Category: Advocate

In celebrating Earth Day and Earth Week, the Biden Administration hosted a virtual climate summit for 40 world leaders. The President announced a commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 50-52% below 2005 levels by 2030. The summit is also an opportunity for the Administration to highlight its all of government approach to the climate crisis, including not only the heads of environmental agencies but also officials like the secretary of defense and the director of national intelligence. Prior to the summit, Secretary of the Treasury, Janet Yellen announced the creation of a “Climate Hub” that will would "coordinate and enhance" work to "facilitate and unlock" financing for climate-friendly investments; make environmental justice central to Treasury's efforts; work to mitigate climate-related risks to the financial system; and more.

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In his first budget outline since taking office, President Biden is proposing a $1.52 spending proposal for fiscal year 2022 (FY22), which begins on October 1, 2021. The outline, also referred to as a “skinny” proposal is a precursor to a more detailed request in the months ahead. The budget is a spending outline that provides the top-line dollar amount for the administrative agencies (e.g. Department of Labor, Department of Education), to spend. The Appropriations Committee in the House and Senate now have to agree on how to spend the money as they appropriate funds to specific programs within each agency over the next several weeks. While Congress does not have to accept any portion of the request, the outline does provide insights into the priority areas for the Administration. Public health, the economy, employment, racial equity, and climate action are among the drivers in the proposal. 

READ MORE from Biden Budget Proposal Increases Funding for Workforce and Education

President Joe Biden recently issued a proclamation marking April as Second Chance Month, a time to raise awareness of the challenges facing people with criminal backgrounds and to spotlight the important work being done by community-based organizations like Goodwill® to empower second chance individuals to achieve career and life success.

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Following the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act, the Biden Administration has turned to other economic recovery measures with the unveiling of the American Jobs Plan. While a long way from actually becoming law, the $2.25 trillion proposal focuses on transportation, caregiving, manufacturing, housing, schools, water, broadband, and the power grid. A second package, planned for release in the coming weeks, could top $1 trillion and expand social policies.

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While celebrating the contributions made by women to all fabrics of life during Women’s History Month, it is troubling to do so at a time when the historic gains that women have made in the workforce are becoming history. Prior to the pandemic, unemployment rates for women and men were fairly equal.  However, as the virus raged on, and schools and businesses closed, there was a disparate impact on women in the workforce. According to the National Women’s Law Center, female workforce participation has already dropped to 57%—the lowest level since 1988.

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Access to high-quality credentialing opportunities and continued education and training beyond high school have become essential pathways to the middle class and rewarding careers for most Americans. This comes at a time when the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have left millions of displaced workers who need to reskill to reenter a rapidly changing workforce. And for many low-income students, the ongoing crisis of affordability has created high barriers to postsecondary enrollment and completion in traditional higher education.

READ MORE from A Higher Education Bill that’s Focused on JOBS

The American Rescue Plan Act has passed the House and Senate, and at the time of this writing is awaiting the President’s signature. The $1.9 trillion bill includes economic stimulus funding, expansion of support for child care, rental assistance, food security, paid leave incentives, education, vaccines, and is expected to cut child poverty nearly in half. The bill also includes several provisions of importance to the charitable nonprofit sector, including local Goodwill organizations. 

READ MORE from A Time for Reflection and Celebration

At the time of this writing, the Senate is getting ready to debate their version of the American Rescue Plan. Join us in contacting your Senators to protect the provisions that will provide the most important types of #Relief4Charities.

READ MORE from Final Push for the American Rescue Plan #Relief4Charities

For those who closely follow politics or enjoy geeking out on House and Senate rules of procedure, this has been an exciting week as we have been waiting on the Parliamentarian to issue a ruling on what items can stay in the reconciliation bill. For the majority of the country, this was another week where people are struggling to make ends meet under the stress of a pandemic and in the wake of more weather-related disasters. The good news is that Congress has taken another step in moving a bill forward which could provide much needed support to nonprofits like Goodwill® and the communities we serve.

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While Congress continues to move the next COVID-19 package, dubbed the American Rescue Plan, through the reconciliation process, the Administration is using executive actions to continue to mitigate the impact of the pandemic.

READ MORE from Congress Moves to Advance American Rescue Plan while White House Focuses on Recovery

It has been a busy week in Congress. While the Senate has been focused on the impeachment trial, a Senate Committee also advanced President Biden’s nominees for Secretary of Labor, Mayor Marty Walsh, and Secretary of Education, Dr. Miguel Cardona. It is expected that their nominations will be taken up on the Senate floor soon after they return from recess the week of February 20. 

READ MORE from Reconciliation Needs to Reconcile #Relief4Charities Issues

Office closures and social distancing has not stopped Congress from their ability to conduct their business, nor should it preclude advocates from being able to engage with lawmakers and staff. In fact, it’s more important now that constituents be able to contact elected officials and share the impact that the pandemic is having on individuals, families, communities and employers. Check out these helpful tips on conducting remote advocacy.

READ MORE from Advocacy in the Time of Coronavirus