US Economy
Local Impact of Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act
TL/DR - In November 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) was passed in the US with the goal of addressing issues plaguing the nation's physical and digital infrastructure. The act has had numerous positive impacts in various sectors, including igniting economic growth, educational opportunities, and improved healthcare services through telemedicine via an improvement […]
Hochul Announces $49M for NY Water Infrastructure Upgrades
TL/DR - Over $49 million has been approved by the Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors for water infrastructure improvement projects across New York State. This includes over $20 million from the Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, with a $13 million grant specifically for the Buffalo Sewer Authority to modernize the treatment system at the Bird […]
14.8 Million New Jobs Created in US Since 2021
The Facts - US Wage Growth -- Highest Rate in this Century Unemployment Under 4% for last 2 Years - A 50-Year Record! Fastest Wage Growth In Low Wage, Traditionally Disadvantaged Groups. American Workers See Fastest Wage Growth in Decades American workers saw the fastest wage growth in decades between 2019 and 2023, with lower-income […]
Three Unions (IBEW, IUOE, LIUNA) Sign Historic Solar Agreement
TL/DR - The leaders of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Laborers International Union of North America, and International Union of Operating Engineers have signed a national tri-trade solar agreement aiding the construction of utility-scale solar projects. The agreement streamlines the process for bringing such projects onto the grid, and outlines each union's responsibilities, thus […]
Construction Jobs Rise Post Two-Year Infrastructure Law
TL/DR - The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed by President Biden two years ago, has led to significant investments in various sectors, including transportation infrastructure, electric grid modernization, high-speed internet access, pollution clean-up, and clean energy economy build-up. The law has already supported hundreds of thousands of jobs, predominantly in construction and manufacturing, with the construction […]
US Economy and Labor Unions
TL/DR - The U.S. Treasury Department has released a report on labor unions, demonstrating their potential to enhance the economy and strengthen the middle class by raising income, enhancing work environments, and increasing job satisfaction. The report showed that union membership and income inequality have diverged over the past century, with union membership peaking in […]
Moulton Discusses Immigration, Infrastructure, Foreign Policy
TL/DR - U.S. Representative Seth Moulton expressed the need for immigration reform, infrastructure investment, and praised the Biden administration's efforts during a forum attended by local business leaders. He emphasized the necessity of securing the border and reforming pathways to citizenship, and criticized the insufficient past investment in infrastructure, especially in schools. Moulton also addressed […]
UAW President Shawn Fain Employs Christian Rhetoric Amid Unprecedented Strike
The Facts - Shawn Fain, the recently elected president of the United Auto Workers (UAW), is using Christian rhetoric to rally members during an unprecedented strike against three factories. Fain, who often travels with a tattered Bible, uses his platform to broadcast religiously charged messages that reference biblical heroes and scriptures. Despite the union's secular, […]
WI Rep. Pocan tackles postal delays
TL/DR - Postal customers in the United States are experiencing service disruptions and delays, affecting their ability to receive paychecks, Social Security checks, bills, and prescription medications. Wisconsin Democratic Rep. Mark Pocan is calling on Congress to take action and arrange a hearing with Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. DeJoy, a Republican megadonor, was appointed to […]
Biden's proposal targets overdraft fee limits at large banks
TL/DR - The Biden administration has announced a rule to limit overdraft fees charged by large banks, a move that could save consumers $3.5 billion per year. The new rule from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) requires these banks to align overdraft fees with their costs, lowering the fee from an average of $35 […]