As the Donald Trump presidency begins and his administration takes shape, there will naturally be a large focus on the federal government and the work of the executive and legislative branches. State and local governments are hard at work as well, and while issues are being debated in Congress over a long period of time, we should find more opportunities to engage at the state level.
Category: Advocate
Don't Leave Your Money on the Table
Last year more than 27 million eligible workers and families received over $67 billion with the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). However, every year the IRS estimates that one out of five qualified taxpayers are leaving money on the table by not using the credit. On January 27, also known as EITC Awareness Day, those who qualify can receive help to keep that money in their pocket.
In 2017, Get Involved at Every Opportunity
The Goodwill Industries International government relations office is a couple of blocks away from the Capitol. As such, I’ve been able to watch the inauguration preparations unfold. As we advance Goodwill’s public policy agenda, we’ve been communicating with transition teams, following the confirmation hearings on the President-Elect’s nominees, and are preparing to meet with a number of freshman lawmakers. At the same time, we’ve reflected on successful engagement with the previous Congress and attended some final stakeholder convenings with the current administration.
A Preview of the 115th Congress
The 115th Congress was sworn in on Tuesday, in a warm ceremony. This post discusses some of the issues that legislators have begun working on immediately.
A Look Back on Our Accomplishments
‘Tis the season to be grateful, reflect on accomplishments, and plan for new opportunities. The Government Relations team at Goodwill Industries International (GII), is grateful for advocates like you. During the 114th Congress, our advocates sent more than 2,000 letters to lawmakers on important topics like funding for workforce development and job-training programs; support for people with barriers to employment including older workers, people with criminal backgrounds, and people with disabilities; and protecting charitable giving incentives.
Give Families an Economic Boost All Year
As the year comes to a close, many of us take the opportunity to spend time with friends and family and to help those around us. One way to help more people is by joining Goodwill® to support programs that boost economic stability for low-income individuals and families.
Congress Set to Approve Five Month Funding Extension
By Friday evening the House and Senate will have approved another continuing resolution (CR) that, yet again, kicks the Fiscal Year 2017 appropriations process down the road until April 28. With your help Goodwill ® urged Congress to wrap up all of the FY 2017 spending bills before the end of the year.
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Encourage Congress to Protect Funding for Employment Programs
While many of you have been focused on turkey this past week, the Goodwill Industries International Government Relations team has focused on duck – lame duck, that is. Lawmakers briefly returned to Washington the week of November 14 before taking a recess for Thanksgiving. Now they are back and trying to wrap up priorities before adjourning. Any bills that don’t pass by the end of this Congress will have to be reintroduced during the new 115th Congress.
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Tell Congress Not To Be A Bunch of Turkeys
Having been unable to finish the FY 2017 appropriations before October 1, Congress left town after approving a short-term continuing resolution (CR) through December 9, 2016. Now congressional leaders are seriously considering another CR—through March 2017. If this is how they proceed then the 2017 fiscal year will be half over before federal agencies truly know what their real funding levels will be for rest of the fiscal yearand it will make Congress look like a bunch of turkeys.
Apprenticeship Week Celebrates Opportunities for Workers and Businesses
In 2015, President Obama proclaimed the week of November 2 as the first annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW). Between November 14-20, 2016 the U.S. Department of Labor will celebrate the second annual National Apprenticeship Week. NAW offers registered apprenticeship sponsors the opportunity to showcase their programs, facilities, and apprentices, and gives employers, education, industry associations, labor, elected officials and other critical partners the opportunity to highlight how registered apprenticeship meets their needs for a skilled workforce.
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Beyond Election 2016: Opportunities for Advocacy Success
Regardless of the outcome, this year's election was hard on our country. There are a number of unknowns concerning what the results at the federal, state, and local levels will mean for the interests of Goodwill®, the charitable sector, and those we serve. What we do know is that there is an abundance of opportunity.
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The Advantages of Voting for Individuals and Nonprofits
Learn more about the benefits of voting for voters and nonprofits in addition to how Goodwill® has been engaged in this year's election process.
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