• Congressman Kennedy calls for direct cash payments as White House pauses stimulus talks
  • Trump calls for country’s reopening; predicts successful vaccine by end of 2020
  • Baker releases COVID-19 boating guidelines
  • Northeast Governors are working together to buy medical supplies
  • MA Health Connector sees spike in membership
  • Governor Baker requires facemasks worn in public; calls it common sense
  • Monday’s Silver Lining: Some Good News threw the Class of 2020 a graduation

 

  1. Congressman Joe Kennedy names the disconnect between the White House and families and is renewing his call for additional direct cash payments in the next stimulus package. Kennedy is proposing $4,000 to adults making less than $100,000 a year and $2,000 per child while families making over $100,000 will receive $2,000 and $1,000 per child. Over the weekend, White House chief economic advisor Larry Kudlow said the Trump administration has paused further COIVID-19 economic stimulus discussions.

 

  1. President Trump is calling for America to “get back open safely but as quick as possible,” saying in a live Town Hall this weekend that “we have to reopen our country.” Public health experts believe the country cannot open safely until a vaccine is fully developed and say that is one year to 18 months away from happening.

 

  1. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs released guidelines for boating and other water related activities for the duration of Governor Baker’s stay-at-home advisory. The guidelines emphasize social distancing and require that only people from the same household be together on a boat. Tying boats together is prohibited, as is hiring chartered boats. Cape Cod’s charter fishing industry worry this ban will decimate business, ultimately leading to a shutdown of the entire fishing industry.

 

  1. Governor Baker is joining with his counterparts of seven northeast states to purchase medical equipment in the hopes to avoid panic for supplies if COVID-19 returns this fall. The northeast consortium of Governors includes Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York, Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Governor Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island, Governor Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania and Delaware Governor John Carey.

 

  1. The Health Connector has extended a special enrollment period until May 25th for anyone who has lost their job and insurance. The state health insurance exchange has seen a surge in new memberships since the onset of COVID-19 with more than 45,000 new applicants many of which have lost their jobs and along with them, their employer sponsored health insurance. So far, 20,000 applicants have successfully enrolled through the online portal.

 

  1. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Governor Baker signed an executive order that takes effect on Wednesday, May 6th, requiring residents of Massachusetts age 2 and over to wear masks or face coverings in public; those violating the order could face a $300 fine. Calling it common sense, Gov. Baker said enforcement will be left up to cities and towns. Several communities have already enacted their own orders requiring residents to wear face masks like the Town of Winthrop where the fine for violating the order is $1,000.

 

  1. CARPE DIEM: Some Good News was back this weekend with the latest episode dedicated to the class of 2020. Commencement speaker duties were shared between Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Malala Yousafzai and Jon Stewart. Change your tassel and throw that virtual hat!