital role Historically Black Colleges and Universities play in preparing young people to become leaders in their communities,” Cummings said. “Meanwhile, small businesses power the American economy while creating jobs and opportunities within communities. The Small Business Administration has signaled that it wants to be a leader in enhancing federal partnerships and resource allocation to HBCUs; this legislation will help facilitate this growth and develop data to inform further SBA activity with HBCUs on a larger scale.” The bill would require that the SBA submit an annual report to Congress regarding the entrepreneurship programs developed at the HBCU under the grants, their curriculums, and the success or failures of their implementations. Rome wasn’t built in a day, Madam CJ Walker didn’t strike it rich with her first curling iron, and most venture capitalists passed on a social media site that only let you type 140 characters (and some passed on The Beat -- silly fools). Cummings’ new plan realizes that the next generation of HBCU graduates and entrepreneurs may not come out the gate firing, but with this new bill, at least they’d have some ammo. More here.

Nanette Diaz Barragán Wants Basic Dental Care Covered in Medicare
Currently, Medicare does not cover routine oral health care services like checkups, cleanings and x-rays, restorative procedures or dentures. Overall., about 29% of adults 65 and older had dental insurance in 2017, and about 66% had seen a dentist in the last year. Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA) introduced the Medicare Dental Benefit Act, a bill that would create a dental benefit under Medicare Part B. “Having good oral care is essential to our overall well-being,” said Barragán. “By increasing access to dental benefits in Medicare, we can mitigate certain health risks and prevent numerous conditions. This bill would repeal the exclusion of dental care on Medicare coverage and provides necessary oral care services to those who need it most – older Americans.” Two-thirds of the elderly and individuals with disabilities in the Medicare program, often living on a fixed income, do not have oral health coverage. When individuals forego care, their overall health suffers, worsening both oral health conditions that are often painful and chronic disease such as diabetes and heart disease. "Dental care is an important component of health care for the older population," a report published Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. "Chronic diseases that may impact oral health and the need for care, such as diabetes and osteoporosis, are common among the older population, and poor oral health may contribute to the risk of certain conditions." More here.

Marcia Fudge and Raúl Grijalva Want Federal Government to Stop Garnishing Social Security Checks
Social Security provides vital benefits to millions of Americans who worked and paid into the system. However, the federal government can also garnish those wages. In fact, the number of people who have had their benefits garnished by the federal government has dramatically increased in recent years -- from 36,000 in 2002 to a staggering 168,000 in 2018 -- nearly a fivefold increase. That includes certain people under the age of 65 who receive Social Security Disability Insurance. In 2018 alone, $197 million in Social Security benefits were garnished. Representatives Marcia Fudge (D-OH), Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), and John Larson (D-CT) introduced a bill last week to stop this practice focusing specifically on student loan debt since that’s one of the reasons the government garnishes wages. “Garnishing benefits to pay off federal debt, like student loans, causes greater financial hardship to individuals already living on fixed incomes,” Fudge said. “Any reduction in benefits jeopardizes their ability to survive from day to day.  The Protection of Social Security Benefits Restoration Act restores a common sense policy that protects against benefit garnishment and ensures our seniors and individuals with disabilities can maintain a basic standard of living.” In 2019, student loan debt topped $1.56 trillion spread out over 45 million borrowers. The number of retirees and people with disabilities who have had part of their Social Security benefits garnished to pay off student loans tripled between 2006 and 2013. “Social Security is the one program that seniors in this country can absolutely count on during their retirement years,” said Grijalva. “Garnishing benefits to pay off old debts is not only a slap in the face to seniors, but can push many into dangerous poverty situations. As student loan debt reaches crisis levels, this problem will only worsen. We must restore the previous protections to ensure that the hard-earned benefits are there, and that seniors and those with disabilities are never reprimanded for getting an education.” The Department of Education collected $171 million on defaulted student loan debt through Social Security offsets, and older borrowers had a typical monthly garnishment that was more than $140. More here.
I’m Awake radio talk show host Robert Pilot with Congresswoman Sharice Davids (D-KS) on Monday in Black River Falls, WI.
Media mogul Oprah Winfrey celebrating with a graduate of Colorado College at the school’s commencement ceremony, of which she was the keynote speaker, earlier this month in Colorado Springs, CO.
Judy Chu and Catherine Cortez Masto Team Up to Provide Tax Relief to Those Recovering from Natural Disasters
Families and businesses experience numerous hardships after the devastation caused by natural disasters. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA) don’t want the tax man’s deadlines to add to the burden. The pair teamed up with Senator David Purdue (R-GA) and Congressman John Katko (R-NY) to introduce the bipartisan Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act, which would extend the IRS’s limited authority to state-declared disasters and states of emergency. Under current law, the IRS has the authority to postpone certain filing deadlines in the event of a presidentially declared disaster. But that declaration often comes days or weeks after a state-level emergency is declared, which delays the IRS’s ability to provide federal tax relief to impacted businesses and disaster victims. Chu said that taxpayers should not have to waste their valuable time and limited resources filing for penalty waivers and extensions. “When a natural disaster strikes, ruining homes, communities, and lives, the last thing a survivor should be worried about is filing their taxes,” she added. More here.

Xochitl Torres Small Intros Bill to Provide National Guard and Reserve Moms Protected Maternity Leave
The Department of Defense in 2016 put in place new policies that authorized 12 weeks of fully paid maternity leave for active-duty service members. However, the law did not adequately take into consideration women serving in the Natural Guard and Reserves. They can lose out on credit for their military service and points towards retirement while they are on maternity leave. Congresswoman Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM) wants to fix this for National Guard and Reserve moms. The House Armed Services Committee member, who is also a member of the first-ever Servicewomen and Women Veterans Congressional Caucus, teamed up with NM Democratic Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich to introduce the Mothers of Military Service (MOMS) Leave Act. This bipartisan legislation would make sure that women serving in the National Guard and Reserves receive pay and points for 12 pay periods (equal to six drill weekends) towards retirement after pregnancy and childbirth -- guaranteeing paid maternity leave for approximately 150,000 women currently serving in the reserve components. “Women who bravely serve our country in the National Guard and Reserves shouldn’t be penalized for wanting to start a family. This commonsense, bipartisan legislation would allow women in all branches of the military to earn the same pay and retirement credit during their maternity leave,” said Torres Small. More here.

Gilbert Cisneros Proposes Private Sector Work Exchange Program with Defense Department
The Defense Department (DoD) set-up a forward operating base last year in the middle of California's Silicon Valley to get closer to the new technologies they need for some of the more immediate strategic and tactical needs. It was a public-private partnership of sorts to exchange of information and ideas. Congressman Gilbert Cisneros (D-CA) wants to see more of these types of partnerships. “As our Department of Defense adapts to an increasingly complex and volatile global security environment, increased understanding between DoD and its private sector partners will be essential to the protection of our nation and its interests,” said Cisneros. He introduced the Training Acquisition Leaders and Elevating New Talent (TALENT) Act this week, which would create a two-way workforce exchange program with the DoD. “Enabling more of our defense personnel to gain experience in the private sector will provide DoD with a greater ability to adopt private sector best practices and private sector employees assigned to DoD can gain a better understanding of Department needs and processes,” said Cisneros, who is a Navy veteran, as well as a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. “This two-way exchange will help the DoD learn about new ideas, which will then help the Department become more efficient and operate on a more cost effective basis.” More here.
The View’s Ana Navarro-Cárdenas with 2020 Democratic presidential hopeful and South Bend, IN Mayor Pete Buttigieg last week in Miami.
Joe Biden 2020 campaign staffer and Olympic figure skater Michelle Kwan with singer and actress Lea Salonga after Salonga's performance at the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts in CA last week.
The Presidential Candidates Who Pay Their Interns
Eight of the 2020 presidential candidates have agreed to pay their campaign interns, partially thanks to the advocacy work of the group Pay Our Interns, founded by Carlos Mark Vera and Guillermo Creamer Jr. They say the candidates who have agreed to some type of intern compensation include Julián Castro, Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH), Washington Governor Jay Inslee, and South Bend, IN, Mayor Pete Buttigieg. The five sitting members of Congress in that group also offer paid internships in their Capitol Hill offices. Very few people can afford to live outside of their home state and only earn experience sans any financial pay. When considering the wealth gap and the shadow it casts over people of color, paying interns can make for a much more diverse staff and provide a pipeline for disenfranchised youth to build careers in public service. More here.

MoveOn Names New Executive Director
MoveOn, the progressive public policy advocacy group and political action committee, has named Rahna Epting as its next executive director. As a Black and Iranian woman, she will be the first person of color to fill MoveOn’s executive director role in its 20-plus-year history. She has been with the organization for nearly three years, most recently serving as its Chief of Programs. In her new capacity, she said she would focus on the rise of several specific threats, including white nationalism, misinformation efforts, and voter suppression. She added that she wants MoveOn to tap into “a political awakening of people who had never been politically engaged before.” Epting told the AP, “I want MoveOn to be a community for anyone in this country who wants to take the agency they have to build a better country for everyone.” The University of California, Davis grad, who completed law school at Lewis & Clark, has a labor background. She was with the SEIU for six years before serving as chief of staff at Every Voice. Epting takes the helm of MoveOn at a tumultuous time. The organization has played a role in Democratic presidential primaries since 2004. In 2008, MoveOn’s members voted to endorse Barack Obama, and in 2016, the group’s members voted in large numbers to support Bernie Sanders over Hillary Clinton. Epting said it’s too soon to say who they’re supporting now but that the organization’s theory is that a “progressive, inspiring, bold candidate is what will help us kick Trump out of office in 2020.” She added that if a more centrist Democrat wins the nomination “MoveOn sure as heck is going to be right behind them and help them win in the general election.” More here.

#TBT

Congressman Will Hurd (R-TX) and his brother, Chuck, baking dinner, circa the 1990s in Helotes, TX.
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) (left) with her sister, Susheela (right), and their mother, Maya, circa the 1960s in India.
Blacksonian Names Interim Director
With Lonnie Bunch's appointment as secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, the immediate question is: who’s going to fill his shoes as Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), where he has been founding director since 2005? For now, Spencer Crew. The 70-year-old highly-respected historian of the Black American experience will step in as interim director this summer as Smithsonian officials begin a national search for Bunch’s permanent replacement. “We have someone who can lead the organization, that can help it continue its fundraising, its programmatic initiatives. I’m very comfortable,” Bunch said Tuesday. “Not only is [the museum] in good hands with its leadership, but the staff there, who I hired, is really wonderful and they are able to carry on the vision of the museum.” Crew is perhaps best known for his study of the Great Migration -- the massive movement of Southern Blacks to Northern cities in the early twentieth century. He was both the first Black director of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History and the youngest. In 2001, he became executive director and CEO of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Brown University graduate taught history while earning his doctorate from Rutgers University in 1979. “It’s quite a task to take on and quite a task to follow someone like Lonnie Bunch,” Crew said Wednesday. “It’s not something that you can turn down.” Leading the search for a permanent replacement is former American Express CEO Kenneth Chenault, chairman of the NMAAHC’s advisory council. “We want someone just like [Lonnie], who was transforming, who could inspire the really terrific people we have at the museum to reach new heights, someone who has credibility in the academic community as well as someone who is a strong leader.” More here.
California Passes Historic Bill on Cops’ Use of Deadly Force
The California Assembly passed legislation Wednesday to change rules governing when cops in the state can use lethal force. San Diego Democratic Assemblywoman Shirley Weber authored the bill, which passed overwhelmingly, earning praise from both Republicans and Democrats. The original version of Assembly Bill 392 defined “necessary” use of force as when police have “no reasonable alternative.” But that language got axed, along with a component that would have allowed officers to be held criminally liable for negligence-related deaths. Currently, the measure demands that police deploy deadly force only when “necessary in defense of human life.” The changes had some members of families of police shootings pulling their support for the bill, but that didn’t stop it from passing. “This has been a challenge for me,” Weber said, citing a 400-year history of brutality against Black people in America. “I’m grateful to all of you who listened to me, who hung in there and asked me questions over and over again. A force has always been behind us to move us forward, the force of justice, the force of right, the force of making this nation a better nation every step of the way.” According to the San Diego Times-Union, Delaware and Tennessee both have laws on the books that go beyond the California bill by requiring police to use all other alternatives before their gun. Similarly, Washington state requires cops to de-escalate if at all possible. More here.

NYC Public Advocate Calls for Racial Impact Study for City
New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Bronx City Council member Rafael Salamanca teamed up on Wednesday to introduce legislation that would require NYC to study how rezonings impact the racial makeup of neighborhoods. The bill would force the city to undertake a racial impact analysis as part of its “environmental impact statement” of zoning changes. City-led rezonings have long faced criticism for targeting neighborhoods of color. Williams and Salamanca’s legislation is part of a City Council push to more carefully examine rezonings -- other proposals introduced this term would look at how previous rezonings have impacted transportation, school capacity, and secondary displacement. This legislation could have a significant, immediate impact. NYC Mayor and 2020 presidential candidate Bill de Blasio continues to push forward his Housing New York Plan, which involves rezoning up to 15 neighborhoods. More here.

San Antonio City Council candidate Melissa Cabello Havdra and Democratic congressional candidate Gina Ortiz Jones over the weekend in TX.
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) with six-year-old Louie earlier this month in MI.
Lucy Flores Launches Talk Show
Former Nevada Assemblywoman Lucy Flores is launching a talk show, Jefa Status, aimed at Latinx millennials. The former congressional candidate will launch her show on LATV -- an American bilingual broadcast TV network. The Hollywood Reporter said Flores will interview prominent Latinas -- her guests include singer Paulina Aguirre and activist Jessica Morales Rocketto. She will also discuss issues that inspired, including her essay coming out with accusations that Joe Biden made her feel uncomfortable after touching her inappropriately -- though she acknowledged that it was not sexual in nature. "My voice is very honest and that's what I'm known for. My career was built on talking about issues that are important to me and my community," said Flores. "It may have started with Joe Biden but that wasn't the primary reason why I spoke out. Because it isn't just about Joe Biden and his behavior. Powerful men need to recognize when there's a power dynamic, because oftentimes the person on the receiving end doesn't feel like they can say anything about their discomfort." Flores told THR she hopes her show can increase Latinx representation onscreen. "The Black and Asian communities are making great inroads and have representation in those decision-making roles," said Flores. "People like Ava DuVernay are creating opportunities for other Black artists across the entire industry. We don't have that quite yet. Our leaders haven't seen that level of access — and that's part of the problem." More here.

LA Times Names DC Editor
Kimbriell Kelly will be joining the LA Times as a Washington editor, where she will lead a team of five reporters to produce significant, unique enterprise on major areas of policy. Kelly is currently a reporter on the Investigative Unit at The Washington Post, where she was part of the newspaper's team that won the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting for documenting the number of fatal police-involved shootings. She is a sought-after expert on public-records requests, research, and data analysis, and previously worked for The Chicago Reporter and The Daily Herald. The St. Xavier University graduate, who also holds a Master’s from Boston University, is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and Investigative Reporters and Editors Inc. Kelly will remain based in DC and begin her new role this summer. More here.
Political strategist Cornell Belcher on Monday in Turks and Caicos. 
Politico Matt Gil and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Julián Castro showing support for San Antonio, TX Mayor Ron Nirenberg’s re-election campaign on Tuesday in San Antonio, TX.
Meet Don Beyer’s Chief of Staff
Tanya Bradsher has been tapped as the new chief of staff for Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA). She most recently served as chief of communications for the American Psychiatric Association. The Arlington, VA native, who retired as a Lt. Colonel from the Army in 2013, served as assistant secretary for public affairs for the Department of Homeland Security during the Obama administration. Prior to joining DHS, she held several positions at the White House, including as Assistant Director, Office of Public Engagement; Assistant Secretary for National Security & Defense on the White House National Security Council; and as spokesperson for the Department of Defense, Asia, Africa, Western Hemisphere, counter-terrorism, and detainee policies. Bradsher was a Defense Press Officer in the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs at the Pentagon. Her Army career included service in Iraq, Haiti, and the Republic of Korea. Bradsher is a recipient of the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star for significant achievement and distinguished service. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduate, who holds a Master’s from George Washington University, is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. More here.
Chuck Schumer Adds National Press Secretary
Alex Nguyen has joined Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D-NY) press team as national press secretary. Nguyen was most recently the communications director to Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (D-CA). He is a seasoned Capitol Hill staffer, having previously served as communications director to Congressman Mark Pocan (D-WI); as deputy press secretary on the House Ways and Means Committee; and as a press and staff assistant to former CA Congresswoman Jane Harman. The University of California, Los Angeles graduate holds a Master’s from George Washington University. More about him here.

BLAH BLAH BLOGS
FOMO
Today, 11AThe Atlantic hosts "Athletes + Activism," an event looking at times when social change and athletics intersect, featuring conversations with six preeminent athlete-activists and others influencing the conversation. Leading the program is The Atlantic’s Jemele Hill. Entertainment and Sports Arena, home of the Washington Mystics and Capital City Go-Go. 1100 Oak Drive S.E., DC. Click here for more information.
Thursday, June 6thAfrican American Leadership Summit and IWillVote Gala hosted by DNC Chair Tom Pérez and DNC Black Caucus Virgie M. Rollins. Featuring several 2020 Democratic candidates for president, Stacey AbramsRepresentatives Hank Johnson, John Lewis, and Lucy McBath; the Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson; Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and more. Atlanta, GA. Click here for more information.
Thursday, June 6th - Saturday, June 8th: The American Constitution Society hosts its 2019 National Convention, including a conversation with freshman Representatives Colin Allred (D-TX)Sharice Davids (D-KS), and Katie Porter (D-CA), moderated by Kimberly Atkins. The ACS National Convention is attended by progressive lawyers, judges, legislators, law students, and academics to address the most challenging issues confronting the nation. Capital Hilton, 1001 16th Street N.W., DC. Click here for more information.
Tuesday, June 11th, 6:30P: LatinoJustice PRLDEF hosts their fourth annual Southeast Regional Awards Reception in recognition of individuals working toward resolving human and civil rights issues in the Southeast region of the U.S. Bass Museum, 2100 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL. Click here for more information
Wednesday, June 19th, 8A: LatinoJustice PRLDEF hosts their 10th annual Latina Trailblazers Breakfast to honor the achievements of Latina women who have paved the way for future Latina leaders. Tribeca Rooftop, 2 Desbrosses St, NY. Click here for more information.
Wednesday, June 19th, 6P: Muslim Public Affairs Council hosts its 6th Annual Empowering Voices Awards. This year's honorees include political commentator Mehdi Hasan, Yemeni American educator and activist Dr. Debbie Almontaser, and the Department of Justice's Eric Treene. Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Ave, N.W., DC. Click here for more information.
Wednesday, June 26th - Sunday, June 30th: The National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women's Annual Legislative Conference, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders for thought-provoking conversation around real issues that directly affect Black women and their families. Chicago, IL. Click here for more information.
Thursday, June 27th, 7P: Management Leadership for Tomorrow’s 15th Anniversary Awards Gala Dinner, celebrating underrepresented minorities who are advancing to senior leadership roles in their organizations and communities. The evening honors those working to advance African American, Latinx, and Native American women and men. Grand Hyatt, 109 E 42nd Street, NYC. Click here for more information.
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