An accelerated modernization of our government could very well represent one of the few lasting, positive outcomes of this crisis, and Engage is positioned to help.
Originally published April 20th, 2020 in The Hill
COVID-19 is disrupting most industries and completely decimating others.
It’s also reshaping politics. Elected officials have been forced to cancel the constituent meetings and town halls that typically fill their calendars while home — and special-interest groups have been forced to cancel their fly-ins and meet-and-greets in the nation’s capital.
Early in my career, I worked as a legislative aide to a member of Congress from Florida. At our in-district events, the typical attendee was over 65. The notion of gathering a large group of seniors together at any point in the near future seems fantastical — if not criminal.
Fortunately, Congress is well-prepared to interact with constituents virtually.
Since the early 2000s, legislators have been forced to adapt rapidly as letters and phone calls transitioned to emails and tweets. This effort went into overdrive during both Nancy Pelosi and John Boehner’s tenures as Speaker, as they encouraged offices to embrace digital media and social networks.
Congress is also prepared to ensure democracy can continue during a pandemic. But thus far, lawmakers seem unwilling to do so. From virtual town halls to remote voting on must-pass legislation, the technology to help lawmakers do their jobs from home exists — but isn’t being embraced.
With a pandemic raging, lawmakers must embrace the digital tools needed to ensure democracy continues — and remains participatory, transparent and responsive.
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