Category: Advocate

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.

READ MORE from Urge Congress to Expand #Relief4Charities

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

The year-end COVID-19 relief package passed by Congress extended a number of programs and supports through the middle of March 2021. Lawmakers are now negotiating the details of an additional relief measure before the deadline expires. Contact your members of Congress and ask that they provide #Relief4Charities.

READ MORE from #Relief4Charities in the New Congress

I didn’t realize the weight of the emotions I have been carrying until the last few moments of President Biden’s inaugural remarks when the floodgates opened and I let out all of my tears. All of the negative feelings related to the pandemic, concern for family and friends battling COVID, living in isolation, the insurrection, social injustice, anxiety for friends living within the military zone established in DC conflated with the pride for our country, the joy of watching history being made, and the hope I have for our future.

READ MORE from Unity Through Opportunity and the Power of Work

On the heels of Inauguration Day, in a city under lockdown that is still reeling from the violence at the Capitol and while a pandemic rages on, President-elect Biden unveiled the details of his “American Rescue Plan”. This is the first of a two-part proposal, the second of which will be released in the coming weeks and will focus on recovery.

READ MORE from President-Elect Biden Unveils American Rescue Plan

Due to the pandemic, I haven’t been on the Hill in several months, as our meetings have been virtual. I watched in horror as the events of January 6 unfolded and an attack was made on our democracy, and the grounds where I’ve stood so many times was under siege.

READ MORE from Better Days Ahead

As I write another plea, asking again for you to take action and tell Congress to provide additional COVID-19 #Relief4Charities, I am reminded of the story of Chicken Little. I feel like the main character who runs around yelling with a sense of urgency that the sky is falling. He does this so often, that no one believes him. This current request for action is not akin to the fable. Unless Congress acts, many supports included in the CARES Act, which have helped nonprofits and the communities and families we serve, will expire in a few short weeks.

READ MORE from Action Alert: Tell Congress Nonprofits Need Relief