The National Governor’s Association is meeting in Washington, DC this week, providing an opportunity for Governors to lead and participate in discussions on topics such as child welfare, resiliency against disaster, education reform, entrepreneurship and more. Nearly every one of the nation’s Governors have provided their State of the State addresses to their constituents and many touched on these topics.
Category: Advocate
Valentine’s Deal Shows No Love for Federal Contractors
It’s Valentine’s Day, but we’re not feeling the love for the newly reached agreement to avoid another government shutdown. Of course no one wanted the government to close again and we’re pleased that a crisis has likely been averted, but the legislative text of the agreement could have served as a vehicle to help those who are still trying to recover from the aftermath of the longest government shutdown in history.
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State of the Union Recap
After being initially postponed due to the federal government shutdown, President Trump delivered his official State of the Union address on February 5th. Among the special guests invited to attend the speech was Justina Pettway, who works as a custodian in the Russell Senate Office Building through Goodwill of Greater Washington’s participation in the AbilityOne program.
Help Federal Contractors Recover from the Shutdown
As the country tries to recover from the longest federal government shutdown in history, hundreds of thousands of federal employees are expected to receive back-pay. However, hundreds of thousands of federal contractors will not receive such relief to ease the burdens of missed paychecks, unless Congress intervenes.
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Take Action to Support Federal Contractors
Many of us enjoyed a paid federal holiday recently as we reflected on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Imagine if you had to work that day and did not receive any pay. Imagine if you had to go to work since December 22nd without receiving pay. Imagine if you didn’t have to go to work, but you weren’t getting paid and you don’t know when you’ll be able to return to your job. For 800,000 employees in addition to an estimated 500,000 federal contractors and their collective families, they do not have to imagine these scenarios. This is the reality they face along with the challenges of how to make ends meet.
National Youth Mentoring Month
January is National Youth Mentoring Month. I’ve been fortunate to have a number of mentors in my life including family, teachers, friends and colleagues who have all helped me advance in my career, overcome challenges, or provided another perspective on something I may have been struggling with. In addition to being a mentee, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a mentor to assist young professionals who are interested in a career in government relations.
Shutdown Showdown
At the time of this writing, we are heading into the longest government shutdown in history. While technically it is a partial shutdown with nine federal government agencies and various independent agencies closed, the impact is being fully felt for hundreds of thousands of federal workers and contractors who aren’t being paid, and may not receive back pay.
Opening Day on Capitol Hill
“Opening Day” is usually a term used in reference to baseball and the start of the season of America’s favorite pastime. However in Washington, DC it isn’t just about the Nationals. Opening day marks the beginning of a new Congress. Pitchers and catchers have yet to report for spring training, but lawmakers have reported back to duty on Capitol Hill.
Resolve to be a Goodwill® Advocate
The start of a year is a beginning of a next chapter. It’s a time when people reflect on the year gone by and to resolve to make changes. Goodwill Industries International, Inc. will be welcoming a new leader, the government relations team will be working to advance a new list of public policy priorities, and Capitol Hill will begin a new Congress – welcoming nearly 100 new lawmakers in the freshman class.
First Step Act Gives the Gift of Bipartisanship for the Holidays
Just in time for the holidays, the Senate has passed a bill that adjusts federal criminal sentencing guidelines in an effort that required serious bipartisan work. The “FIRST STEP Act” was passed by an overwhelming majority of the Senate and now goes to the House where Republican and Democratic lawmakers say they are ready to vote and send it to the President, who has previously said he would sign it into law.
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Lame Duck or Active Duck
In politics, the “lame duck” Congress refers to the period of time where the Congress is in session after their successors have been elected. According to Wikipedia (so it must be true), “The phrase ‘lame duck’ was coined in the eighteenth century at the London Stock Exchange, to refer to a stockbroker who defaulted on his debtsIt was transferred to politicians in the nineteenth century, the first recorded use is in the Congressional Globe (then the official record of the United States Congress) of January 14, 1863: "In no event could [the Court of Claims] be justly obnoxious to the charge of being a receptacle of 'lame ducks' or broken down politicians."
The End of a Congress – Hopefully Not the End of an Era
Congress returns to work this work and unfortunately likely back to their partisan corners following a pause to celebrate and honor the life of President George H. W. Bush. Before we dive into the issues that remain before the closing of the 115th Congress, Goodwill Industries International would like to take moment and honor the legacy of President Bush.
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