For 332 members of the House of Representatives, certain imperatives drove their votes to pass a two-year budget: undo at least some of the impending cuts, and prevent the government from shutting down again on January 15. They got that. Republicans were able to say they did it without raising taxes, and that the end result would be to reduce the deficit some more. Democrats could point to preventing cuts to programs like Social Security, Medicaid, or SNAP/food stamps. Read More »
The Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program authorized by Congress in 2008 has provided crucial support to the economy and to millions of Americans who lost jobs through no fault of their own. Under current law, EUC will end on December 28, 20131. This report argues that allowing EUC to expire would be harmful to millions of workers and their families Read More »
Leaders of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees are reportedly close to a deal on a farm bill they hope to have ready for Conference Committee consideration in early January followed by floor votes. The bill reauthorizes nutrition programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and agriculture programs for five years. Read More »
Click on your state to get a progress report on cutting poverty in half in ten years. You can also browse by issues and indicators. Read More »
The number of people out of work for more than six months rose in November – it was higher than in September or October. Despite that, House Budget Committee Chair Paul Ryan (R-WI) refused to include the renewal of the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program in the Bipartisan Budget Act. This federally funded unemployment insurance for the long-term jobless who exhaust their state benefits will expire on December 28. Between Christmas and New Year’s, 1.3 million people will lose benefits, which average $260 per week. Read More »
Federal policymakers are considering options for reforming the tax code, including scaling back or eliminating credits, deductions, and exemptions. We explain the basics of these subsidies, known as tax expenditures, in a new backgrounder. Read More »
The report provides the first ever comprehensive snapshot of austerity’s impact across sectors—education, job training, public health, safety and security, housing, science, natural resources, infrastructure, and international affairs. It features more than 40 distinct stories of individuals living with federal budget cuts in 22 states, nationwide, and even overseas. Read More »
A community of low-income families, service providers, and other community leaders working to expand economic opportunity for all through the power of their personal stories.
“Head Start is the reason my daughter is alive. The reason my family is intact. The reason I can still smile at my daughter’s beautiful face each morning.” -Amanda
VISIT THE OAS WEBSITE TO READ ALL OF THE STORIES AND ADD YOUR OWN
Strengthening America's Values & Economy for AllProtecting important services from harmful budget cuts & save the federal capacity to spur economic recovery and progress for the benefit of all.
Latest Edition: December 16, 2013
Read articles from the December 16th edition, including pieces on the recent budget deal, unemployment insurance, and SNAP. Read More »
