FutureNowUSA

Second, while we need to be vigilant about responding to the urgent challenge of arresting the spread of COVID-19 right now, we also must not take our eye off the ball of systemic change.

We know how self-interested special interests swoop in at a moment like this to reset the playing field in their favor. This time must be different.

This crisis, and all of the weaknesses and failures it lays bare, must be the beginning of something better. That will only happen if we focus on the immediate, the mid-term, and the long-term all at once.

Third, we know well that the lies, incompetence, and blatant self-interest we have seen from the president are not unique to him. His brand of politics is so potent and toxic because state capitals have been incubating this type of “leadership” for decades.

We will never defeat it unless our state governments are cured.

Finally, our team remains committed to this work because there are a whole lot of lives that are going to be profoundly impacted by state lawmakers in the coming days, weeks, and months.

From informing constituents so they stay healthy; to passing emergency benefits to keep people housed, fed, and in business; to rebuilding a dramatically altered economy, we cannot simply pray until Washington, DC acts.