Page 42 – Goodwill Industries International

Halftime in Congress

U.S. Capitol dome and Capitol Building against a blue sky

After a flurry of activity in the Senate, both chambers are now in recess for the time being. The Senate recently passed a bipartisan infrastructure package, followed by the partisan passage of the budget resolution which only received support from Democrats. Keep reading to learn the key items of interest to Goodwill and the people we serve.

Senate Moves Closer to Voting on the Infrastructure Bill

by Laura Walling, Senior Director of Government Relations, Goodwill Industries International The Senate spent most of the week reviewing the 2,700-page infrastructure proposal and debating amendments. They will work through the weekend before taking a vote on final passage likely early next week. Some issues remain unresolved, including a pending amendment would allow state and […]

How To Organize Your Classroom – On A Budget

Desk organized with glass mason jars holding pens, scissors, and small plants against a brick wall.

It’s starting. Back to school flyers are popping up in mailboxes and store advertisements are hinting at long lists of items students need for back to school. And as students scramble to finish up their summer reading assignments, teachers are already handing in their final lesson plans for the year and are starting to get their classrooms organized for fall.

DIY Floral Wall Hanging

Craft supplies arranged on a black-and-white checkered cloth: orange roses, faux greenery, glue gun, scissors, tape, and spray paint.

I always love making my own inexpensive versions of popular decor trends, so this summer I decided to tackle the floral wall hangings that I’ve been seeing around! By using supplies I found at Goodwill, I’m able to save money, save stuff from the landfills, and come up with something that’s one-of-a-kind.

Racing to Recess

Capitol building in Washington, D.C. with a foreground bed of red flowers.

Racing to Recess
A looming vacation always provides great motivation to get work done. This statement holds true for Congress as well as lawmakers prepare for the August recess. The Senate passed a procedural vote on a bipartisan infrastructure package with 17 Republicans joining 50 Democrats to move the bill forward, although this does not mean they will all support the final bill.

Urge Congress to Support Investments in Workforce Development

Congressional leaders continue to discuss the components of a forthcoming reconciliation bill that will include components of President Biden’s American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan that won’t be covered by the bipartisan infrastructure framework.

Take Action to Support Investments in Workforce Development

Congressional leaders have agreed upon a $3.5 trillion cap for a forthcoming reconciliation bill that will include components of President Biden’s American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan that won’t be covered by the bipartisan infrastructure framework. In his initial proposal, the President called for $100 billion for workforce development activities over the next ten years.

Congress Has A Busy Summer Ahead

United States Capitol exterior with grand stairs and iconic dome against a clear blue sky

As lawmakers return from a July 4th recess, deadlines loom that will make for a busy summer. Suspension of the debt ceiling is set to expire July 31 and there is not a clear path forward as to whether Congress will let it expire or extend the suspension. The debt ceiling is the maximum amount of money the government can borrow to pay for its bills.

Update Stained Pants With a Stencil

Side-by-side photos of a person wearing white paint-splatter leggings and a black top outdoors.

A few months ago, I thrifted the cutest vintage white pants in the kid’s section for under $5. Whenever I find vintage pants in my size, I snag them immediately, even if they’re damaged, because I wear a very unique size.

Administration Promotes Workforce and Education Priorities on Capitol Hill

Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh and Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona have recently been making the rounds on Capitol Hill to pitch lawmakers on President Biden’s legislative priorities for workforce development and education.

My Story: Della Turner

Smiling woman sits at a cluttered office desk with a computer, phone, and papers.

In October of 2019, Della Turner found herself out of work. Everything had changed since she last searched for employment, and companies that were hiring required skills that she did not learn in her line of work. She knew it was time to update her skills. The Mississippi Department of Employment Security referred Della Goodwill Industries of Mississippi (Ridgeland) WIN Job Center, where she enrolled in digital skills training.

Congress Seeks Bipartisan Updates to the Workforce System

American flag waving in front of a neoclassical government building with tall stone columns.

The House Education and Labor Committee recently held a hearing on the role of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) in promoting successful reentry models for people impacted by the justice system. The committee heard testimony from a panel of witnesses that included representatives of community-based organizations, employers, and other stakeholder groups working to advance training and employment for justice-involved individuals.