July 2020 Washington Letter

Federal Government

August Recess

With US Senators and Representatives heading home for August Recess, now is the perfect time to reach out to them. During the month, elected officials go home to meet with their constituents and work on local interests. It’s the perfect time to connect with your Members of Congress, discuss current issues of importance to the legal profession, or even follow up on correspondence from ABA Day.

Federal Government

Unpaid Court Fees and Fines

Matt Holland works the night shift at Denny’s, where he is picked up at 1:00am by his wife and two children – ages six and eight. Before Denny’s, Matt enjoyed working as a plumber where he earned more money and worked normal hours. However, being a plumber required him to drive to his jobs, which he can’t do anymore. Matt is one of nearly 11 million people across the country whose license has been suspended as a result of unpaid court fees and fines, often for reasons completely unrelated to driving offenses.

Federal Government

U.S Begins Pullout from World Health Organization

On July 6, 2020, the United States notified the United Nations (U.N.) Secretary General that it intends to formally withdraw as a member of the World Health Organization (WHO), thereby starting the one-year notice requirement before the withdrawal becomes effective in July 2021. President Trump intends to complete this process if he is reelected this fall “unless they get their act together”, but former Vice President Biden said he would reverse that decision on his first day in office if he is elected.

Bias & Discrimination

Voting in an Era of Crisis

by Jason A. Abel

With the November election approaching, it is vital to understand the challenges that we face as a nation. We should also understand the options lawmakers are considering to ensure that eligible voters are able to vote.