Monthly Archives: April 2014

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

What to Watch for on Paid Sick Time in New York City
Paid Sick Leave means more workers will be able to maintain Employment!
Dear Friend,
Today marks the official start of new rights for workers in New York City: the Earned Sick Time Act is in effect!
That means that workers in New York City can now begin earning time to be used towards 40 hours of paid sick time in businesses with 5 or more employees—or 40 hours of unpaid but job-protected time in smaller businesses.  A Better Balance fought hard, together with our partners and supporters, to ensure that the final version of the law would include as many workers as possible.  If you look around on subways and buses, you’ll soon notice a bold new advertising campaign by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs to reach the millions of workers who are now covered by the law.
At A Better Balance, we’ve been busy conducting trainings and taking calls from employees and employers who are already wondering about how the law will affect them.  With our ear to the ground, we have been able to tell policymakers what issues are likely to take center stage as enforcement of the new law begins, and we’ve translated our knowledge into targeted outreach materials and resources:

  • Check out our new brochure and frequently asked questions on the law. Let us know if you’d like us to send you some copies.
  • Take a look at our website to find more resources for workers and employers as we continue to update it.
  • Call our free legal hotline at 212-430-5982 if you have questions or if you’d like us to conduct a training on the law for workers or employers.
Keep an eye out for more to come soon!  And please remember to keep your calendar open for our annual Spring Celebration on the evening of May 5.  We have a lot to celebrate!
As always, thank you for your support,
Sherry, Dina, Phoebe, Jared, Elizabeth, Liz, Risha, & Rachel

 

 

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Give America a Raise


By

Six Things You Didn’t Know About The Minimum Wage

This week and next, a coalition of minimum wage activists in favor of raising the federal minimum wage to $10.10 are taking their message of “Giving America a Raise” on the road with an 11 state bus tour. They have already made stops in Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut and New York. This issue couldn’t be more important for working families across the country and creating an economy that works for everyone.

Right now, a parent working full time earning the minimum wage and raising two children is making poverty wages. She struggles to make ends meet and can barely afford basics such as school supplies for her children. But with a higher minimum wage, workers will have more money to spend on basic needs, money that will go back into the local economy, which in turn gives businesses more customers—helping them to hire more workers. Raising low-end wages will also save taxpayers $4.6 billion a year on nutritional assistance programs.

Raising the minimum wage would be a critical step in ensuring that the economy is working for everyone. It will provide Americans who work hard a better opportunity to get ahead while giving the economy a needed shot in the arm. It is past time for Congress to act. The federal minimum wage has not been raised in more than five years. Right here are six facts explaining why Congress needs to raise the wage to $10.10 an hour:

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Power of Wind


 

I wanted to let you know that Senator Cantwell (D-WA) has an important role to play this week – as a member of the Senate Finance Committee, she will likely be considering a bill that proposes to extend the tax credits that expired at the end of last year, including the renewable energy production tax credit (PTC) and investment tax credit (ITC).

I encourage you to write to your Senator today, and urge support for the PTC and ITC extensions in the tax extenders mark-up.

And, I have another update for you – 158 members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate recently sent letters to their colleagues in support of taking quick action to extend the PTC and ITC.

Many thanks to YOU and your fellow wind power advocates for encouraging your federal elected officials to sign these letters!

Take a look at the Power of Wind site to see if your legislators signed the letters.  If they have, we will have drafted a template thank you note for you to send in along with your note to your Senator, to let your legislators know that you noticed and that you appreciate their support.  

Thanks so much for your help!

Sincerely,
Aaron

Aaron Severn
Interim Vice President, Federal Legislative Affairs
American Wind Energy Association

P.S.  Want to know more about the PTC and how it helps to drive the wind energy industry forward?  Visit powerofwind.org today.

 

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

A Broken Record


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The Five Biggest Failures Of The Latest Ryan Budget

Today, for the fourth consecutive year, House Republicans released a budget spearheaded by Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI). And for the fourth consecutive year, it is a budget that only works for the wealthiest individuals and special corporate interests at the cost of America’s middle- and working-class families, seniors, and the economy. Budgets, as we said when President Obama put out his in early March, are a reflection of a political party’s priorities and values. We can only say that we wish the latest effort from Ryan and the GOP caucus were an April Fool’s joke. Sadly, it is not.

Here are the five most regrettable pieces of the latest Ryan Budget:

1. Returns To The Same Failed Trickle-Down Tax Policies Of Past Republican Proposals. The Ryan Budget proposes giving generous tax breaks to corporations and the wealthiest among us while in effect raising taxes on middle- and working-class families. It calls for reducing the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 25 percent, and lowering the highest income tax bracket from 39.6 percent to 25 percent. Meanwhile, as analyses of identical previous tax proposals showed, there is no way to implement these tax cuts in a deficit-neutral way without raising taxes on the middle-class.

2. Leaves Working-Class Families Out In The Cold. As in years past, The GOP Budget contains a number of proposals to radically cut programs that many working people rely on. For one, the budget repeals the Medicaid expansion provision in the Affordable Care Act and slashes $1.5 trillion over ten years from the program that covered 67 million people in 2012, including 32 million children. It also cuts $125 billion over ten years from the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), also called food stamps. These draconian cuts are just two of many choices made that attack programs which support working-class and struggling families.

3. Makes Wild And Misleading Claims About The ACA. Unsurprisingly, Ryan’s latest budget document calls for the repeal of the Affordable Care Act. But it includes additional language missing from previous budgets that makes some pretty crazy claims about the law. In a possible preview of the GOP’s election-year rhetoric, Ryan warns that the law “will undermine the private insurance” and would “eventually lead to a single-payer system.”

4. Radically Alters Medicare. It’s long been a hallmark of Ryan’s budget proposals to dismantle traditional Medicare and replace it with a voucher system. Premiums for traditional Medicare would increase by 50%, forcing seniors out of Medicare and into the private insurance market. And while last year’s plan allowed those age 55 and older to remain in traditional Medicare once they became eligible, this year’s plan forces 55-year-olds into a new voucher system.

5. Doubles Down On Misguided Austerity Through Investment Cuts. Austerity has failed. Crucial investments have already fallen to historically low levels due to sequestration. The latest GOP budget ignores those facts, and offers more enormous cuts to middle-class investments in infrastructure, science, and education.

BOTTOM LINE: The economy is simply not working for most Americans. But instead of trying to build an economy that works for everyone by addressing our many economic challenges head on, the Ryan Budget ignores them and continues to advocate for failed conservative policies that only benefit the wealthiest people and corporations.

Black History

the Senate ~~ CONGRESS 4/2 ~~ the House


capitol30

The Senate stands adjourned until 9:00am on Wednesday, April 2, 2014.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.3979, the legislative vehicle for the Unemployment Insurance Extension with the time until 10:00am equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.

 The filing deadline for all 2nd degree amendments to the Reed substitute amendment #2874 and to H.R.3979 is 9:30am Wednesday.

 At 10:00am, there will be a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the Reed substitute amendment #2874.

 Additional roll call votes are possible Wednesday.

Senator Vitter asked unanimous consent that it be in order to offer up amendment #2931 (prohibit concurrent receipt of emergency unemployment benefits and Social Security disability benefits). Senator Reid objected

10:01am The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on Reed substitute amendment #2974 (Emergency Unemployment Benefits Extension Act) to H.R.3979.

Senator Blunt asked unanimous consent that it be in order to call up amendment #2885 (to create a point of order against any legislation that would create a Federal tax or fee on carbon emissions).

Senator Reed objected

Senator Moran asked unanimous consent that it be in order to call up amendment #2911(formation and growth of new businesses/STEM Visas).

Senator Reed objected.

Senator Vitter asked unanimous consent the Veterans Affairs’ Committee be discharged from further consideration of H.R.3521 and pass H.R.3521, Department of Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Lease Authorization Act of 2013, as amended by a Vitter amendment (pay-for through price controls for prescription drugs in the Department of Defense).

Senator Sanders objected.

Senator Sanders then asked the Senate take up and pass S.1950, as amended by the Sanders substitute amendment, which is the text of S.1982, the Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act.

Senator Vitter objected.

Senator Flake asked unanimous consent that it be in order to call up amendment #2935 (additional ACA plans).

Senator Durbin objected.

We are told the Republicans intend to make a motion to table one of the pending Reid amendments in the 4:15pm range to make it in order to offer an amendment. If the motion to table fails, we expect Senator Vitter will attempt to offer amendment #2931 (prohibit concurrent receipt of emergency unemployment benefits and Social Security disability benefits) in the third degree. The Chair would rule that third degree amendments are not in order and Senator Vitter would then appeal the rule of the chair.

 

As a result, senators should expect 2 roll call votes to begin in the 4:15pm range:

 

– Republican motion to table a pending Reid amendment to H.R.3979, the legislative vehicle for the Emergency Unemployment Benefits Extension Act

– Vitter motion to appeal the ruling of the chair. The question before the body would be: Shall the decision of the Chair stand? ( a yes vote would uphold the chair’s ruling and the Senate’s precedents)

 

As a reminder, it is in order to consider the Malinowski, Wu and Birx nominations today. We hope to confirm the nominations by voice votes.

 

–        Executive Calendar #520 Tomasz P. Malinowski, of the District of Columbia, to be Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor;

–        Executive Calendar #679 Portia Y. Wu, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Labor; and

–        Executive Calendar #705 Deborah L. Birx, of Maryland, to be Ambassador at Large and Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally.

At a time to be determined today, there will be 2 minutes for debate equally divided in the usual form on each nomination prior to a vote on confirmation of the nominations in the order listed. If roll call votes are required, all roll call votes after the first would be 10 minutes in length.

4:32pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the Barrasso motion to table Reid amendment #2878 to S.Amdt.2877 (UI) to H.R.3979;

Not Agreed To: 46-50

Senator Vitter attempted to call up amendment #2931 (prohibit concurrent receipt of emergency unemployment benefits and Social Security disability benefits) in the third degree to Reid #2874 to H.R.3970. The chair ruled that the amendment is not in order as it is inconsistent with the Senate’s precedents with respect to the offering of amendments, their number, degree and kind.

Senator Vitter appealed the ruling of the Chair.

Senator Reid moved to table Vitter appealing rule of the chair that a third degree amendment is not in order

5:00pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the Reid motion to table the Vitter appeal of the ruling of the chair that a third degree amendment is not in order;

Tabled: 67-29

The Senate confirmed the following nominations by voice vote:

 

–        Executive Calendar #520 Tomasz P. Malinowski, of the District of Columbia, to be Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor;

–        Executive Calendar #679 Portia Y. Wu, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Labor; and

–        Executive Calendar #705 Deborah L. Birx, of Maryland, to be Ambassador at Large and Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally.

 WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

1)      Motion to invoke cloture on Reed substitute amendment #2974 (Emergency Unemployment Benefits Extension Act) to H.R.3979; Invoked: 61-38

2)      Motion to table the Reid amendment to H.R.3979, the legislative vehicle for the Emergency Unemployment Benefits Extension Act; Not Tabled: 46-50

3)      Reid motion to table the Vitter appeal of the ruling of the chair that a third degree amendment is not in order; Tabled: 67-29

 

Additional Legislative items

Adopted S.Res.409, congratulating the Penn State University wrestling team for winning the 2014 National Collegiate Athletic Association Wrestling Championships.

 

Completed the Rule 14 process of the following items in order to place the bills on the legislative calendar:

–        S.2198, the Emergency Drought Relief Act of 2014. (Feinstein)

–        S.2199, the Paycheck Fairness Act. (Mikulski)

 

Executive items

Confirmed the following nominations by voice vote:

–        Executive Calendar #520 Tomasz P. Malinowski, of the District of Columbia, to be Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor;

–        Executive Calendar #679 Portia Y. Wu, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Labor; and

–        Executive Calendar #705 Deborah L. Birx, of Maryland, to be Ambassador at Large and Coordinator of United States Government Activities to Combat HIV/AIDS Globally.

 

 

 

 

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Last Floor Action:
10:41:09 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:00:21 A.M. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:28 A.M. The Speaker designated the Honorable Glenn Thompson to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:46 A.M. MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
10:41:09 A.M. The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

12:00:20 P.M. The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of April 2.
12:00:47 P.M. Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Bryan Smith, First Baptist Church Roanoke, Roanoke, Virginia
12:02:03 P.M. POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS ON APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Speaker announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Courtney demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Speaker announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Courtney demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of agreeing to the approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.
12:02:38 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Courtney to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:02:55 P.M. ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.
12:30:11 P.M. H. Res. 530 Considered as privileged matter. H. Res. 530 — “Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2575) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the 30-hour threshold for classification as a full-time employee for purposes of the employer mandate in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and replace it with 40 hours.”
12:31:00 P.M. H. Res. 530 DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 530.
1:49:01 P.M. H. Res. 530 On ordering the previous question Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 229 – 194 (Roll no. 152).
1:56:14 P.M. H. Res. 530 On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 236 – 186 (Roll no. 153).
1:56:15 P.M. H. Res. 530 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:56:25 P.M. UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on approval of the Journal which had been debated earlier and on which proceedings had been postponed.
2:03:18 P.M. On approving the Journal Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 262 – 157, 2 Present (Roll no. 154).
2:03:54 P.M. H.R. 2575 Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 530. H.R. 2575 — “To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the 30-hour threshold for classification as a full-time employee for purposes of the employer mandate in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and replace it with 40 hours.”
2:03:59 P.M. H.R. 2575 Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2575 with 3 hours of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. Bill is closed to amendments.
2:04:49 P.M. H.R. 2575 DEBATE – The House proceeded with three hours of debate on H.R. 2575.
3:38:36 P.M. H.R. 2575 POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – The Chair announced that pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule 19, further proceedings on H.R. 2575 would be postponed.
3:39:31 P.M. SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

6:36:12 P.M. Mr. King (IA) moved that the House do now adjourn.
6:36:25 P.M. On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
6:36:26 P.M. The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on February 3, 2014.

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