Obama not ruling out second stimulus
Shortly after Robert Nabors, deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget, said yesterday that “no one in the administration is talking about a second stimulus at this point,” the administration signaled that the president would be open to one if job loss continues.
Call-in day presses Congress to pass public option
The grassroots health care movement mobilized thousands of phone calls to Capitol Hill July 8, demanding enactment of health care reform with a strong public option that goes into effect immediately with no delaying “trigger.”
Health care drive in high gear
Major hospital associations, pledging to save more than $150 billion over 10 years, were the latest big industry group to jump aboard what has become the Health Care Express. Meeting with Vice President Biden today, they said the savings can help pay for health care to those without insurance.
Small business owners slam Chamber of Commerce
Charging the US Chamber of Commerce with supporting only the 'interests of Fortune 500 companies,' small business owners this week sharply criticized the business group for refusing to endorse the Fairness and Transparency in Contracting Act, according to a statement released July 8th by the American Small Business League (ASBL).
Health reform battle heats up
Weakening health reform in exchange for bipartisanship is unacceptable, Senate Majority Harry Reid, D-Nev., warned Senate Finance Chair Max Baucus, D-Mont., July 7th, according to a report in Washington-based Roll Call.
Illinois budget crisis fuels demand for progressive income tax
CHICAGO -– As Illinois entered its second week without a budget, Gov. Pat Quinn vetoed the state operating budget passed by the state legislature, sending the budget process into further chaos.
George Fishman, a life with a purpose
George M. Fishman, lifelong working class scholar, teacher and activist, passed away peacefully at his New Haven, Conn., home on June 30, at age 92. He was a stalwart champion of quality public education for all children, workers' rights, equality and peace.
Steelworkers ratify groundbreaking agreement with MeadWestvaco in Covington
PITTSBURGH, July 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United Steelworkers (USW) today said that the members of USW Local 8-675 in Covington, Virginia have voted in favor of a proposed new contract with MeadWestvaco. The overwhelming ratification vote took place on Wednesday, July 1, 2009.
Campaign against crime and police abuse to be unveiled at NAACP convention
A new online campaign against police misconduct and violence will be featured at the NAACP’s convention next week in New York City at the Hilton Hotel. The convention will also mark the civil rights organization’s 100th birthday, and joining them for the celebration will be President Barack Obama in his first visit to New York City as president.
Coalition will battle banks over new consumer protection agency
“Some will rob you with a six-gun, some with a fountain pen,” Woody Guthrie sang in his 1939 song “Pretty Boy Floyd.” These days an unappetizing alliance of finance companies, banks, credit card companies, mortgage lenders and financial services firms is using a lot more than fountain pens. The American Financial Services Association, an industry group, is reported to be coordinating a mega-bucks lobbying campaign to block the Consumer Financial Protection Agency proposed by President Obama last week.
