Category: Advocate

You may have read a post earlier this week by guest blogger Ed Bolden from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities on the startling fact that over half a million Americans are losing food assistance this year. His post notes, “Ultimately, Congress should eliminate or revise this harsh rule. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is often the last line of assistance for these individuals. It means the difference between eating and going hungry.” Now we’re asking you to urge Congress to take action!

READ MORE from Contact Congress and Help SNAP Recipients Find Work

Goodwill® has provided job training and employment services since its founding more than 100 years ago. That is the heart of what we do to help Americans get back on track in good times and bad. However, there is more to what we do than helping someone who is out of work gain the skills they need to find a job. A job is just the beginning because for a lot of us, financial skills and security are just as important, especially when times are tough.

READ MORE from Leveling the Financial Playing Field for Everyone

Each year the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program puts billions of dollars back in the pockets of low-income taxpayers nationwide. The VITA program is an IRS program designed to help low and moderate-income taxpayers complete their annual tax returns at no cost. The program was originally founded in 1971 and the concept is to provide local taxpayers with free tax return preparation by accounting students, in effort to provide both a valuable community service and a powerful hands-on learning experience for the accounting students. The program grew from a small group of dedicated accounting students to what is now a nationwide program that serves millions of taxpayers.

READ MORE from Help Hardworking Americans Receive Tax Returns on March 15

I recently read a blog, The Five Principles of Integrity in Elections where the author discusses a commitment to ethics which is needed in elections, particularly by election officials. I would suggest that the same five principles could be used by voters when picking a candidate, a position on an issue and engaging in political debate.

READ MORE from What Makes an Ethical Voter?

Anyone who has ever planned an event before is probably reminded of the Wizard of Oz quote, “Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.” The Goodwill Industries International’s (GII) public policy team is in the midst of planning our annual advocacy event, which includes a day on Capitol Hill meeting with lawmakers and staff. For our public advocates including shoppers, donors, people who have received services, and other Goodwill stakeholders – the event also includes a Virtual Advocacy Day.

READ MORE from Behind the Curtain of an Advocacy Day

As Valentine’s Day came and went all across America many of us spent the long weekend with a loved one dining out, taking a trip, exchanging cards and gifts or quietly spending time together. But in the nation’s capital, valentines and signs of affection were nowhere to be found. It started just the week before with the announcement of the President’s FY 2017 budget.

READ MORE from Cupid’s Arrow Misses Wide Right in Washington, DC

On Tuesday, President Obama put forth his final budget, for FY 2017, in which he proposed increases in several workforce programs. Overall, the budget tops the four trillion dollar mark at $4.15 trillion, higher than his last budget but most of the increase is allocated toward Social Security and Medicare.

READ MORE from Job Seekers Win In President’s Final Budget

This week’s Iowa Caucus and the upcoming New Hampshire primary on February 9 bookend the biggest sports spectacle in history - the NFL Super Bowl. On February 7, 190 million people are expected to watch this year’s game. Even people who don’t like football, or sports in general, usually find themselves drawn to the phenomenon that is pro football’s showcase event.

READ MORE from “Make the Call” Following Super Bowl 50

We work hard every day. Doesn’t it only make sense that your hard work shouldn’t be punished by the federal government? Well last December Congress approved a sweeping set of tax policies affecting businesses and individuals. After months of difficult negotiations the final bill was set for passage. Among the tax policies Congress approved was a change that made permanent Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Goodwill is supporting the EITC during Assets & Opportunity Network’s Week of Action, and this Friday, January 29 is EITC Awareness Day.

READ MORE from The Earned Income Tax Credit Works for You

We have all heard about how the economy is growing, how the recovery has created millions of new jobs and how unemployment is plummeting to historic lows. So then, why do so many Americans not just feel, but know, that all is not as the numbers would indicate? Next week, join Goodwill® as we partner with the first Assets & Opportunity National Week of Action, along with the Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED) and Credit Builders Alliance (CBA).

READ MORE from Secure Your Financial Present and Future with a Week of Action

President Obama delivered his final State of the Union (SOTU) address this week and as expected, he did not put forth an aggressive policy agenda for his last year of office. However, the President did touch upon a number of specific areas of interest to Goodwill® and the people we serve.

READ MORE from Education, Poverty Alleviation Among Key Themes in State of the Union Address

For policy wonks like me, 2016 is off to an exciting start. Congress wrapped up 2015 without shutting down the government, a threat of falling off a “fiscal cliff” is no longer looming, and there is a new speaker of the House. Of course this year there is a presidential election and a number of lawmakers have announced their retirements at the end of this congressional session, providing an opportunity for Goodwill® advocates to make new connections with policymakers.

READ MORE from Get to Know Goodwill’s® Legislative Priorities and Become an Advocate