Thursday Actions: Call out Tillis and Burr for Coronavirus Response

****Actions 3/19/2020****

Burr Kept Dangers of COVID-19 Secret. Call Him On It:
We’re starting to see some of the consequences of COVID-19. Thousands of people are sick, and over a hundred have died. Workplaces and even entire industries are shut down. But just a few days ago, Trump and Republicans in Congress mostly seemed to be downplaying the threat. Many were encouraging people to go to restaurants, churches, and other public spaces. Meanwhile, Richard Burr was actually privately warning a small group of donors at a Capitol Hill luncheon of the imminent dangers of the virus, comparing it to the 1918-19 flu epidemic that killed thousands of people. But despite these known dangers, Burr did not warn his constituents or the general public, implicitly allowing transmission of the virus to continue unabated. It’s a horribly irresponsible and hypocritical action, and he needs to be called out on it. We have a tweet and a call script you can use to call out Burr for not taking the health and safety of his constituents seriously.

Both Burr and Tillis also voted against an amendment to the Coronavirus emergency bill that would have expanded paid emergency sick leave to millions of Americans. Call Tillis, too.

Details:
http://pulse.ncpolicywatch.org/2020/03/19/breaking-secret-recording-shows-senator-burr-warning-private-audience-three-weeks-ago-about-coronavirus/


More details:
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/03/19/here-are-51-republican-senators-who-just-voted-against-expanding-paid-sick-leave-all?fbclid=IwAR14MItZR5b4YyqDVSdQ9iJEHsPbEqscv9_lLu-665bpcpuH9PP9jCRdoS8

Tweet:
.@SenatorBurr why did you only warn private audiences/big donors about COVID19 3 weeks ago.  Are you not the Senator for all of NC constituents?  Why don't you resign now Mr. Burr?

Script:
Hello, I am a constituent from zip code __________ and I am calling to ask why Senator Burr thought it was appropriate to warn a private audience of big donors on Capitol Hill about the dangers of the Coronavirus but didn’t bother to issue the same warnings to his constituents? There was a lot of misinformation circulating about the virus just a few days ago, and Senator Burr could have made a huge difference by speaking out publicly about the risks associated with COVID-19. Senator Burr also voted AGAINST paid emergency medical leave, a vote that will endanger millions of Americans. This is such irresponsible behavior that I think that Senator Burr should resign immediately. Thank you for taking my call.

Richard Burr DC: (202) 224-3154

Tillis script:
Hello, I am a constituent from zip code __________ and I am calling to ask why Senator Tillis thought it was a good idea to vote against an amendment to the Coronavirus emergency bill that would have guaranteed two weeks of paid sick leave as well as 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave to all U.S. employees and independent contractors. This vote will put people at risk and will lead many into financial difficulties. Tillis needs to take decisive action that will ensure the safety and financial well-being of all of his constituents. Thank you.

Thom Tillis: DC: (202) 224-6342