Category: Advocate

On Tuesday, President Obama put forth his final budget, for FY 2017, in which he proposed increases in several workforce programs. Overall, the budget tops the four trillion dollar mark at $4.15 trillion, higher than his last budget but most of the increase is allocated toward Social Security and Medicare.

READ MORE from Job Seekers Win In President’s Final Budget

This week’s Iowa Caucus and the upcoming New Hampshire primary on February 9 bookend the biggest sports spectacle in history - the NFL Super Bowl. On February 7, 190 million people are expected to watch this year’s game. Even people who don’t like football, or sports in general, usually find themselves drawn to the phenomenon that is pro football’s showcase event.

READ MORE from “Make the Call” Following Super Bowl 50

We work hard every day. Doesn’t it only make sense that your hard work shouldn’t be punished by the federal government? Well last December Congress approved a sweeping set of tax policies affecting businesses and individuals. After months of difficult negotiations the final bill was set for passage. Among the tax policies Congress approved was a change that made permanent Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Goodwill is supporting the EITC during Assets & Opportunity Network’s Week of Action, and this Friday, January 29 is EITC Awareness Day.

READ MORE from The Earned Income Tax Credit Works for You

We have all heard about how the economy is growing, how the recovery has created millions of new jobs and how unemployment is plummeting to historic lows. So then, why do so many Americans not just feel, but know, that all is not as the numbers would indicate? Next week, join Goodwill® as we partner with the first Assets & Opportunity National Week of Action, along with the Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED) and Credit Builders Alliance (CBA).

READ MORE from Secure Your Financial Present and Future with a Week of Action

President Obama delivered his final State of the Union (SOTU) address this week and as expected, he did not put forth an aggressive policy agenda for his last year of office. However, the President did touch upon a number of specific areas of interest to Goodwill® and the people we serve.

READ MORE from Education, Poverty Alleviation Among Key Themes in State of the Union Address

For policy wonks like me, 2016 is off to an exciting start. Congress wrapped up 2015 without shutting down the government, a threat of falling off a “fiscal cliff” is no longer looming, and there is a new speaker of the House. Of course this year there is a presidential election and a number of lawmakers have announced their retirements at the end of this congressional session, providing an opportunity for Goodwill® advocates to make new connections with policymakers.

READ MORE from Get to Know Goodwill’s® Legislative Priorities and Become an Advocate

For policy wonks like me, 2016 is off to an exciting start. Congress wrapped up 2015 without shutting down the government, a threat of falling off a “fiscal cliff” is no longer looming, and there is a new speaker of the House. Of course this year there is a presidential election and a number of lawmakers have announced their retirements at the end of this congressional session, providing an opportunity for Goodwill® advocates to make new connections with policymakers.

READ MORE from Get to Know Goodwill's® Legislative Priorities and Become an Advocate

Last week, as Hollywood celebrated the much-anticipated film Star Wars: The Force Awakens, people in Washington, DC (or as I like to call it, “Hollywood for Geeks”), celebrated the end of the year’s Congressional session with the passage of a $1.1 trillion spending bill along with a tax extenders bill. Having just purchased my tickets for The Force Awakens, the DC geek in me can’t help but feel as though the credits are rolling on the second part of a three-part Congressional trilogy.

READ MORE from May the Force Awaken in Congress

Tis’ the season of giving, and it appears that Congress has delivered a gift to individual taxpayers and the charitable sector this week. While negotiating a budget deal to keep the government open, lawmakers were also negotiating the extension of a number of tax provisions (52 to be exact), which were set to expire at the end of the year. The tax agreement passed the House on Thursday. The Senate is likely to pass the bill on Friday. Some of the provisions in the agreement were made permanent while others would be reinstated through 2019, reinstated through 2016, or phased out over time.

READ MORE from Taxpayers Receive a Special Gift Just in Time for the Holidays

Oh no, here we go again…maybe. Congress has once again brought our government to the verge of shutdown, not because there are wide differences over the spending levels, but rather over a host of unrelated policy issues best handled as stand-alone legislation than attached to annual spending bills.

READ MORE from Tick Tock, Tick Tock

On Cyber Monday, I purchased items from Goodwill’s online retail partners. Upon delivery, I’ll remove my new items, and fill the shipping boxes with my Black Friday donations. Next, I’ll print a pre-paid shipping label at givebackbox.com . Finally, I can send the box of donations to my local Goodwill, and it will sell my donations to generate revenues which support employment, job training and other services that create strong families in my community.

READ MORE from Confessions of a Holiday “Stuff Gatekeeper”

The holidays spotlight the distinct contrasts within our communities. On one hand, there’s a great deal of consumerism and overindulgence that goes along with the activities and traditions, helping to distract us during an otherwise cold and dark season. The season starts with a day to feast and give thanks and two days to find bargains. On the other hand, there are many among us experiencing poverty. Unlike any other time of the year, the stark contrast motivates many to give back.

READ MORE from After Thanksgiving, Celebrate Your Community by Taking Part in #GivingTuesday