President Trump delivered his first official State of the Union (SOTU) address, although he previously spoke to a joint session of Congress in the weeks following his inauguration. While the speech did not include much substantive detail around the proposals put forth, the President did touch upon a number of specific areas of interest to Goodwill and the people we serve.
READ MORE from State of the Union Address Offers Opportunities to Advocate
Fortunately, the recent government shutdown was short-lived and had a minimal impact on federal workers. However, funding battles still continue and early signs are pointing to another government shutdown may take place following the February 8th expiration of the latest continuing resolution (or stopgap funding bill).
At the time of this writing, the government is open. By the time you read this, the government might be shutdown. The federal government is being funded through a continuing resolution until midnight on Friday, January 19th, and has been running on a series of continuing resolutions maintaining spending at 2017 levels since the previous fiscal year expired last September 30. Now Congress is debating the details over passing another continuing resolution to keep the government open for four more weeks before doing this all over again. At issue is how much to spend on defense and non-defense programs, reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), granting relief for Dreamers, and whether or not to build a wall.
This upcoming Monday, January 15, local Goodwill organizations across the country will recognize Martin Luther King (MLK) Day. This holiday celebrates the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one of America’s most prominent civil rights leaders. In addition to being a federal holiday, MLK Day is also designated as a national day of service. For many Americans MLK Day represents a "day on, not a day off," as they go into their neighborhoods and communities looking for volunteer and service opportunities.
READ MORE from Goodwill® Recognizes Martin Luther King Day: A Day of Service
A mid-term election year can be a difficult one for Congress to accomplish a lot, however the GOP leadership of the 115th Congress and the Trump Administration have an ambitious to-do list for the year ahead. Budget issues and talk of a potential government shutdown are taking center stage this week as the government is funded only through January 19th. Congressional leaders from both parties and White House officials are holding a number of key strategy meetings to try and reach an agreement.
The end of the year is always the best time to reflect on our past accomplishments and to prepare for the challenges that await us the upcoming year. As 2017 quickly draws to close, the Goodwill Industries International (GII) government relations team is grateful for the work and effort of all Goodwill advocates. Because of your advocacy efforts we have been able to share the work and mission of local Goodwill organizations across the country.
Though the latest news is changing by the hour, word this morning is that Congress will consider a short-term spending bill to avoid a government shutdown. As the budget conversation moves further down the road, we are reminded of the programs at risk – programs funding for workforce development education and training that are more of a launching pad than a safety net – programs that help millions of individuals and families become self-sufficient and realize career opportunities. Cutting these programs from the budget would leave families, seniors, people with disabilities and others without options, struggling to make ends meet and to move forward.
READ MORE from Kicking the Can, Punting the Ball, Putting it On Layaway: Congress and the Budget
For several weeks we have been keeping our advocates informed of key concerns with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act as passed in the House and Senate. Thank you to those who have taken action and have raised these issues with lawmakers. With your help, nearly 500 emails have been sent to Members of Congress in addition to a significant number of phone calls, tweets, and Facebook messages.
READ MORE from The Time is Now – Take Action to Protect Nonprofits!
The House and Senate have passed their respective versions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, both of which contain provisions that are harmful to the charitable nonprofit sector. The two distinct tax reform bills now need to be reconciled before the two chambers can hold votes on a final tax reform package. This process, known as a conference, is expected to move very quickly. If you live or work in any of these states, your voice is especially important!
Tis’ the season of giving and many people will be making contributions to their favorite charities. But did you know that they tax reform proposals pending in Congress could negatively impact those very nonprofits, including local Goodwill® organizations?
Last week, Goodwill Industries International (GII) along with organization across the country recognized National Apprenticeship Week (NAW). With over 900 events taking place across the United States, communities took the opportunity to draw attention to and recognize the important role that apprenticeships play in developing a skilled workforce.
READ MORE from Goodwill® Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week
Regardless of the outcomes, last Tuesday proved to be an exciting time for a political enthusiast. If you’re like me, you were up late into the evening trying to figure what the night’s results meant for the country moving forward. Elections indeed have consequences and results last week will prove to be consequential for thousands of people across several states and major U.S. cities.
