Yesterday, another painful day in our fight with a Pandemic - which the Congressional Doctor admitted behind closed door might affect some 70-150 million Americans, had some good moments.

Sadly, but necessarily, we watched a rollout by our most cherished sources of entertainment and culture: Broadway, most professional and college sports, Disneyland and Universal, NYC's Metropolitan Museum, all announced closings.

This was set against a too familiar recent backdrop in which the stock market, home of most people's pensions, again dived - this time 10% more, for the worst day since the 1987 crash - a response to Trump's televised attempt to calm the nation.

Still yesterday, these good things happened:

First, Katie Porter forced the Head of the CDC to agree to free Coronavirus Testing. Watch her.

OC Rep. Katie Porter Faces Off With CDC Director Over Free Coronavirus Testingwww.youtube.com

Then @SpeakerPelosi negotiated a deal: free testing, 14days paid sick leave and more. Read her words.

Did I mention that the Speaker forced McConnell to withdraw his plans to recess the Senate and fail America again?

Pelosi Statement on Introduction of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

MARCH 11, 2020 PRESS RELEASE

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released this statement on the unveiling of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The House will pass the bill tomorrow.

"The Families First Coronavirus Response Act is focused directly on providing support for America's families, who must be our first priority in this emergency. We cannot fight coronavirus effectively unless everyone in our country who needs to be tested knows they can get their test free of charge. We cannot slow the coronavirus outbreak when workers are stuck with the terrible choice between staying home to avoid spreading illness and the paycheck their family can't afford to lose.

"The legislation includes:

• Free coronavirus testing for everyone who needs a test, including the uninsured;
• Paid emergency leave with both 14 days of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family and medical leave;
• Enhanced Unemployment Insurance, a first step that will extend protections to furloughed workers;
• Strengthened food security initiatives, including SNAP, student meals, seniors nutrition and food banks;
• Clear protections for frontline workers, including health care workers and other workers who are in contact with those who have been exposed or are responsible for cleaning at-risk places;
• Increased federal funds for Medicaid, as states face increased costs.

"The House will move to pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act tomorrow and send it to the Senate."

Be safe!

#DemsWork4America #RememberInNovember

Maybe today, Trump will resign. I can dream, can't I?

March 13, 2020