Public Policy
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from public policy organizations whose goal it is to influence the debate Washington.
Featured Stories
Sanford Health Chiropractor: 'Don't Ignore Your Pain'
SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota, July 4 -- Sanford Health issued the following news:
During the height of COVID-19 restrictions, chiropractic care felt the impacts of COVID-19 as fewer patients came in for regular services.
David Galloway, D.C., is a chiropractor at Sanford Health in Bagley and Bemidji, Minnesota, and specializes in treating musculoskeletal, joint and soft tissue disorders.
"Although chiropractic services were deemed essential, Minnesota and national associations recommended only seeing patients for acute or urgent care needs," Dr. Galloway told Sanford Health News. "We initially
... Show Full Article
SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota, July 4 -- Sanford Health issued the following news:
During the height of COVID-19 restrictions, chiropractic care felt the impacts of COVID-19 as fewer patients came in for regular services.
David Galloway, D.C., is a chiropractor at Sanford Health in Bagley and Bemidji, Minnesota, and specializes in treating musculoskeletal, joint and soft tissue disorders.
"Although chiropractic services were deemed essential, Minnesota and national associations recommended only seeing patients for acute or urgent care needs," Dr. Galloway told Sanford Health News. "We initiallysaw a large drop and that was hard because you worry about your patients. We're here to take care of them."
As the restrictions are slowly lifted, he says the clinic is starting to see patients return for acute, chronic or any wellness-type care.
Continue your chiropractic care
"It's important for patients to continue to come in for a care for a few different reasons," Dr. Galloway said. "The main one is we don't want small problems turning into bigger problems."
Sometimes conditions that were once maintained under control, he says, can worsen over time and progress is lost. Pain and other symptoms can often be associated with an underlying medical condition including heart problems, nervous system conditions or cancer.
"If we left those problems untreated, they become more serious," he said.
It's safe to seek care, Dr. Galloway says, and it continues to be their No. 1 priority.
"All staff are having their temperatures checked daily while they are screened for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 before they enter the building," he said. "Face masks are strongly encouraged and if you don't have one, we will provide them."
Remember wellness at home
While we're at home most of the time, Dr. Galloway says it's important to stay in tune with your wellness now more than ever.
"I'm encouraging my patients to eat a healthy diet. Now, you might be spending more time at home than ever before. Try some new recipes. Plant a garden. Physical activity is also big priority. Get out for a walk, ride a bike, exploring the parks and trails nearby."
To continue your chiropractic care, visit sanfordhealth.org, schedule through My Sanford Chart, or contact the Sanford Bemidji Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center or the Sanford Bagley Clinic.
Read more
* Chiropractors work with physicians to reduce patient pain (https://news.sanfordhealth.org/healthy-living/chiropractors-work-with-physicians-to-reduce-patient-pain/).
* Your health matters: Don't delay your care or screenings (https://news.sanfordhealth.org/healthy-living/catch-up-on-wellness-exam/).
* What to expect at the chiropractor (http://sanfordhealth.staywellsolutionsonline.com/Search/85,P00177).
[Category: Health Care]
Freedom House: Russia: Constitutional Vote Shamelessly Co-Opts the People Will
WASHINGTON, July 4 -- Freedom House issued the following statement by Marc Behrendt, director of Europe and Eurasia programs:
In response to the results of Russia's constitutional referendum, Freedom House issued the following statement.
* * *
"Russia's recent constitutional vote was merely a public relations stunt by the Kremlin to make it appear as though the Russian people support entrenching authoritarianism.
"The Kremlin mobilized the public to vote on an issue that had already been decided by the parliament, asking the voters to endorse 200 constitutional changes, about which they had
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 4 -- Freedom House issued the following statement by Marc Behrendt, director of Europe and Eurasia programs:
In response to the results of Russia's constitutional referendum, Freedom House issued the following statement.
* * *
"Russia's recent constitutional vote was merely a public relations stunt by the Kremlin to make it appear as though the Russian people support entrenching authoritarianism.
"The Kremlin mobilized the public to vote on an issue that had already been decided by the parliament, asking the voters to endorse 200 constitutional changes, about which they hadno means of making an informed decision.
"These changes consolidate authoritarian control and enable President Vladimir Putin to stay in power by resetting term limits.
"Once again, the Russian people have been denied the chance to impact the future direction of their country."
Background:
On January 15, in an annual address to parliament, Putin proposed amending the constitution, including extending the official presidential term limit, allowing himself to continue running for president for two additional six-year terms, thereby allowing Putin retain power through 2036. Parliament approved the proposed amendments in March. The public vote on the already approved constitutional changes was rescheduled from April 22 to July 1, due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in Russia, with early voting starting June 25.
[Category: International]
Council on American-Islamic Relations to Join Macedonia Baptist Church, Community Partners in Calling for Building Moratorium at Historic African Burial Ground in Maryland
BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 4 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations issued the following news release:
On Monday, July 6, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) will join Macedonia Baptist Church and community partners at a news conference in Bethesda, Md., to call for a building moratorium that would halt construction at the site of a historic African burial ground in that city.
News conference participants will urge local government to return that property to the church for proper maintenance and caretaking.
WHAT: News Conference Calling for Building Moratorium at African Burial
... Show Full Article
BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 4 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations issued the following news release:
On Monday, July 6, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) will join Macedonia Baptist Church and community partners at a news conference in Bethesda, Md., to call for a building moratorium that would halt construction at the site of a historic African burial ground in that city.
News conference participants will urge local government to return that property to the church for proper maintenance and caretaking.
WHAT: News Conference Calling for Building Moratorium at African BurialGround in Bethesda
WHEN: Monday, July 6, 11 a.m. ET
WHERE: Outside Macedonia Baptist Church, 5119 River Road, Bethesda, Maryland
CONTACT: Marsha Coleman Adebayo 240-731-9577 nofearcoalition@aol.com; CAIR Office in Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062
BACKGROUND:
A storage company has begun construction in Bethesda, Md., on top of a historic burial ground where bodies of enslaved Africans, the first generation of freed enslaved Africans in Bethesda, and their descendants have been interned. Communities of faith are calling on the Montgomery County government to immediately place a building moratorium on Bethesda Self Storage company to halt construction, and to allow renowned anthropologist Dr. Michael Blakey, who is an expert on African Burial sites, to lead a forensic analysis of Moses Cemetery.
Dr. Blakey will be joining the news conference, and he has concluded based on his examination of photographs that there is a possibility of human remains and funerary objects being disturbed by the digging operation. This news conference will adhere to social distancing guidelines and masks are required.
CAIR's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
[Category: International]
Common Cause: Senate Republicans Kill Measure to Require Reporting of Foreign Election Assistance Offers
WASHINGTON, July 4 -- Common Cause issued the following statement on July 1 by President Karen Hobert Flynn:
Yesterday, Senate Republicans removed a measure from the intelligence bill that would have required presidential campaigns to report attempts or offers of foreign election interference to federal authorities and then defended President Trump's excuses and refusal to act on U.S. intelligence reports that Russia has been paying bounties to Taliban militants to kill U.S. Troops. The so called "Duty to report" provision on foreign election interference, was passed by the Senate Intelligence
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 4 -- Common Cause issued the following statement on July 1 by President Karen Hobert Flynn:
Yesterday, Senate Republicans removed a measure from the intelligence bill that would have required presidential campaigns to report attempts or offers of foreign election interference to federal authorities and then defended President Trump's excuses and refusal to act on U.S. intelligence reports that Russia has been paying bounties to Taliban militants to kill U.S. Troops. The so called "Duty to report" provision on foreign election interference, was passed by the Senate IntelligenceCommittee with bipartisan support in June but was removed from the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) currently before the full Senate.
Congressional Republicans' knee-jerk defense of President Trump has reached new depths as they blindly defend his every action - even as it concerns foreign intervention in our elections and bounties on U.S. troops in Afghanistan. It is imperative that every Member of Congress take these threats seriously.
Congress must delay its scheduled recess and immediately convene hearings on the intelligence reports of Russia paying bounties to kill U.S. military personnel and the lack of any response from the Trump administration except for denials and finger pointing. U.S. lives are at stake in a combat zone and the President refuses to take steps to protect them. Congress can delay or even skip its recess altogether to address the threat to national security and to American lives. Members owe at least that much to our soldiers in the field.
And today as the Senate considers the NDAA, the Intelligence Committee's "Duty to Report" provision should be voted on by the full body as an amendment. Americans deserve to know where their Senators stand on foreign interference in our elections.
[Category: Political]
Amnesty International: Turkey - Court Deals Crushing Blow for Human Rights and for Justice as Four Activists Convicted
LONDON, England, July 4 -- Amnesty International issued the following statement on July 3 by Turkey Researcher Andrew Gardner:
Following a majority court ruling to convict Taner Kilic for 'membership of the Fethullah Gulen terrorist organization' and to convict Ozlem Dalkiran, Idil Eser and Gunal Kursun for 'assisting the Fethullah Gulen terrorist organization'.
* * *
"Today, we have borne witness to a travesty of justice of spectacular proportions. This verdict is a crushing blow not only for Taner, Ozlem, Idil and Gunal and their families but for everyone who believes in justice, and human
... Show Full Article
LONDON, England, July 4 -- Amnesty International issued the following statement on July 3 by Turkey Researcher Andrew Gardner:
Following a majority court ruling to convict Taner Kilic for 'membership of the Fethullah Gulen terrorist organization' and to convict Ozlem Dalkiran, Idil Eser and Gunal Kursun for 'assisting the Fethullah Gulen terrorist organization'.
* * *
"Today, we have borne witness to a travesty of justice of spectacular proportions. This verdict is a crushing blow not only for Taner, Ozlem, Idil and Gunal and their families but for everyone who believes in justice, and humanrights activism in Turkey and beyond.
"The decision of the court is staggering. During 12 court hearings, each and every allegation has been comprehensively exposed as a baseless slur. The court's verdict defies logic and exposes this three-year trial as the politically motivated attempt to silence independent voices it was from day one."
"This case has been a litmus test for the Turkish justice system. As such, it is tragic to see the part it has played and continues to play in criminalizing the act of standing up for human rights. We will continue to stand with our friends and colleagues as they appeal these shameful verdicts."
Taner was sentenced for 6 years and 3 months.
Idil, Ozlem and Gunal were all convicted for 25 months for assisting a terrorist organisation. There have been NO DETENTION ORDERS for any of the four convicted. The four of them will not be imprisoned pending their appeals. The appeals process could take years.
[Category: International]
American Immigration Council: ICE Unlawfully Detains Immigrant Youth: Federal Court Ruling
WASHINGTON, July 4 -- The American Immigration Council issued the following news release:
A federal court has ruled that the failure of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to consider less restrictive settings before transferring unaccompanied immigrant youth to ICE detention on their 18th birthdays violates U.S. immigration laws.
The ruling in Garcia Ramirez et al. v. ICE was the result of more than two years of litigation in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia by the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) and Kirkland & Ellis LLP, culminating in an 18-day
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 4 -- The American Immigration Council issued the following news release:
A federal court has ruled that the failure of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to consider less restrictive settings before transferring unaccompanied immigrant youth to ICE detention on their 18th birthdays violates U.S. immigration laws.
The ruling in Garcia Ramirez et al. v. ICE was the result of more than two years of litigation in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia by the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) and Kirkland & Ellis LLP, culminating in an 18-daybench trial in which the plaintiffs presented testimony from over 20 witnesses. The lawsuit challenged ICE's practice of transferring unaccompanied minors who turn 18 years old to adult custody in the agency's contracted jails and prisons, without considering less-restrictive placements, like releasing them to family members or youth shelters. In many cases, youth were sent to ICE detention even if they had sponsors waiting to take them in.
In its ruling, the district court found that the U.S. government routinely and systematically fails to adhere to the statutory provisions that require them to consider placement in the least restrictive setting available, and to provide meaningful alternatives to detention as required by amendments to the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA). The court stated it will issue an order directing ICE on how to remedy these violations in the near future.
"We were pleased to see that the district court upheld the law and is holding the government agency accountable to apply the law correctly," said Mary Meg McCarthy, executive director of NIJC.
Data obtained over the course of the lawsuit showed that within months of the federal court certifying the national class action in August 2018, the rate at which ICE transferred 18-year-olds to adult detention centers dropped by half -- from 83% at its highest point to about 35%. Decisions about whether youth would be sent to ICE custody or placed in a less-restrictive setting largely depended on which ICE field office was making the decision. No data has been shared in recent months, however, during which the Trump administration has used the COVID-19 pandemic to delay the release of unaccompanied children from Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) custody. Advocates worry that more children are again reaching their 18th birthdays in ORR custody, only to be transferred to ICE detention.
Attorneys in the case responded to the court's ruling:
"This is a great victory for thousands of current and future unaccompanied immigrant children who turned 18 in government custody. We could not be happier with the court's thorough and well-reasoned decision," said Kirkland lawyer Steve Patton, who was lead counsel pro bono on this case. "At bottom, this case was about the rule of law. In 2013, Congress enacted a statute requiring that ICE shall consider placement of unaccompanied teenagers in the least restrictive setting available, and that ICE shall make available to them alternatives to adult detention. Our suit asked the court to enforce these statutory directives, and it did exactly that."
"We're ecstatic that the court is holding ICE accountable for failing these children, and is insisting on oversight that we hope will prevent more youth from unnecessarily being subject to the abusive ICE detention system when they turn 18," said Kate Melloy Goettel, legal director, litigation at the American Immigration Council, who litigated the case as an attorney at the National Immigrant Justice Center. "Based on ICE's own data and testimony, we proved at trial that ICE field offices were automatically sending kids to ICE jail without even considering safer and more appropriate options."
"Today's decision affirms that unaccompanied immigrant children are a uniquely vulnerable group that Congress sought to protect," said Gianna Borroto, senior attorney at NIJC and co-counsel in the case. "As the court recognized, ICE's practice of systematically jailing children on their 18th birthday violates these important protections under the law."
The case's lead plaintiffs are Wilmer Garcia Ramirez, who fled to the United States alone in 2017 when he was 17 years old to escape forced labor, and Sulma Hernandez Alfaro, who fled to the United States as a minor to seek asylum. In the United States, Wilmer was placed into ORR custody, where he applied for a special visa for immigrant children. Later that year, when Wilmer turned 18, ICE took him into custody and sent him to the Eloy Detention Center in Arizona for eight months, even though a family friend was willing to sponsor him upon his release. Similarly, Sulma was initially placed into ORR custody upon her arrival to the United States but was transferred to an ICE detention center upon turning 18, even though a group shelter was willing to accept her.
[Category: Government/Public Administration]
ACLU Challenges City Order Suppressing Confederate Monument Protests
RALEIGH, North Carolina, July 4 -- The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina issued the following news release:
The American Civil Liberties Union together with a coalition of civil rights groups filed an emergency lawsuit against the city of Graham, North Carolina, seeking to immediately block a city ordinance that the government is using to suppress protests against racism, police brutality, and white supremacy. The city has most recently used the ordinance to quash protests against the city's only Confederate monument.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the NAACP Alamance chapter
... Show Full Article
RALEIGH, North Carolina, July 4 -- The American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina issued the following news release:
The American Civil Liberties Union together with a coalition of civil rights groups filed an emergency lawsuit against the city of Graham, North Carolina, seeking to immediately block a city ordinance that the government is using to suppress protests against racism, police brutality, and white supremacy. The city has most recently used the ordinance to quash protests against the city's only Confederate monument.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the NAACP Alamance chapterand individual protesters.
"I sought to gather with others to express support for Black lives, advocate for the removal of the monument, and for equally representative government, and I was denied that right," said Colleen Tenae Turner, a plaintiff. "It sends a clear message that racist monuments are valued more highly than Black lives and our constitutional rights."
The ordinance, which mirrors a law the U.S. Supreme Court struck down more than 50 years ago, is one of the most speech-restrictive laws nationwide. It makes it illegal for two people to be outside together, and even one person to walk alone, without a permit for the purposes of protesting or "making known any position or thought."
The civil rights groups argue that the ordinance violates the First Amendment and gives the government sweeping discretion to suppress speech based on its content -- including on the basis of how listeners are likely to respond.
"This ordinance is a sweeping bar to the rights of people to freely assemble and protest in Graham. People have a constitutional right to gather and voice their concerns in public areas without fear of arrest, harassment, or intimidation from law enforcement," said Kristi Graunke, Legal Director with the ACLU of North Carolina. "It is appalling that Alamance County officials would trample on the First Amendment rights of their own constituents for the sake of a monument to white supremacy."
The ACLU has filed multiple lawsuits across the country in response to unconstitutional law enforcement attacks on journalists and protesters, including suing President Trump and other administration officials for the firing of tear gas on protesters outside the White House on June 1.
"Any mayor, police chief, or governor who imposes such draconian restrictions on the right to protest should understand that they will be sued," said Vera Eidelman, staff attorney with the ACLU's Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project. "The ACLU will hold accountable any government actor who violates the First Amendment."
The lawsuit was filed by the ACLU, the ACLU of North Carolina, the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Scott Holmes and the Lockamy Law Firm, and the Law Office of Thomas W. Cadwallader in federal court for the Middle District of North Carolina. It seeks preliminary relief blocking the city from implementing the order while the underlying First Amendment challenge proceeds.
"Peace and justice should belong to everyone, everywhere and all the time," said Barrett Brown, President of the Alamance Branch of NAACP. "The city's permit requirement and periodic protest ban violate our most fundamental rights to peacefully assemble and petition our government for redress."
"This site represents the very racist past and present these protestors want to speak out against," said Elizabeth Haddix, managing attorney at the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. "The community is trying to reckon with its own racist history in the midst of police violence against citizens across the country; at the same time, sheriff's deputies restrict the most basic rights of its citizens to protest while threatening to arrest anyone for simply wearing anti-racist clothing."
A copy of the lawsuit is here: https://www.acluofnorthcarolina.org/sites/default/files/1._complaint-_fi...
A copy of the TRO is here: https://www.acluofnorthcarolina.org/sites/default/files/2._tro_motion_-_...
[Category: Political]
