The end of the year is always the best time to reflect on our past accomplishments and to prepare for the challenges that await us the upcoming year. As 2017 quickly draws to close, the Goodwill Industries International (GII) government relations team is grateful for the work and effort of all Goodwill advocates. Because of your advocacy efforts we have been able to share the work and mission of local Goodwill organizations across the country.
Category: Advocate
Kicking the Can, Punting the Ball, Putting it On Layaway: Congress and the Budget
Though the latest news is changing by the hour, word this morning is that Congress will consider a short-term spending bill to avoid a government shutdown. As the budget conversation moves further down the road, we are reminded of the programs at risk – programs funding for workforce development education and training that are more of a launching pad than a safety net – programs that help millions of individuals and families become self-sufficient and realize career opportunities. Cutting these programs from the budget would leave families, seniors, people with disabilities and others without options, struggling to make ends meet and to move forward.
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The Time is Now – Take Action to Protect Nonprofits!
For several weeks we have been keeping our advocates informed of key concerns with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act as passed in the House and Senate. Thank you to those who have taken action and have raised these issues with lawmakers. With your help, nearly 500 emails have been sent to Members of Congress in addition to a significant number of phone calls, tweets, and Facebook messages.
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Take Action to Protect Nonprofits!
The House and Senate have passed their respective versions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, both of which contain provisions that are harmful to the charitable nonprofit sector. The two distinct tax reform bills now need to be reconciled before the two chambers can hold votes on a final tax reform package. This process, known as a conference, is expected to move very quickly. If you live or work in any of these states, your voice is especially important!
Give Your Voice During the Season of Giving
Tis’ the season of giving and many people will be making contributions to their favorite charities. But did you know that they tax reform proposals pending in Congress could negatively impact those very nonprofits, including local Goodwill® organizations?
Goodwill® Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week
Last week, Goodwill Industries International (GII) along with organization across the country recognized National Apprenticeship Week (NAW). With over 900 events taking place across the United States, communities took the opportunity to draw attention to and recognize the important role that apprenticeships play in developing a skilled workforce.
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2017 Election Night Recap
Regardless of the outcomes, last Tuesday proved to be an exciting time for a political enthusiast. If you’re like me, you were up late into the evening trying to figure what the night’s results meant for the country moving forward. Elections indeed have consequences and results last week will prove to be consequential for thousands of people across several states and major U.S. cities.
This Veterans Day, We Can Do More to Thank a Veteran for Their Service
No matter what we believe about military engagement, we can certainly come together in support of the individuals and families who risk everything to support the country. Last year Goodwill organizations served more than 60,000 military members and veterans and more than 24,000 military families with career readiness and transition support, mental health services, family financial preparation, education and career connections for veterans and military members and their families.
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Be Vocal, Vote Local!
The so called “off-year elections”, when neither Congress nor the office of President are up for a vote, typically draws a low turnout and there aren’t many raced on the ballot. Many candidates may even be unopposed. As we continue to countdown to the 2018 mid-term elections and focus on the national stage, let us not forget the important role that communities play and that every voice matters.
Congressional Trick or Treat
Heading into Halloween, there are some Congressional priorities that are picking up momentum and things are getting scary for a few programs that we care about. The government is currently funded through December 8th and Congress needs to decide how much funding to appropriate to twelve different agencies that oversee programs, including those that make up the workforce investment system, in order to avoid a government shutdown.
Goodwill® Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
Around this time each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month. This month long celebration recognizes the contributions and cultures of American citizens whose ancestors immigrated from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. It’s no doubt that the role that Hispanic Americans play in the American workforce is constantly growing. With the goal of developing a workforce to meet our country’s current and future needs, we should draw on the experience, history, and diversity of these Americans.
Meeting the Needs of Today's Digital Economy
It’s with more than a little excitement that we recently announced the launch of the Goodwill Digital Career Accelerator(SM). Funded by a grant from Google.org and with the assistance of 1,000 Google volunteers, the new Goodwill initiative will enable more than one million people to receive digital skills training over the next three years and meet the needs of today's digital economy.
