California requires diverse transport infrastructure funding - Capitol Weekly
TL/DR - The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) passed in 2021 and the 2017 Senate Bill 1 have led to significant investments in California's often neglected transportation system, including public transportation, mass transit, and other infrastructure projects. However, some argue that traditional infrastructure spending, such as upgrades to local streets and highways, increases vehicle […]
Saunders: Biden Protects Social Security and Medicare
TL/DR - The President of AFSCME, Lee Saunders, has released a statement following former President Donald Trump's comments on cutting Social Security and Medicare. Saunders stated that Trump's comments highlight why current President Joe Biden is the choice for working families. He asserts Biden's commitment to ensuring all people retire with dignity and his resistance […]
Teamsters Urge MA Lawmakers to Reject Worker Misclassification Bill
TL/DR - The Teamsters union is urging Massachusetts lawmakers to reject legislation H.1099/S.666, arguing it enables the wider misclassification of workers. The group claims that this bill indirectly supports misclassification by offering a small part of collective bargaining rights that workers should already be entitled to under federal law, hence undermining the "ABC" test used […]
Message from Laura Dickerson, UAW Director, TOP Dept/ Region 1A
TL/DR - The article is written by Laura Dickerson, the first African American woman elected to the International Executive Board of the UAW. She acknowledges the support of mentors and other strong women in her journey, highlighting the importance of continuing to lift others up as they climb. Dickerson encourages others to engage in local […]
Federal Funds to Launch New Colorado Rail Services
TL/DR - The Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is providing federal funding for new passenger rail services in Colorado. The proposed Front Range Passenger Rail service will connect Pueblo to Fort Collins, using the same tracks as the unfinished FasTracks route. This project, endorsed by Governor Polis and Senate President Steve Fenberg, is expected […]
Australia Govt to increase Southeast Asia investment
TL/DR - The Australian government has announced a 2 billion Australian Dollar (A$) Southeast Asia Investing Financing Facility (SEAIFF) among other measures to strengthen trade and investment relationships with Southeast Asia. Managed by Export Finance Australia (EFA), the SEAIFF will provide loans, guarantees, equity and insurance for energy transition and infrastructure projects in Southeast Asia. […]
Saunders of AFSCME: Biden's Right, America is Bouncing Back
TL/DR - AFSCME President Lee Saunders lauded President Biden's commitment to helping working people and unrigging the economy, stating that Biden has created a record 15 million new jobs and increased the number of insured people. Saunders also praised Biden's plan to protect Social Security and Medicare, control inflation, invest in childcare, and build an […]
REEF Act Gains Teamsters' Support
TL/DR - The Senate Budget Committee has unanimously voted in favor of the Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness (REEF) Act, much to the acclaim of the Teamsters. The Act is intended to protect the unemployment and sickness benefits of railroad workers, which are currently subjected to congressional budget sequestration, thereby depriving them of a portion […]
Illinois Teachers Commits $250m to Stonepeak Fund
TL/DR - Illinois Teachers' Retirement System has committed $250m to Stonepeak Infrastructure Fund V, which aims to raise $15bn to invest in 12-15 North American companies across sectors such as energy transition, transportation, logistics, and communications. The deal expands the existing partnership between the pension fund and Stonepeak, which already manages $130m of the fund's […]
Liz Shuler, AFL-CIO President, Praises Biden's Union Address
TL/DR - AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler endorsed President Biden’s State of the Union address, praising him as the "most pro-union president" and for his plans to support working people against wealthy corporations. She appreciated Biden's proposals to strengthen America's industrial renaissance with good union jobs and to lower costs by making the rich and corporations […]
