The Trump administration wants to zero out funding for coronavirus testing, even as cases continue to spike, and the death toll grows. Tell your senators to demand that funding for testing be included in the next stimulus bill.
The Trump administration wants to zero out funding for coronavirus testing, even as cases continue to spike, and the death toll grows. Tell your senators to demand that funding for testing be included in the next stimulus bill.
COVID-19
Shut down, start over, do it right
Few people living today remember what it was like to live through a world war, but that’s what we’re in, and we’re going to have to sacrifice if we want to save ourselves and each other. Just as the greatest generation did, we need to step up to what history has delivered.
Solid Waste
Apple slowly expands Independent Repair Provider Program
Apple has announced it will add more than 140 companies to its independent repair program, which will allow them to purchase Apple parts and tools. While a welcome step in the right direction, more needs to be done to ensure consumers truly have the right to repair.
Democracy
CDC guidelines offer roadmap to the safest elections for the most voters
Updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention serve to limit crowding at polling places and call for expanded voting options, including vote-by-mail ballots and opportunities for voting beyond Election Day.
Black Lives Matter.
Along with other groups in the Public Interest Network, we are making contributions to local community groups working to eradicate racism, reduce gun violence, heal communities, and/or achieve fair, effective public safety programs and criminal justice systems.
We can't do it without you.
U.S. PIRG is your advocate for the public interest, speaking out for healthier, safer, more secure lives for all of us.
News & Research
Blog Post
U.S. PIRG and its state affiliates are working to make sure every eligible American voter has the ability to participate in democracy, even during a pandemic. We’re calling on states to start preparing now to ensure safe elections in November, including emergency expansion of vote by mail, sanitized and socially-distant polling places and other measures. This weekly update highlights the work we’re doing on the COVID-19 voting front, and other important developments in the news.
News Release | U.S. PIRG
A new study that tested for PFAS in food containers from six restaurant chains found that, out of 29 unique samples, 14 tested above the screening level for fluorine, suggesting PFAS treatment.
News Release
New Senate Right to Repair bill to reduce barriers to fixing medical equipment including ventilators
Sen. Ron Wyden (OR) introduced the Critical Medical Infrastructure Right-to-Repair Act in an online press conference with U.S. PIRG on Thursday. The bill would remove manufacturer-imposed barriers to fixing medical equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing much-needed help to biomedical repair technicians (also known as biomeds).
News Release | U.S. PIRG
The U.S. House passed a major climate-focused appropriations bill today that moves the country forward on clean energy and transportation.
Blog Post
U.S. PIRG and its state affiliates are working to ensure that every eligible American voter has the ability to participate in democracy, even during a pandemic. We’re calling on states to start preparing now to ensure safe elections in November, including emergency expansion of vote by mail, sanitized and socially-distant polling places and other measures. This weekly update highlights the work we’re doing on the COVID-19 voting front, and other important developments in the news.
RESOURCE
Coronavirus update
In the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, we’ve taken steps for all of our staff to work remotely for safety reasons. But rest assured, we’ll keep advocating for you as we work for a healthier, safer world.
Learn more about how we can work together to address the COVID-19 pandemic.