Federal news
S.2163 Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Act [became Public Law 116-156 on 8/14/2020]
Establishes the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys within the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Office of the Staff Director to conduct a systematic study of the conditions affecting Black men and boys. This includes education, justice and Civil Rights, healthcare, labor and employment, and housing.
S.3607 Safeguarding America’s First Responders Act of 2020 [became Public Law 116-157 on 8/14/2020]
Extends death and disability benefits under the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program (PSOB) to public safety officers and survivors of public safety officers who die or become injured as a result of COVID-19. The PSOB program provides death, disability, and education benefits to public safety officers and survivors of public safety officers who are killed or injured in the line of duty.
State News
“Virus deaths, positivity rate spike amid low reported testing output” – available here [The State Journal-Register, 9/1/20] – This article summarizes recent numbers, gives information on areas under increased mitigation, and discusses the reasons for reporting backlogs.
Also a reminder that the State Journal Register has an Under the Dome podcast that covers a variety of legislative topics.