By Dylan MatthewsNowadays, many left-of-center policy types have been wondering whether we should increase Social Security. Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich makes the case — in cartoon form — in the video above. You can read a transcript here. The basic issue here is that many Americans aren't saving enough for retirement. Optimistic assessments say that nearly… Read more »
By Gwen MooreWhen you’re trying to feed your family and stretch a dollar, steaks and short ribs don’t make it to your grocery list. As one of nine siblings in a low-income household in Wisconsin, my mother made a habit of buying inexpensive stewing meat for us. These tough cuts of beef came in handy when shopping on a budget, but if Missouri lawmakers have their way, stewing… Read more »
By Rebecca GaleJust when you thought selfies couldn’t get any more prevalent, the ONE Campaign comes in strong with a new one. It’s called a #strengthie: a selfie that pays homage to the “Rosie the Riveter” and “We Can Do It” images of female empowerment. Members of Congress, including Sen. Edward J. Markey and Reps. Katherine M. Clark, Joeseph P.… Read more »
By Rebecca ShabadRep. Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) is introducing legislation that would assist small businesses that sell their products abroad. The measure would instruct the Export-Import Bank to increase the amount of financing it provides to small business from 20 to 25 percent. “It would help create jobs, stimulate our economy and allow businesses to better compete in… Read more »
By Cristina MarcosA bipartisan group of House members are urging their top leaders to allow a floor vote on legislation aimed at curbing human trafficking that passed in the Senate last month. In a letter to Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), eleven lawmakers… Read more »
By Jonah Kaplan, Julia Fello Dontre Hamilton's mother boarded a bus to Washington, D.C. Thursday morning. She will spend Mother's Day with other moms who have lost their children. Former Milwaukee police officer Christopher Manney shot and killed her son in Red Arrow Park last year. While she is there, she will participate in the Million Moms March. The… Read more »
By Kevin CirilliHouse Democrats are looking to force a vote on reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank.House Democratic leadership filed a discharge petition Thursday in an effort to compel a vote on the 80-year-old bank before its charter expires on June 30. For the maneuver to succeed, 218 House members must support it. The effort is led by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi… Read more »
By Rachel BadeThe House on Thursday passed a final budget deal, bringing Republicans one step closer to enacting a spending blueprint that sets the stage for this summer’s spending bills.The chamber passed the framework, 226-197. It would balance the budget in 10 years without raising taxes, and pave the way for sending an Obamacare repeal to the president’s desk. The… Read more »
By Ariele VaccaroOn Monday, members of the Budget Conference Committee made their opening statements on the 2016 U.S. budget. This year, Republicans make up majority of the committee. In an effort to shrink a mounting deficit, they are proposing a number of cuts to social services.Congresswoman for Wisconsin’s Fourth District is a member of the conference committee.She thinks… Read more »
By Joan McCarter House and Senate conferees are meeting to reconcile the two chambers' budgets, and one Democratic member, Rep. Gwen Moore (WI-04) has one mission. "Not to cut anymore out of SNAP," the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as food stamps, she told ThinkProgress. "Not to block grant it. Not to block grant Medicaid."… Read more »
