NY Assemblyman Charles Barron test positive for Covid-19

New York State Assemblyman Charles Barron has tested positive for novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Brooklyn-based lawmaker has been in his district since early March and has not been up to Albany during that time.

Gov. Cuomo has announced that The governor added that “out of an abundance of caution,” the state capitol will be closed starting Sunday, and that All legislators and staff that have come in contact with the Assemblyman will be tested to ensure the safety of everyone

Barron released the following statement on Facebook:

Official Statement From Assemblymember Charles Barron.

Today I have learned that I have been tested positive for COVID-19. Inez and I are in high fighting spirits as usual. We want to thank everyone for all their prayers and expressions of love. I am going to beat this virus just as I have won so many other victories, especially with the love of my life, my wife Inez, cheering me on. We will be coming back stronger than ever, so stay ready for the revolution.

Forward Ever

Zion Williamson to cover arena workers salary for 30 days

Zion Williamson will cover the salary of arena employees who will be unable to work while the NBA season is indefinitely suspended due to the Coronavirus pandemic in the United States.

Williamson posted the following message on Instagram.

The people of New Orleans have been incredibly welcoming and supportive since I was Drafted by the Pels last June, and some of the most special people I have met are those who work at Smoothie King Center. These are the folks who make our games possible, creating the perfect environment for our fans and everyone involved in the organization. Unfortunately, many of them are still recovering from long term challenges created by Katrina, and now face the economic impact of the postponement of games because of the virus. My mother has always set an example for me about being respectful for others and being grateful for what we have, and so today I am pledging to cover the salaries for all of those Smoothie King Center workers for the next 30 days. This is a small way for me to express my support and appreciation for these wonderful people who have been so great to me and my teammates and hopefully we can all join together to relieve some of the stress and hardship caused by this national health crisis. This is an incredibly resilient city full of some of the most resilient people, but sometimes providing a little extra assistance can make things a little easier for the community.

NMAAHC To Close March 14

The following is a statement from the National Museum of African American History and Culture:

As a public health precaution due to COVID-19 (coronavirus), the National Museum of African American History and Culture will temporarily close to the public starting Saturday, March 14.

We are committed to ensuring the health and safety of all our visitors, employees, and volunteers. We are in close communication with local health officials and the Centers for Disease Control. Due to the rapidly changing nature of the situation, we are not announcing a re-opening date at this time.

We will provide updates on a week-to-week basis via our website. Follow @NMAAHC on Twitter for updates about the museum's operating status. In the meantime, we invite you to visit NMAAHC.si.edu to explore our virtual exhibitions, online collections and educational resources.

CORONAVIRUS: Booker Introduces Bill to Get Unemployment Assistance Immediately to Laid-Off Workers

Bill would eliminate “waiting week” requirement.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) today introduced a bill to reduce barriers to unemployment insurance for workers throughout the country who are unable to work due to the Coronavirus. The bill will address “waiting week” requirements, which forces laid-off workers who have satisfied every other eligibility requirement to wait one week before being able to access unemployment assistance. These requirements exist in 42 states (though New Jersey doesn’t have a waiting period).

The bill would federally fund the first week of unemployment insurance during national disasters and public health emergencies and it would give states two years to amend their laws to ban waiting weeks altogether.

“Public health emergencies can quickly become economic disasters for those who are already struggling,” Booker said. “This common-sense bill ensures workers and their families don’t have to needlessly wait to receive assistance when they need it most.”

Full text of the bill is available here. 

Clyburn urges Biden to pick black woman as running mate

House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) urged former Vice President Joe Biden on Wednesday to pick a black woman as his running mate to "reward" them for loyalty to the Democratic Party if he is its presidential nominee.

Clyburn, who endorsed Biden ahead of his South Carolina primary win late last month, told NPR, "I really believe that we've reached a point in this country where African American women need to be rewarded for the loyalty that they've given to this party."

He named a number of black women who he thinks would be good choices to share a ticket with Biden, including Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) and Georgia Democratic gubernatorial nominee and voting rights activist Stacey Abrams.

Clyburn also mentioned Democratic Reps. Marcia Fudge (Ohio), Val Demings (Fla.) and Karen Bass (Calif.) as potential choices, as well as Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.

[SOURCE: THE HILL]