JOBS POLICIES, ANALYSIS, AND RESOURCES
Latest Jobs Posts
Increase in Racial Harassment Complaints to the Department of Education
The civil rights division of the US Department of Education has seen a substantial increase in the number of racial harassment complaints they’ve received during 2017. Over the last nine years the Department’s civil rights division has never seen more than 600 racial harassment complaints in a year, until 2017 when 675 were filed. This is….
Trump Threatens to Pull ICE Officers Out of California
On Thursday, February 22, the Washington Post reported that a very frustrated Trump threatened to pull Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) officials from the state of California as punishment for the “lousy job” the state has been doing to crackdown on illegal immigration per administration standards. Last December…
SCOTUS Rejects Trump Administration Request to Review DACA
On Monday, February 26, the Washington Post reported that the Supreme Court declined to take up the Trump administration’s request to review a decision made in a lower federal court to maintain the DACA program (read more about DACA here). This decision means that the Trump administration is not constitutionally permitted…
Temporary Protected Status Extended for Syrians
On Wednesday, January 31, the New York Times reported that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would be extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to an estimated 6,900 Syrians living in the United States under the program. Extending the Syrian community’s TPS will enable those individuals to legally work and live…
Russian Indictments, Manafort & Gates Update, Democratic Memo Stall, Dossier Research
The special counsel dropped a bombshell in the Russia investigations last week, delivering 13 indictments of Russian nationals and organizations in relation to their online campaign to disrupt the 2016 election through promotion of fake stories and divisive narratives on social media and around the internet, as well as direct manipulation…
Proposed Amendment to the Americans With Disabilities Act – Favoring Businesses Over People
On February 15, 2018, the United States House of Representatives passed bill H.R. 620, popularly known as the Americans With Disabilities (ADA) Education and Reform Act of 2017, by a vote of 225 – 192. The bill seeks to amend the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act by adding additional procedures that must be met before…
DOI Secretary Zinke Announces Offshore Oil Drilling Program [UPDATED]
Both officials and residents of California have come out in droves to push back against Zinke’s draft of the Offshore Oil Drilling Program. Protests have spanned the length of California, involving thousands of people. The protest in Sacramento preceded a Federal “open house,” which many are calling a peace offering for the lack…
Restoring the Rule of Law, Federalism, and Economic Growth by Reviewing the “Waters of the United States” Rule [UPDATED]
Almost a year after the announcement of its review, the Trump administration has formally suspended the “Waters of the United States” Rule. This suspension paves the way for this Administration’s version of the pollution regulating rules. The original Obama rule was up for implementation, and the documents filed on January 31…
Nominations for the EPA, NOAA and Environmental Policy Advisor Positions [UPDATED]
Over the last few weeks, Trump has submitted nominations for various environmental positions within the government. With these nominations, many are worried that the administration has the manpower it needs to roll back green energy initiatives and replace them with coal and fossil fuel programs. There have been four nominations…
School Choice
Proposed Policy
Announced on September 8, 2016
Summary
By combining $20 billion in federal funds with $110 billion from the states, President Trump plans to install a nationwide school voucher program that would provide students living in poverty with $12,000 to put towards a school of their choice. School options would include public, private, charter, magnet, religious or home schooling. Trump has said the funding would come through cuts to the existing education department budget, leaving many almost certain that this would mean dismantling the current $14 billion federal Title 1 program which sends additional funds to districts serving at-risk students. LEARN MORE
Analysis
Not only is there the fear that the voucher program would eat away at the separation of church and state, utilizing taxpayer dollars to pay for students’ education at religious institutions, it would bleed the existing public schools of their dollars, sending children to unregulated for-profit institutions. Research shows that voucher programs do not necessarily improve academic achievement. In three studies, students from Ohio, Louisiana, and Indiana who utilize vouchers to attend private schools saw a significant loss in academic achievement. If “school choice” is to be pursued, some say the less “private” the institution the better. LEARN MORE
Engagement Resources
- Contact Your Elected Officials – Policies such as the voucher program cannot pass without legislative support!
- National Coalition for Public Education – The NCPE has declared that if action is taken to implement a voucher program, they will not be silent. The group’s mission is to defend the public school system.
- Network for Public Education – Become a supporter of the Network for Public Education to receive their plethora of reports, newsletters and action alerts regarding the importance of public education.
This brief was compiled by Cindy Stansbury. If you have comments or want to add the name of your organization to this brief please contact, cindy@usresistnews.org.
Proposed State Laws That Threaten to Criminalize Protests and Demonstrations
Proposed Legislation from various states
Proposed in January/February 2017
Summary
Ever since the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump numerous states have introduced bills that have the potential to curb mass protests and demonstrations. The bills aim to toughen the penalties that protesters and demonstrators face when engaging in a protest event. The criminal penalties from the states range from increased fines and lengthier jail terms if convicted. Oregon is also debating mandatory expulsion from colleges and universities for a student convicted of participating in a violent riot while Arizona is considering police seizure of a person’s assets for participation in a violent protest. LEARN MORE
Analysis
Lee Rowland of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in a Washington Post article says the intent of these new legislative proposals is to “increase the penalties for protest – related activities to the point that it results in self – censorship among protesters who have every intention to obey the law.” Protesters now will have to think twice about whether they should head out and join in a march or demonstration event. The consequences of being barred from higher education, of financial loss and extended time in prison will cause fewer people to speak out and suppress discussion on important issues. LEARN MORE
Engagement Resources
- Bill of Rights & Dissent Defense Committee – A nonprofit organization protecting the right of political expression.
- American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) – Repression of Peaceful Protest – Information page on repression of peaceful protest.
- First Amendment Center at the Newseum Institute – An institute focused on First Amendment issues.
This brief was compiled by Rod Maggay. If you have comments or want to add the name of your organization to this brief, please contact rod@usresistnews.org.
TPP Withdrawal
Deal Withdrawal
Withdrew in January 2017
Policy Summary
Throughout Obama’s presidency, he continued to try to get the Trans-Pacific Partnership passed through Congress. As a result of this bill, a free trade deal would be signed by 12 other nations (Canada, Mexico, Australia, Chile, Japan, Vietnam, Peru, etc.) The goal of this bill would be to reduce tariffs for American imports and exports traded with these countries. it would allow for goods to not only move more freely but also cheaply throughout the participating nations. Sadly, Obama was not able to pass it because of a multitude of reasons. Instead of picking up where Obama left off, Trump has completely decided to turn the negotiations on themselves by deciding to withdraw from the TPP. Trump continued to speak about his disapproval of the deal, even calling it a “continuing rape of our country”. The president believes that the TPP hurts American workers and undercuts American companies by giving a very clear advantage to other countries (not placing America first)
Analysis
A plethora of studies have shown that the belief that Trump has about this deal is completely unfounded. According to this report by CNBC “Reducing trade barriers will address the trade slowdown, and approving agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership builds momentum for open trade and investment.” In addition, TPP would have accounted for almost a third of global trade and around 40% of the global gross domestic product. Furthermore, the TPP would have generated global income benefits by 223 billion within a year. A majority of Trump’s complaints about this bill is not putting “America first” even though it is very clear that the globe will benefit from TPP. Although, TPP would have assisted the global community it would also have helped the American economy. A report released by the ITC found that the TPP would have increased the U.S. real income by $57.3 billion, U.S. GDP by $42.7 billion, and created 128,000 jobs. Not only would TPP have strengthened the international community, but it also would have immensely helped the domestic economy by increasing GDP, jobs, and real income in the United States.
Engagement Resources
- Town Hall Project – This project compiles the open-to-the-public events held by state and local representatives. This provides a great opportunity to tell them that this executive order will do more bad than good. You can also dial 1-844-6-RESIST to be redirected to the office of your local member of Congress.
- US Senate – Contact your local representatives to take a stance against this proposed legislation. – https://www.senate.gov/senators/contact/
- US House of Representatives – Contact your local representatives to take a stance against this proposed legislation – http://www.house.gov/representatives/
This brief was compiled by Vaibhav Kumar. If you have comments or want to add the name of your organization to this brief please contact vaibhav@usresistnews.org.
Federal Hiring Freeze
Executive Order
Issued on January 23, 2017
Summary
President Trump’s issued an executive order that installed a 90-day halt on the hiring of federal employees. The executive order ensured that no vacant positions could be filled and banned the creation of new positions, with some exemptions on any military personnel or any positions that may affect the national security of the United States. The goal, as stated in the executive order text, is to decrease the size of the national government. This hiring freeze is applicable to all executive departments and agencies regardless of where their funding comes from (except military personnel). LEARN MORE
Analysis
David Cox, American Federation of Government Employees President, claimed “President Trump’s action will disrupt government programs and services that benefit everyone and actually increase taxpayer costs by forcing agencies to hire more expensive contractors to do work that civilian government employees are already doing for far less,”. As a result, the freeze will allow for fewer workplace safety inspections, less oversight on the environment, and a greater risk to our food and water supplies. The President of the National Treasury Employees Union, Tony Reardon, concurred by claiming that a hiring freeze increases backlogs and decreases overall service quality. LEARN MORE
Engagement Resources
- Federation of Government Employees – The largest federal employee union that offers legal representation, legislative advocacy and other services.
- National Treasury Employees Union – The nation’s largest independent union of federal employees, representing 150000 workers in 31 departments and agencies.
- National Federation of Federal Employees – It represents Federal employees across the nation, District of Columbia and overseas.
This brief was compiled by Vaibhav Kumar. If you have comments or want to add the name of your organization to this brief please contact vaibhav@usresistnews.org.
Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States
Executive Order
Issued on January 25, 2017
Summary
This executive order states that its primary goal is to more faithfully execute immigration laws to ensure public safety, and it provides three major changes to current policy to do so. Firstly, the order vastly expands the group of undocumented immigrants prioritized for deportation from the previous standard of presenting a threat to public safety and national security to any immigrant who has been charged with a crime, received a public benefit, or not met their legal obligation to leave the country, among other large categories. Secondly, law enforcement officers are now expected to act as immigration officers, pursuing the detainment of any suspected undocumented immigrant. Lastly, the order includes a threat to cut off funding to localities that refuse to enforce federal immigration law (commonly referred to as sanctuary cities). LEARN MORE
Analysis
This bill threatens to remove, swiftly and with priority, millions of undocumented immigrants who have a positive impact on the American economy, and may be firmly rooted in their communities. Additionally, parts of this order are counterproductive for public safety and are potentially illegal. While President Trump prioritizes ‘law and order’ in his rhetoric, law enforcement officials have noted that they are afraid of the effect that this order will have on the ability to conduct domestic investigations, since needed witnesses and tipsters may be afraid to interact with law enforcement for fear of deportation. The Supreme Court has ruled that the federal government cannot compel state or local officials to enforce federal law or impose conditions on grants to states and local governments unless originally stated in the law so that States can choose whether or not to accept the funds. Thus, the part of the order pertaining to sanctuary cities would likely be thoroughly tested in court if enacted. LEARN MORE
Engagement Resources
- Town Hall Project – This project compiles the open-to-the-public events held by state and local representatives. This provides a great opportunity to tell them that a border wall is not a prudent use of taxpayer money. You can also dial 1-844-6-RESIST to be redirected to the office of your local member of Congress.
- Local Options for Protecting Immigrants – This document hosted by the National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights notes what steps local governments can take to protect immigrants against federal government actions.
- Petition to End the Detention of Families and Asylum Seekers – Sign this petition, created in a joint effort by a number of major non-profit organizations.
- Resistance Manual – Crisis Resources – If you know someone who is facing immigration troubles, please share this compendium of legal resources and relevant nonprofit organizations with them.
This brief was compiled by Oliver Bjornsson. If you have comments or want to add the name of your organization to this brief please contact oliver@usresistnews.org.
U.S. Senate: The Obamacare Replacement Act (S. 222)
Proposed Legislation
Proposed on January 25, 2017
Summary
Senator Rand Paul’s proposal to replace the Affordable Care Act does not include a personal mandate for insurance coverage and existing essential health benefits all insurance companies are required to provide. The act expands Health Savings Accounts (HAS) by removing the cap and authorizing an increase in tax credits to be contributed towards HSAs. Included is temporary protection for people with pre-existing conditions to gain coverage through a two-year window of open enrollment. Paul’s proposal retains some Medicaid expansion provisions while adding opportunities for self-employed and individually insured to pool coverage and allowing insurance to be purchased across state lines. LEARN MORE
Analysis
Sen. Paul’s proposition could severely limit minimum coverage plans which would no longer be required to provide preventative health care services, such as contraception, or other services deemed essential health benefits by Obamacare. While this provision would potentially make some plans more affordable for people who do not qualify for Medicaid, it jeopardizes the quality of care people in these financial groups. Additionally, Paul’s plan to protect people with preexisting conditions only applies to those who sign up for coverage and maintain coverage. It does not guarantee coverage for those who sign up after the two years. LEARN MORE
Engagement Resources
- Heath Care for All – Help protect healthcare in Massachusetts.
- Families USA – There are several ways to get involved in efforts to protect health care under the ACA with Families USA.
- Call My Congress – To stand up for quality healthcare provided by the Affordable Care Act, call your senator.
- Countable – You can provide comments on the bill via Countable.
- Indivisible Guide – Reach out to local groups (or create one yourself) to protest Obamacare repeal efforts.
This brief was compiled by Elizabeth Kiefer. If you have comments or want to add the name of your organization to this brief please contact elizabeth@usresistnews.org.
Mexico City Policy
Presidential Memorandum
Released on January 23, 2017
Summary
The Trump Administration has reinstated the Mexico City Policy, which was rescinded by both President Clinton and President Obama. The Mexico City Policy is a policy of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) which prohibits foreign family-planning NGOs from receiving US federal funding if they perform or “actively promote abortion as a method of family planning.” The current administration has extended the policy to apply to all “global health assistance” NGOs instead of just those which focus on family planning. LEARN MORE
Analysis
The Mexico City Policy is a regressive and restrictive gag order which ultimately does more harm than good. In a research paper published by the World Health Organization (WHO), they found a correlation between years in which the Mexico City Policy was in effect and higher abortion rates in sub-Saharan Africa. Contrary to assumptions, it appears as though the Mexico City Policy actually increases abortion rates. When successful organizations are prohibited from receiving funding, they cannot provide a multitude of other family-planning resources, which can lead to unintended pregnancies and poorly-planned family lifestyle. LEARN MORE
Engagement Resources
- Population Action International — An international NGO which focuses on family planning. PAI is focusing a campaign against Trump’s gag order.
- National Coalition Against Censorship — NCAC is a large coalition of members from many different areas of influence who fight for freedom from censorship. NCAC has an opposition case against the Mexico City Policy.
- Center for Reproductive Rights — CRR works with the law to expand reproductive rights for all governments across the globe.
This brief was compiled by Jacob Malinowski. If you have comments or want to add the name of your organization to this brief, please contact jacob@usresistnews.org.
Repeal and Replace Obamacare: Effects on Medicaid
Proposed Legislation
Plan outline released on February 16, 2017
Policy Summary
Republicans released a replacement plan outline for the Affordable Care Act that they claim will increase coverage while decreasing prices, but it’s unclear how. In Health Care, there are no perfect answers and are always tradeoffs. Many believe Obamacare “sacrificed affordability in order to get more people insured” by expanding expensive Medicaid programs to reach over 70 million additional Americans. The proposed legislation would transition Medicaid from an entitlement program with guaranteed federal funding, to a per capita allotment or a block grant per program. LEARN MORE
Analysis
Republicans claim these changes will give states the flexibility and control they need while Democrats argue the number of people covered and the quality of care will decline. Proposed legislation “empowers states to design plans that will best meet their needs and put Medicaid on sustainable financial footing.” Many are worried that states would not be able to react quickly enough to natural disasters, terrorist attacks, disease outbreaks, or other emergencies that require Medicaid’s assistance. The new plan is also criticized for its proposal to fix Medicaid spending and then raise it at the annual rate of inflation when “medical costs consistently rise faster than inflation.” LEARN MORE
Engagement Resources
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services – Official government website that provides information about Medicare and Medicaid as well as opportunities to get involved.
- Health Leads – An organization dedicated to providing community-based tools for a healthy lifestyle. This website provides opportunities to volunteer or donate to the cause.
- Families USA – Advocacy group for nation-wide, affordable health care coverage with opportunities to donate, sign a petition, reach out to Congress members, and learn more about Health Care issues and trends.
This brief was compiled by Ann Furbush. If you have comments or want to add the name of your organization to this brief please contact ann@usresistnews.org.
Stream Protection Rule
Approved Legislation
Approved on February 16, 2017
Summary
President Trump signed a bill nullifying the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement’s Stream Protection Rule (SPR). The rule, issued in the closing days of the Obama-era, revised existing regulations that were enacted more than 30 years ago and was created in order to reflect advancements in science, technology, and coal mining operations. Changes were intended to minimize adverse impacts of coal mining on surface water, wildlife, and ecological health in order to protect biological resources and reduce human health and climate change-related risks. Trump and Republican lawmakers claim the legislation will save jobs and revive the American coal industry. LEARN MORE
Analysis
Chris Wood, president of Trout Unlimited, argues in a New York Times op-ed that the SPR is necessary to help reduce the devastating effects of acid mine drainage on water health and on the commercial fishing industry which supports over 800,000 jobs (more than five times that of the coal industry). A January 11th report from the Congressional Research Service clarified the health and environmental benefits of the SPR: stream restoration requirements would protect wildlife and reduce human exposure to contaminants in drinking water, while forest restoration will increase carbon storage and reduce emissions, reducing risks for human health and climate change. The report also noted that while the SPA would reduce coal-related employment by 260 jobs per year an average of 250 jobs would be created from compliance activities yearly. It is also widely accepted that the decline of the coal jobs has less to do with regulations, stemming primarily from mechanization, cheaper alternative energy sources, and weakened demand. LEARN MORE
Engagement Resources
- Trout Unlimited – A national non-profit dedicated to the conservation of clean water and associated upland habitats for fish, wildlife, and people.
- Southern Environmental Law Center – A non-profit legal group specializing in environmental protection (clean energy, healthy water, wildlife, etc.) in the Southeast US.
- Clean Water Action – An environmental advocacy group focused on canvassing and gaining support for political issues and candidates.
- League of Conservation Voters – An American political advocacy organization that supports a pro-environment agenda through voter education, voter mobilization, and direct contributions.
This brief was compiled by Conor Downey. If you have comments or want to add the name of your organization to this brief please contact conor@usresistnews.org.
Protections for Transgender Students
Rescinded Protection Guidance
Issued on February 10, 2017
Summary
President Donald Trump has rescinded protections for transgender students established by the Obama Administration which previously guarded a transgender student’s right to use the bathroom or locker room of their choice under federal anti-discrimination law. Top officials from the Department of Education and the Department of Justice produced a letter establishing their disagreement with the previous administration’s interpretation of Title IX, stating that the guidance is to be disregarded and taking the position that states and districts should be able to make their own policies in regards to this matter. LEARN MORE
Analysis
President Trump’s controversial Education Secretary Betsy Devos reportedly resisted signing the letter for fear of the potential harm it could cause. Although many states publicly stated their continued commitment to their transgender students, Sarah Warbelow, legal director at the Human Rights Campaign believes that the statement made by the White House, in this case, encourages bad behavior. James Esseks of the ACLU argued in a statement that while this action was devastating, the Supreme Court did say it would decide which interpretation if Title IX is correct regardless of the letter during a case to be heard in March. LEARN MORE
Engagement Resources
- GLSEN – An organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ students grades k-12. In addition to information on rights of transgender students, GLSEN offers many programs to help organizers engage school communities.
- American Civil Liberties Union – Provides a comprehensive brief of the rights guaranteed to transgender students under Title IX, as well as the opportunity to file a complaint through their office.
- Human Rights Campaign – Works to educate the public on the issues faced by the transgender population and provides a wide range of resources for the group and their family members.
- Transgender Law Center’s League of Resistance – Building upon their existing efforts, the league aims to “harness community power” to fight what lies ahead.
This brief was compiled by Cindy Stansbury. If you have comments or want to add the name of your organization to this brief please contact cindy@usresistnews.org.