This column is not meant to depress anyone. Instead, this column is meant to inspire everyone who reads it.
Having said that, it is important to see clearly the reality before us. The reality is that the shadow of Epstein continues and with that shadow comes efforts to further harm registrants and their families.
For example, federal legislators have introduced bills that if passed would prohibit many registrants from receiving their hard-earned federal pensions (S. 4447) and Medicaid benefits (HR 7453) as well as protection in federal shelters (HR 7624).
And California legislators have introduced a bill (AB 1568) that could block many registrants who are otherwise eligible from petitioning for removal from the registry.
These are difficult times. Yet we must remember that it’s always darkest before the dawn.
The fact is that although these bills have been introduced, they may not be passed or even if they are passed, they may be vetoed.
It is tempting to do nothing. To hide and hope for the best. That is always an option, however, doing so could result in feeling helpless or worse.
Another option to consider is to take action. To make phone calls as well as to send email messages and/or letters. Doing so will help remove the shadow of Epstein, to bring light to both registrants and their families.
Please take action today by calling the offices of at least one legislator below to voice your opposition to these bill(s). The names below are the names of those who have authored the bills. Just say you want to comment on a bill, tell them the bill number (such as S4447), and say you would like [legislator name] to oppose it also.
S4447 (Federal pensions) – Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, New York – (202) 224-4451
HR7453 (Medicaid) – Congressional member Greg Staube, Florida – (202) 225-5792
HR7624 (Federal shelters) – Congressional member Nancy Mace, South Carolina – (202) 225-3176
AB1568 – Assembly member Juan Alanis – (916) 319-2022