Even before the across-the-board sequestration took effect in FY 2013, human needs programs funded by annual appropriations were on a downward trend. From FY 2010 through FY 2014, out of a group of 131 programs of special importance to low-income and vulnerable people, 119 saw decreases after adjusting for inflation. Only 12 programs increased during that period. Read More »
It has been exactly five years this June since the Great Recession ended and the economic recovery officially began. But calling the slow pace of economic growth and anemic job creation a recovery – while technically correct – seems callous in the face of the many financial hardships millions of middle-class Americans still face. Read More »
Senate work on a “minibus” package of three appropriations bills – Agriculture, Commerce-Justice-Science, and Transportation-HUD – stalled shortly after it began. While senators voted overwhelmingly in favor (95-3) of beginning consideration of the package (H.R. 4660) on Tuesday, June 17, Majority Leader Reid (D-NV) effectively pulled the legislation from the floor on Thursday, June 19 when Republicans and Democrats failed to come to an agreement on the process for allowing and voting on amendments. Read More »
Imagine if the U.S. women’s suffragette movement had been led entirely by men, and its rank-and-file had been mostly male. The movement would surely have been far less galvanizing and assertive. American women might still be denied the vote. Read More »
Since December, 3.1 million workers and their families, including 300,000 veterans, have lost assistance after their state insurance (26 weeks in most states) ran out. Many of these families have urgent needs – some have lost their homes, had to forgo educational advancement opportunities, and are relying on other government programs or family members for food and other basic necessities. Read More »
On May 29, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI) brought to the Committee legislation (H.R. 4718) to make permanent the ‘bonus depreciation’ tax cut. Depreciation allows companies to take a tax deduction for the cost of new equipment, software, and buildings as they lose value over time; bonus depreciation allows the deduction to be taken more quickly. Read More »
President Barack Obama’s nomination of Sylvia Mathews Burwell as the next secretary of health and human services presents an opportunity to look afresh at the decision-making processes for implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Read More »
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Latest Edition: June 30, 2014
Read articles from the June 30th edition, including pieces on appropriations, unemployment insurance, and job training. Read More »
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