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ECONOMIC JUSTICE
ECONOMIC RELIEF - Updates
Congress finally passed a much needed bi-partisan $900 billion stimulus relief package in December- which includes direct payments of $600 to most Americans, extends sorely needed federal unemployment insurance, provides additional loans under the Paycheck Protection Program, funds vaccine distribution and increases food stamp benefits. This legislation also provides much needed funds to prevent massive evictions that hundreds of thousands of Americans faced by the end of 2020. In spite of significant bi-partisan support, coupled with a fierce urgency to get relief to hundreds of thousands of Americans, President Trump threatened to veto the bill, bringing us close to the precipice of economic disaster. In the end, the pressure applied for both sides of the aisle forced Trump to drop his veto threat, and ironically has laid groundwork for subsequent calls for even greater relief and resources for 2021.
Meanwhile, income inequality, and the continued concentration of wealth for the 1% continues to explode at alarming rates, both nationally and within Connecticut. Since the pandemic began, the collective wealth of 17 Connecticut billionaires has jumped $2.1 billion, the same as our entire operating budget, while ordinary workers have faced economic insecurity, job losses, reduction of hours and loss of much needed benefits.
While State and local government services predict a continuation of deep cuts and austerity measures, working people wonder how they will pay bills, feed their families and keep a roof over their heads. Meanwhile, Governor Lamont and some legislative leaders have thrown cold water on common sense proposals for expanded health care coverage, increased resources for schools, investment in affordable housing and bold proposals for investing in job creation and climate resiliency projects. These dynamics are articulated eloquently in a recent CT Mirror Op-Ed authored by Courtney Bourns, member of the Fair Share CT coalition.
Here is what we know, now more than ever: this pandemic has shown us that we pull through by pulling together, no matter what we look like or where we live. Communities from across Connecticut are determined to help each other and leave no one behind.
In 2021, CCAG looks forward to joining with members, faith, labor and community allies to ensure that every resident - no matter their race, gender or zip code - can enjoy the basic qualities of life that our wealthier neighbors take for granted: a living wage, affordable health care, high quality education, and saving a little for a rainy day.
Key priorities of the People’s Recovery include:
Congress finally passed a much needed bi-partisan $900 billion stimulus relief package in December- which includes direct payments of $600 to most Americans, extends sorely needed federal unemployment insurance, provides additional loans under the Paycheck Protection Program, funds vaccine distribution and increases food stamp benefits. This legislation also provides much needed funds to prevent massive evictions that hundreds of thousands of Americans faced by the end of 2020. In spite of significant bi-partisan support, coupled with a fierce urgency to get relief to hundreds of thousands of Americans, President Trump threatened to veto the bill, bringing us close to the precipice of economic disaster. In the end, the pressure applied for both sides of the aisle forced Trump to drop his veto threat, and ironically has laid groundwork for subsequent calls for even greater relief and resources for 2021.
Meanwhile, income inequality, and the continued concentration of wealth for the 1% continues to explode at alarming rates, both nationally and within Connecticut. Since the pandemic began, the collective wealth of 17 Connecticut billionaires has jumped $2.1 billion, the same as our entire operating budget, while ordinary workers have faced economic insecurity, job losses, reduction of hours and loss of much needed benefits.
While State and local government services predict a continuation of deep cuts and austerity measures, working people wonder how they will pay bills, feed their families and keep a roof over their heads. Meanwhile, Governor Lamont and some legislative leaders have thrown cold water on common sense proposals for expanded health care coverage, increased resources for schools, investment in affordable housing and bold proposals for investing in job creation and climate resiliency projects. These dynamics are articulated eloquently in a recent CT Mirror Op-Ed authored by Courtney Bourns, member of the Fair Share CT coalition.
Here is what we know, now more than ever: this pandemic has shown us that we pull through by pulling together, no matter what we look like or where we live. Communities from across Connecticut are determined to help each other and leave no one behind.
In 2021, CCAG looks forward to joining with members, faith, labor and community allies to ensure that every resident - no matter their race, gender or zip code - can enjoy the basic qualities of life that our wealthier neighbors take for granted: a living wage, affordable health care, high quality education, and saving a little for a rainy day.
Key priorities of the People’s Recovery include:
- Financial support and training opportunities for working people in Connecticut who have lost jobs or have been economically harmed by the pandemic.
- Increased funding for public services, good jobs, health care, affordable housing, education, small businesses, and infrastructure. No more cuts and forced austerity.
- Compelling billionaires and wealthy corporations contribute their fair share to the financial health of our state.
- Attention to racial and gender equity in all recovery programs and policies. Recovery is an opportunity to right historic and systemic wrongs that have persistently left these groups behind.