Today's News for the Week Prior and Up to May 22, 2020

Historic LGBTQ Victory: U.S. House Passes Equality Act
Source: National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund
May 17, 2020, 2020
Now that it’s been successfully passed in the House, we will turn our attention to building grassroots support and momentum to advance the Senate version of the Equality Act that is led by Senators Jeff Merkley, Susan Collins, Tammy Baldwin, and Cory Booker.
Read more...

Farm and Environmental Organizations Rebuke New USDA Regulatory Review
Source: National Family Farm Coalition
May 18, 2020, 2020
“USDA’s release of its new GE regulatory framework has dealt a devastating blow to the security of farmers’ livelihoods, the health of their farms and communities, and their ability to build the biodiverse, climate-resilient, and economically robust farming systems that we so urgently need. We’ve already seen how GE seeds engineered to resist herbicides like glyphosate, 2,4-D, and dicamba, are driving widespread pesticide drift that is damaging crops, destroying farm businesses and wreaking havoc across the country. By abdicating the last of its responsibility to protect the public good in favor of corporate profit, USDA is encouraging a flood of new, untested genetically engineered organisms into our rural landscapes, putting farmers, ecosystems and our food supply at risk.”
Read more...

NIH-funded study to investigate pregnancy outcomes resulting from COVID-19 pandemic
Source: National Institutes of Health
May 19, 2020, 2020
The National Institutes of Health has launched a multipronged study to understand the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic during and after pregnancy. Researchers will analyze the medical records of up to 21,000 women to evaluate whether changes to healthcare delivery that were implemented as a result of the pandemic have led to higher rates of pregnancy-related complications and cesarean delivery. They also seek to establish the risk of pregnant women with COVID-19 infection transmitting the virus to their fetus. Newborns will be monitored and assessed until they are discharged from the hospital.
Read more...

======

======

With Millions Of Jobs At Stake, State And Local Government Associations Call On Congress To Approve Aid
Source: National Governor’s Association
May 20, 2020, 2020
With millions of jobs and the economic recovery at stake, the seven leading organizations representing state, territorial and local governments called on Congress to approve an aid package that would sustain vital services to Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read more...

New rules from OCC: Banks can now get CRA credit for funding digital inclusion
Source: National Digital Inclusion Alliance
May 20, 2020, 2020
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the Federal agency that oversees national banks and savings associations, has just added support for community digital inclusion programs to its official list of “qualified activities” that could help a regulated bank meet its obligations under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA).
Read more...

HHS clarifies that pharmacists are authorized to administer COVID-19 testing despite state law
Source: National Community Pharmacists Association
May 20, 2020, 2020
On May 19, HHS' Office of General Counsel released an advisory opinion clarifying that pharmacists are authorized to order and administer FDA-authorized COVID-19 tests in states where they are not be authorized to do so.
Read more...

The HEAL Act Expands Access to Health Care Regardless of Immigration Status
Source: National Immigration Law Center
May 20, 2020, 2020
Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Health Equity and Access under the Law (HEAL) for Immigrant Women and Families Act to expand immigrants’ access to crucial and comprehensive health care, with support from more than 250 organizations. This year marks the bill’s first-ever introduction in the Senate, and it comes at a time when it is abundantly clear that health coverage and care are critical for every person, family, and community.
Read more...

More Than 170 Businesses and Community Organizations Call on Congressional Leaders to Provide Direct Federal Aid to America’s Cities, Towns, and Villages
Source: National League of Cities
May 20, 2020, 2020
More than 170 businesses, associations, and community organizations sent a letter to congressional leaders in the House and Senate today urging them to provide direct federal assistance to America’s cities, towns, and villages in the next congressional recovery bill. The coalition is coming together following the bipartisan decision to shut down the nation’s economy due to COVID-19, which has strained the budgets of cities of all shapes and sizes, urban and rural, and of all political stripes.
Read more...


======

======

Majority of Small Businesses Have Received PPP Loan Funding, Fewer have Received an EIDL Loan
Source: National Federation of Independent Business
May 21, 2020, 2020
“Small businesses continue to face many challenges in operating their business in these difficult times,” said Holly Wade, NFIB Director of Research & Policy Analysis. “Congress and the Administration have the authority to further lighten the burden for many of their immediate concerns, especially in offering more flexibility for PPP loans.”
Read more...

Amid Pandemic, Migrants Face Impossible Choices
Source: National Immigration Forum
May 21, 2020, 2020
A new Trump administration policy is reportedly forcing migrant parents to choose between family separation and indefinite detention in crowded facilities, adding to a growing list of troubling immigration policies amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read more...



======

======

Los Angeles County Ends PACE Program Marred by Fraud, Abuse, and Unaffordable Loans
Source: National Consumer Law Center
May 22, 2020, 2020
Effective May 13, 2020, Los Angeles County has discontinued new financing under its Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) loan program, concluding the County could not be certain the program can “provide sufficient protection for all consumers.”
Read more...

======

======

======

======

Despite Slow Growth in 2019, Ohio’s Job Market Trends in Positive Direction

by Buckeye Institute

Columbus, OH - January 24, 2020 - (The Ponder News) -- Andrew J. Kidd, Ph.D., an economist with The Buckeye Institute’s Economic Research Center, commented on newly released employment data from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

“Ohio ended 2019 with 10,400 new private-sector jobs, and the state’s unemployment rate held at near record lows at 4.2 percent. The year also ended with two consecutive months of above-average job growth for the decade, marking a positive trend for Ohio’s job market and one to watch throughout 2020.

“December’s job growth was spread across a number of industries and sectors. Construction recovered some of the losses it experienced in 2019, adding 3,400 jobs—the largest job growth in any sector in December. This growth is critical as employer demand for skilled trade workers is high, and preparing workers for the industry will attract more businesses and workers to Ohio. The professional and tech services sector—which added 2,200 jobs in December—ended the year up 15,500 jobs, the highest growth of any sector in 2019. This growth in professional and tech services illustrates Ohio’s continued shift from its manufacturing roots (down 1,700 jobs in 2019) to a more service-oriented economy. The administrative and support services sector lost 2,200 jobs in December, which was a nationwide trend as automated services and technology replaced executive assistants and other support staff.

“With annual revisions and updates due in March, it remains to be seen how Ohio faired in 2019, yet, job growth continued its long-term trend of lagging below the national average and growth in 2019 was hampered by trade tensions and recession concerns. To reverse this long-term trend, there are reforms policymakers can adopt that will spur job growth. Ohio desperately needs municipal and local tax reform and should eliminate its personal income and commercial activity taxes. Recent changes to job training programs, and the announcement of the Industry Sector Partnership Grant will provide workers the in-demand skills needed to fill thousands of job openings in the state. And enacting universal occupational licensing reciprocity will make Ohio more attractive to employees and employers by making it easier for licensed professionals to continue their careers in Ohio.”

Jobs and Employment

Today's News about Jobs and Employment Issues

VAN HOLLEN, LEE CALL ON OPM TO RESCIND POTENTIAL NEW HIRING RULES
Source: Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)
April 24, 2019
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) have written to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Acting Director Margaret Weichert urging her to revoke the current Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 84 FR 5733, which would expand the seven-year criminal background check lookback to include participation in any pretrial diversion or intervention programs.

Read more...

Bill to Permanently Extend Work Opportunity Tax Credit Introduced

======


======

by: Tom Rice (R-SC, 7th)

Washington, D.C. - April 16, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Representatives Tom Rice (R-SC), Mike Thompson (D-CA), Tom Reed (R-NY), Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), and Tom Suozzi (D-NY) announced the introduction of H.R. 2213, a bill that permanently extends the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC).

“With more jobs available than those seeking employment across the country, we need to bring people from the sidelines of the economy into the workforce,” said Rep. Rice. “Making the Work Opportunity Tax Credit permanent will incentivize employers to hire and retain people who have been struggling to find long-term, meaningful employment opportunities.”

“For more than two decades, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit has proven to be highly effective in ensuring individuals on public assistance can make the transition to private sector jobs. In fact, since the program’s enactment, thirteen million people have benefitted, in turn reducing federal and state government spending,” said Rep. Thompson. “The tax credit is set to expire at the end of this year and I’m proud to introduce my bill to permanently extend this bipartisan, cost-effective program.”

“We care about rewarding work and ensuring everyone has a fair shot to provide for themselves and their families,” said Rep. Reed. “Providing incentives for employers to hire people stuck on the sidelines who have trouble finding a job is essential for many folks in their pursuit of the American dream.”

“I have long advocated for the WOTC program to continue, as it is a proven tool to move eligible individuals off of unemployment and into the workforce,” said Rep. Pascrell. “Most recent data shows the program is remarkably effective, with more than 140,000 veteran hires under WOTC in 2016. Paired with my previous legislation that passed into law in 2015, this bill will allow long-term unemployed individuals, veterans, and those on public assistance programs to find gainful employment and grow our economy.

“The Work Opportunity Tax Credit has long provided veterans and individuals from disadvantaged groups support in their search for sustainable employment,” said Rep. Suozzi. “I’m proud to co-sponsor the permanent renewal of this bipartisan program to both ensure diversity in the workplace and facilitate access to good jobs for hardworking Americans.”

Chairman Scott Statement on March Jobs Report

by: House Committee on Education and the Workforce

Washington, D.C. - April 5, 2019 - (The Ponder News) -- Chairman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement after the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the economy added 196,000 jobs in March and the unemployment rate held at 3.8 percent.

“Today’s jobs report continues to show that despite steady job growth, wages are barely keeping pace with inflation. It is another reminder that Congress must take bold action to lift millions of workers out of poverty to help build a thriving middle class.

“The Raise the Wage Act would gradually increase the minimum wage to $15 by 2024, which would increase the pay and standard of living for nearly 40 million workers across this country. Raising the minimum wage is not only good for workers, it is good for businesses, and good for the economy. When we put money in the pockets of American workers, they will spend that money in their communities.

“Just last week, new polling data revealed that voters across the political spectrum and around the country support gradually raising the federal minimum wage to $15. After 10 years with no increase in the minimum wage, it is past time to listen to the American people, boost workers’ paychecks, and stimulate economic growth by passing the Raise the Wage Act.”

Donald Trump Talking Figure - says 17 Different Audio Lines in Trump's Own Voice - Loaded with His Funniest and Most Memorable Quotes - Beautifully Sculpted - Includes Batteries - Collectible

Iran Sanctions, Shooting at Sutherland Springs and LOTS MORE!

Today's News from the Lawmakers

Sen. Cruz: ‘The Strength of the Sutherland Springs Community Resounds Across the World’

TRUMP BORDER RHETORIC STOKES HATE AND VIOLENCE, STRANGLES BORDER ECONOMY

Bennet, Gardner, Polis, Buck Urge FEMA to Reimburse Counties for Flood Disaster Recovery Projects

CORKER STATEMENT ON RE-IMPOSITION OF IRAN SANCTIONS

Cotton Statement on Iran Sanctions

DURBIN, DUCKWORTH CALL ON ILLINOIS PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR NIRAV SHAH TO RESIGN OVER BOTCHED RESPONSE TO LEGIONNAIRES' OUTBREAKS AT IVH QUINCY
===
Nev 4
===

Cornyn Statement on First Anniversary of Sutherland Springs Shooting

===
Nov 2
===

CRAPO, LITTLE TO HIGHLIGHT NEW JOB, EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES WITH IDAHO VETERANS COALITION

Senators to FBI: Provide Documents on President Trump’s Possible Involvement in FBI Headquarters Project

WILLIAMS SENDS LETTER TO POTUS IN SUPPORT OF GOV. ABBOTT’S DISASTER DECLARATION REQUEST

Menendez, Watson Coleman and New Jersey Democrats Release New Report on the Impact of President Trump’s Tax Law on New Jersey Homeowners

Thompson Statement on October Jobs Report

Cantwell, Colleagues Call for Additional Funding to Ensure Effective Responses to Massive Wildfires


Webster Praises Reimposing Iran Sanctions

Congressman Joe Wilson Supports Decision to Reimpose Sanctions on Iran

Donnelly on March of Dimes Report Showing Large Swaths of Indiana Lack Maternity Care

===
Nov 1
===

Brown Statement on the Federal Reserve's Proposal to Weaken Rules for Large U.S. Banks

Rep. Walters Calls for Continued Protections for Sex Trafficking Survivors in Trade Agreements

CAPITO ANNOUNCES FUNDING TO EXPAND TELEMEDICINE IN WEST VIRGINIA

New Data Show Cost of Administration’s Efforts to Sabotage Healthcare Markets

Hultgren Welcomes Encouraging January Jobs Report

From the office of House Representative Randy Hultgren (R-IL, 14th)



Washington, D.C. - February 5, 2018 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) welcomed news that American employers added 200,000 jobs in January, and wages rose at their fastest pace in more than eight years. Many employers with locations throughout the 14th Congressional District have delivered higher wages, more bonuses and more investments, and have cited as a contributing factor the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Click here for an ongoing list of employers who are taking action as a result of the legislation.

“My number one priority in Congress has always been getting Illinois back to work, and that’s going to be my continued laser focus. These jobs numbers at the beginning of the year give us great hope for 2018. American employers are enthusiastic about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and a predictable economy—and American workers and families are reaping the benefits,” said Rep. Hultgren. “Employers throughout northern Illinois and the 14th District are confident in the direction of our economy, and are already delivering higher wages, more bonuses and investing more to expand and hire.”

Factory Jobs Grow in November, But Will It Last?

By Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM)

Washington, D.C. - December 11, 2017  (The Ponder News) -- The manufacturing sector grew by 31,000 jobs in November, according to the latest employment data from the Labor Department. With 171,000 total factory jobs created so far this year, the economy is now on pace to add the most manufacturing jobs in a year since 2014, when 208,000 jobs were created. 

The job gains come after a disappointing month for the U.S. trade deficit, which hit $48.7 billion, its highest rate since January. Meanwhile, steel imports are up during the same time period.

Said Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) President Scott Paul:

A healthy boost in manufacturing jobs is something to cheer about.

Now imagine the possibilities if we had better public policies to support manufacturing: Reciprocal trade, investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and strong R&D.

I've made the case that automation and robots won't destroy all that many factory jobs, but bad policies will. I hope the million-plus manufacturing jobs added since 2010 make that case even more persuasive.

End Outsourcing Act Introduced in the House

Source: Mark Pocan (D-WI, 2nd)




Washington, D.C. - October 30, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (D-WI, 2nd) has introduced the End Outsourcing Act, legislation that would update the United States tax code to reward companies that invest in American workers and penalize corporations that outsource domestic jobs and factories.

“For too long, our tax code has incentivized companies to outsource American jobs instead of investing in workers and communities here at home,” said Pocan. “We give corporations that ship American jobs overseas a free pass while workers suffer the consequences. Rather than reward companies that relocate to other countries, we should use our tax code to incentivize firms to invest in our communities and put American workers back on the job. The End Outsourcing Act is a strong step forward in protecting American jobs, growing wages, and strengthening the middle class.”

Specifically, the End Outsourcing Act:

Prohibits companies from receiving tax breaks for outsourcing jobs and factories, and claws back tax credits and grants related to the operation and maintenance of a facility closing to relocate abroad;

Establishes tax incentives for companies that relocate foreign jobs to rural and impoverished communities in the United States; and

Ensures that federal contracting policy takes into consideration whether companies have outsourced domestic jobs.

The legislation has been endorsed by the AFL-CIO, the Communications Workers of America (CWA), the United Steelworkers (USW), and the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW).

Companies shipping American jobs abroad to lose tax cuts

Source: Senator Joe Donnely - (D - IN)

Washington, D.C. - October 23, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- The Senate has agreed with U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly in affirming that companies that ship American jobs to foreign countries shouldn’t get tax breaks. Following a Donnelly speech on the Senate floor calling for support, the Senate unanimously adopted Donnelly’s amendment. A budget resolution is non-binding, but does serve as a blueprint and statement of congressional priorities.

Transcript of Donnelly’s speech in the Senate today:

I rise today in support of the amendment I offered to address the outsourcing of American jobs.

Currently, American companies that ship jobs to foreign countries can still claim massive tax breaks. That’s wrong and we should claw back incentives and prohibit companies from receiving tax breaks for outsourcing jobs.

My End Outsourcing Amendment is common sense for taxpayers—supporting companies that invest in American workers, not those shipping jobs to foreign countries. I urge all of our colleagues to support my amendment.

To read more about Outsourcing at the Ponder news click here

Brady Statement on September 2017 Jobs Report

Source: House Ways and Means Committee

Washington, D.C. - October 9, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) released the following statement in response to the Labor Department’s September 2017 jobs report:

“It’s clear from this jobs report that Hurricanes Harvey and Irma not only devastated communities in Texas and Florida, they devastated their local economies as well. Record-high flooding, wind gusts, and power outages kept thousands of Americans from going to work and earning a paycheck – money they desperately need to recover from these disasters,

“As Congress and President Trump continue working to help those hurt by recent hurricanes regain their strength, we’re also taking action on transformational tax reform that will grow our economy and help Americans of all walks of life. By passing a budget that paves the way for tax reform, the House took a major step yesterday toward creating more jobs, fairer taxes, and bigger paychecks. In the weeks ahead, the Ways and Means Committee will move forward with pro-growth, pro-middle-class tax reform legislation that Congress will ultimately send to the President’s desk this year, for the first time in 31 years.”

Note: The U.S. Department of Labor reported today that the economy lost 33,000 jobs in September and the unemployment rate was 4.2 percent. The jobs report covers the 50 states and District of Columbia, but not Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Workers to Congress: Delayed National Security Investigations Threaten Jobs, U.S. Defense

Source: Alliance for American Manufacturing

Washington, D.C. - September 21, 2017  (The Ponder News) -- America's military is under attack by steel and aluminum imports that threaten to wipe out jobs, put U.S. manufacturers out of business, and make national defense more dependent on potential adversaries to equip our troops – if a stalled national security investigation does not conclude.

That was the message delivered by dozens of steelworkers to Members of Congress Tuesday as they descended on Capitol Hill, calling for action to shore up the beleaguered domestic steel and aluminum industries.

The purpose of the Trump administration’s delayed investigations, each known as a Section 232, is to determine the effect of steel and aluminum imports on national security. President Trump promised to unveil the findings of the two separate investigations by the end of June but still hasn’t taken action. Meanwhile, steel imports are up more than 21 percent since the investigations were announced, and China’s steel output continues to grow.

“We’re pretty much at a make or break point now,” said steelworker Calvin Croftcheck, a 40-year industry veteran and chief safety inspector for U.S. Steel. “If we don’t get some relief quickly, and if it’s not substantial relief, that’s not going to help us any.”

Croftcheck was among workers who came to Capitol Hill from steelmaking facilities in eight states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, Alabama, Minnesota, Kentucky, and Michigan.

The workers were there to press the importance of the outstanding investigations. A surge of steel and aluminum imports, often heavily subsidized and produced by state-owned enterprises in China and Russia, are among the chief causes behind American plant closures and thousands of layoffs in recent years. This instability puts the reliable supply of these important commodities under tremendous strain, and raises national security concerns. Steel and aluminum are crucial inputs in numerous military platforms and public infrastructures, from battleships and troop carriers to our domestic electric grid.

“We’ve seen an increase in the amount of imports since President Trump made these promises, and lacking the actual action by President Trump, this is actually hurting us,” said Cliff Tobey, a worker at U.S. Steel’s Keetac mining facility on the Minnesota Iron Range. “I really do hope the president stands by his word and does it relatively quickly, because we’re actually seeing an increase (in imports), and that’s not good for the steel industry in the United States.”

In their meetings, the workers urged lawmakers to support President Trump’s investigations and, if necessary, pressure him to follow through on his promises.

"President Trump won industrial states last year by promising a new path on trade and said he'd look out for America's steelworkers," said Scott Paul, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing and former member of President Trump's Manufacturing Jobs Initiative. “But his delay in action on steel and aluminum has actually made matters worse for these workers and their communities – to say nothing about the serious national security implications created by this ambiguity. The president needs to act now on these investigations.”

Manufacturing Sees Big August Jobs Gains

Source: Alliance for American Manufacturing

Washington, D.C. - September 3, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The manufacturing sector gained 36,000 jobs in August, according to the latest employment data from the Labor Department. These factory jobs gains, led by automotive and appliance sales, come amid a strong second quarter of economic expansion.

Said Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) President Scott Paul:

"Did the robot revolution take the month off?

"Adding 36,000 new factory jobs in August is good news for American workers. For the first time in a long time, manufacturing punched above its weight in the job market, accounting for 23 percent of total job growth. There’s great potential for continued manufacturing job growth – but only if we get the policy right.

"How can we keep up the momentum? Pass an infrastructure bill with strong Buy America preferences to put more people back to work. The administration must also invest in training the workers of the future, move forward with rebalancing trade, and hold China accountable."

Chairman Crowley Statement on August Jobs Report

Source: House Representative Joseph Crowley (D-NY, 14th)

Washington, D.C. - September 1, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley (D-NY) issued the following statement on the August jobs report:

“Hard-working families are struggling to find financial security. President Trump and Republicans in Congress are giving Americans a raw deal with their relentless focus on destroying the Affordable Care Act and advancing tax cuts that would only benefit the wealthy and corporate special interests instead of the middle class. This is not how we put Americans back to work or grow their paychecks. I urge my Republican colleagues to stop the partisan games and join Democrats in moving forward an agenda that creates more jobs with better wages.”

Jobs, Overtime Pay, Kate's Law, Sanctuary Cities, National Parks, Social Security Act, Independence Day

Swalwell, Hudson, Stefanik Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Modernize Online Job-Searching Services
Eric Swalwell (D-CA, 15th)
June 27, 2017
This bill directs the Department of Labor (DOL) to create guidelines for One-Stop Career Center websites – many of which are clunky and outdated – to dramatically improve their design and offer job-seeking services online.
Read more...

Rep. Takano Statement on DOL Decision Regarding Overtime Regulations for Middle-Class Workers
Mark Takano (D-CA, 41st)
June 30, 2017
Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, released the following statement after the Trump Administration decided to defend the use of a salary threshold to determine workers’ eligibility for overtime pay, but declined to defend the threshold previously set by the Obama Administration, which would have extended overtime protections to millions of middle-class workers.
Read more...

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PASSES KATE'S LAW
Scott Taylor (R VA, 2nd)
June 29, 2017
This legislation enhances penalties for deported felons who return to the United States and allows for the remainder of a sentence to be reapplied to an alien who leaves before completion of their imprisonment term and returns to the United States.
Read more...

CONGRESSWOMAN CLAUDIA TENNEY HELPS PASS BILLS TO COMBAT SANCTUARY CITIES, KEEP AMERICANS SAFE
Claudia Tenney (R NY, 22nd)
June 30, 2017
“Dangerous sanctuary city policies undermine the rule of law while putting innocent American lives in jeopardy. For too long, families have suffered at the hands of unenforced, lax immigration policies. Tragically, if the rule of law had been enforced, the deaths of Kate Steinle, Sarah Root, Grant Ronnebeck and many others could have been prevented,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. “Today, we kept a promise to the American people by putting their safety first. These bills are common-sense solutions that will reinforce existing immigration laws to prevent criminal illegal aliens from becoming repeat offenders in our communities.”
Read more...

Thompson, Tsongas Introduce Resolution to Mark July as ‘Park and Recreation Month’
The Stuff Gazette
July 3, 2017
H. Res. 406 recognizes the important role that public parks, recreation facilities and activities play in the lives of Americans and the contributions of employees and volunteers who work daily to maintain public parks across the nation.
Read more...

Thompson Introduces Bill to Preserve Family Farms, Businesses
Mike Thompson (D-CA, 5th)
June 30, 2017
“Building a legacy for your children and grandchildren is a key part of the American Dream, and families deserve to know they won’t lose what they’ve built—especially after losing a loved one,” said Thompson. “Many family farms are rich in land but cash poor. A major tax on their estate could force them to sell off the very assets they worked so hard to build. That isn’t right. While some have proposed simply wiping out the estate tax altogether, we should address this specific issue without creating a new fiscal hole by fully repealing the tax.”
Read more...

Reps. Tiberi, Burgess, Dingell, and Thompson Introduce Bill to Ease Burdens on Medical Providers
Pat Tiberi (R-OH, 12th)
June 30, 2017
This legislation will amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reduce the volume of future electronic health record-related significant hardship requests.
Read more...

CELEBRATING OUR INDEPENDENCE
The Stuff Gazette
July 3, 2017
For 241 years, Americans have demonstrated their passion for living in a country founded on protecting “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,” by celebrating Independence Day. This tradition is a celebration of the actions our founding fathers took when they declared that our new nation would be independent from the tyrannical crown of England. Since then, the United States has overcome periods of adversity and made remarkable contributions to the rest of world, all in an effort to preserve our way of life.
Read more...

Jobs

ALPA Applauds Congressional Support for Effort to Save U.S. Airline Jobs, Stop Anti-U.S. Worker Schemes
Airline Pilots Association International
April 26, 2017
The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) announced its strong support of the Flags of Convenience Don't Fly Here Act (H.R. 2150), legislation to save American airline jobs, stop global offshoring schemes, and ensure a level playing field for U.S. aviation workers. H.R. 2150 was introduced by Reps. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.), Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), and Drew Ferguson (R-Ga.) in the U.S. House of Representatives today as a bipartisan commitment to ensuring aviation jobs stay in America.
Read more...

Durbin, Kelly Introduce Legislation To Address Youth Unemployment In High Poverty Areas
Senator Richard J. Durbin - (D - IL)
April 18, 2017
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) today unveiled two pieces of legislation they will introduce when Congress is back in session next week to expand and increase access to employment opportunities for at-risk youth. The Helping to Encourage Real Opportunity (HERO) for At-Risk Youth Act and the Creating Pathways for Youth Employment Act will increase federal resources for communities seeking to create or grow employment programs and provide tax incentives to businesses and employers to hire and retain youth from economically distressed areas.
Read more...

Daines Works to Protect Montana Manufacturing Jobs
Senator Steve Daines (R-MT)
April 18, 2017
U.S. Senator Steve Daines urged U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and Acting United States Trade Representative Stephen Vaughn to include the trade dispute related to Chinese solar panels and US polysilicon manufacturers in any “100 day plan” negotiations with China.
Read more...

=====