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House Democrats call for more federal aid for public education
WASHINGTON — Congressional Democrats called Monday for more federal aid for education as the nation’s schools prepare to reopen this fall. “Unless the federal government provides immediate relief, it won’t be a matter of whether education funding will be cut, but how deep the cuts will be,” said U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, chair of the […]
U.S. Supreme Court ruling protects LGBTQ+ workers from job discrimination
WASHINGTON — In a landmark victory for LGBTQ+ rights, the U.S. Supreme Court held Monday that employers can’t legally fire people because of their gender identity or sexual orientation. In a 6-3 opinion, the court ruled that employers who fire individuals “merely for being gay or transgender” violate Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights […]
A new federal agency to revive the Great Lakes region?
WASHINGTON — The Great Lakes region took a beating last decade with the collapse of its manufacturing sector. The region’s economy has been in recovery — but the pandemic threatens to deal another devastating blow. Unemployment is spiking and cities and states are facing massive revenue losses, which have the potential to destabilize the region’s […]
Will Congress send aid to ailing local news outlets?
WASHINGTON — Politicians are banding together to try to rescue local news media from economic collapse during the coronavirus pandemic. On Monday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced that Democratic leaders in Congress are pushing to fix a small business lending program so that it applies to local news publishers and broadcasters affiliated with […]
Will the federal government help Wisconsin get better broadband?
WASHINGTON — Sen. Tammy Baldwin called on Congress Wednesday to narrow disparities in access to broadband internet service. “The COVID-19 crisis has laid bare the reality of how needed it is,” the Wisconsin Democrat said during a hearing held by the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, which has jurisdiction over the Federal […]
U.S. House Dems unveil massive “bold” and “transformative” $3T pandemic relief bill
WASHINGTON — U.S. House Democrats unveiled an economic relief package of epic proportions Tuesday in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The sweeping legislation dubbed the “Heroes Act” by Democrats carries a $3 trillion-plus price tag — more than the combined total of four coronavirus response bills passed this year. Democrats called it “bold” and “transformative” […]
Lawmakers press Congress for more relief cash for rural America
WASHINGTON — Federal lawmakers are urging Congress to help rural America in the next round of coronavirus legislation. Congress approved more than $2 trillion in response to the pandemic in March, but many lawmakers say it doesn’t do enough to address the needs of rural Americans. Media coverage of the pandemic has focused on urban […]
The next big clash on Capitol Hill: state bailouts
WASHINGTON — State and federal lawmakers alike want Congress to send more cash in the next round of coronavirus legislation to aid ailing cities and states. But some high-profile Republicans have bristled at the idea, signaling a coming clash over the issue on Capitol Hill. The debate comes as state and local governments around the […]
Lawmakers advance small business relief bill without extra cash for states
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate on Tuesday cleared an “interim” COVID-19 relief package that includes billions of dollars for small businesses, hospitals and testing, but no additional funds for state and local governments. The nearly $500 billion package passed by unanimous consent Tuesday afternoon. The U.S. House is expected to reconvene on Thursday to vote […]
Money and political power at stake as COVID-19 threatens census
WASHINGTON — It’s National Census Day. Organizations across the country are marking the occasion with webinars, virtual rallies, Twitter chats and other digital events throughout the week. April 1 is the date by which all people in U.S. households are to be counted. But the COVID-19 pandemic threatens to make the count even more difficult […]
‘It’s gonna be tough.’ Wis. lawmakers brace for coronavirus impacts
WASHINGTON — What support is available for people who have been laid off as a result of the coronavirus pandemic? Can health professionals get into locked-down nursing homes? Will state labs analyze test kits on weekends? Those were some of the questions asked of Rep. Mark Pocan, a Madison-area Democrat who held a virtual town […]
Congress clears 2nd major coronavirus package; 3rd in the works
WASHINGTON — A second major coronavirus package cleared the U.S. Senate Wednesday and is now headed to President Donald Trump for his signature. The bill passed 90-8, with overwhelming bipartisan support. The multi-billion dollar measure aims to slow the spread of a new coronavirus and stimulate the economy as a major recession looms. The package […]