Category: Bailout 2020
Corporations rigged rules to boost pandemic pay of CEOs
“By inflating executive compensation while their workers struggled during a pandemic, corporate boards have strengthened the case for tax penalties on huge CEO-worker pay gaps.” by Jake Johnson, staff writer Tuesday, May 11, 2021 Dozens…
Trump golfs, tweets election lies as 14 million set to lose unemployment benefits just after Christmas
“The ability of millions of Americans to pay rent and buy groceries hangs in the balance, and Donald Trump spent the day golfing.” by Jake Johnson, staff writer Sunday, December 27, 2020 After threatening to blow…
Christmas Comes to Congress
by Wade Rathke December 22, 2020 Pearl River Ahhh…it’s the end of the year when sugarplums are dancing in dreams of Congressional representatives in both houses and on all sides of the aisle. It may…
Anger mounts as Democrats accuse GOP of imperiling Covid relief with effort to ‘sabotage a Biden presidency’
“After weeks of refusing to acknowledge Biden’s victory, some Republicans have now decided that sabotaging his presidency is more important than helping our economy recover.” by Jake Johnson, staff writer Saturday, December 19, 2020 After several…
McConnell tries to block extension of paid sick and family leave
The paid leave benefits have helped prevent thousands of coronavirus cases each day, but Republicans want them to expire. by Jake Johnson, staff writer Saturday. December 19, 2020, 2pm-MST Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is reportedly…
McConnell admits direct checks only included to help GOP win in Georgia
“Given that this conversion only came after ‘Kelly and David got hammered,’ no one should be fooled—or let him get away with it.” by Jake Johnson, staff writer Thursday, December 17, 2020 After opposing another round…
Most profitable US companies fired workers, enriched shareholders during pandemic
“This is a global crisis but the big companies are not treating it as one—they haven’t skipped a beat.” by Kenny Stancil, staff writer Thursday, December 17, 2020 While the Covid-19 pandemic and corresponding economic crisis…
Amid mounting progressive pressure, Congressional leaders reportedly planning to include direct payments in relief package
“I will not vote for a Covid package that doesn’t include survival payments and unemployment relief for the American people. It’s a red line,” said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. by Jake Johnson, staff writer Wednesday, December 16,…
New bill proposes stopping unemployment agencies that make mistakes from demanding money back
State unemployment agencies have been demanding recipients repay thousands of dollars, even if the agency made the mistake and the money’s already been spent. After ProPublica investigated the practice, legislators are trying to end it. by…
Trump White House proposes Covid relief plan with $0 weekly unemployment boost
“The president’s proposal starts by cutting the unemployment insurance proposal being discussed by bipartisan members of the House and Senate. That is unacceptable.” by Jake Johnson, staff writer Wednesday, December 9, 2020 The Trump White House…
Millions still haven’t gotten stimulus checks, including many who need them most
As many as 12 million Americans didn’t get their stimulus payment. Usually it’s because their income was too low. Here’s what they can do: Apply through the government’s glitchy platform (if they even qualify), and do…
After installing Barrett, McConnell adjourns Senate for recess with no Covid relief in sight
“Small business owners, workers, and families are desperate for support—and lawmakers and the president abandoned them in order to focus on jamming through a historically non-transparent and extreme Supreme Court pick.” by Jake Johnson, staff writer…
As deadline for Covid relief deal looms, poll shows voters support $2 trillion stimulus by 51-point margin
The new survey shows 72% of likely voters—including 56% of Republicans—support an ambitious coronavirus relief package. by Jake Johnson, staff writer Tuesday, October 20 With the agreed-upon deadline for Democratic leaders and the Trump White House…
8 Million forced into poverty since Covid relief expired in July
As Trump and GOP refuse aid package “It’s really important that we reinstate some of the lost benefits” that were extended as part of the CARES Act, one researcher said. by Julia Conley, staff writer Thursday,…
As Pelosi battles White House, Ro Khanna says Democrats can win morally—and politically
‘Millions of Real People’s Lives Are at Stake’ “It is in the interest of progressive Democrats to show that government can be a force of good, and this is the time for us to act.” by…
Disney fires 28,000 workers during stock buyback spree
“It appears that—prior to, and during the pandemic—Disney took good care of its top executives and shareholders—and now is hanging its front-line workers out to dry.” by Andrea Germanos, staff writer Wednesday, October 14 Sen. Elizabeth…
Ro Khanna says Democrats have ‘moral obligation’ to pursue deal with White House on Covid relief
‘People Are Suffering’ “We are the party that stands for the working poor,” said the California Democrat. by Jake Johnson, staff writer Tuesday, October 13 Still alone among progressive members of Congress in publicly urging House…
Trump ended Covid relief talks after McConnell said Republicans wouldn’t vote for deal
‘Telling All Working People…to Drop Dead’ “Trump is turning his back on you,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal. “He doesn’t care about workers and families. He only cares about himself.” by Jake Johnson, staff writer Wednesday, October…
Report details massive Fed bailout of fossil fuel industry
‘A $100 Billion Lifeline While Most Americans Are Being Left Behind’ “Big Oil is exploiting Covid-19 to go on an unprecedented borrowing binge, and the Trump administration is to blame.” by Kenny Stancil, staff writer Thursday,…
Rich mostly fine but poorest ‘completely crushed’ after Covid-19 triggered ‘most unequal’ recession in modern US history
A new analysis by the Washington Post found that the coronavirus recession has eliminated low-wage jobs at around eight times the rate of high-wage jobs. by Jake Johnson, staff writer Thursday, October 1 While the ongoing…
Survey shows 60% of US families struggling to get by, as McConnell dismisses new Covid relief bill as ‘political stunt’
“He’s been blocking the original HEROES Act for 138 days. As always, his priorities are appalling.” by Julia Conley, staff writer Wednesday, September 30 On the Senate floor Wednesday, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell indicated once again…
GOP urged to pass Democrats’ $2.2 trillion Covid relief bill
“Ball Is Now in the Court of Senate Republicans” “House Democrats have again stepped up. Will McConnell and the White House ever do the same?” by Jake Johnson, staff writer Tuesday, September 29 Progressive advocacy groups…
Despite mass suffering, GOP senators prepare to leave town without approving Covid relief
“Trump and his Senate allies have found time to fast-track their SCOTUS plans while Americans are continuing to suffer without a new relief package.” by Jake Johnson, staff writer Thursday, September 24 An additional 1.5 million…
Eviction fears mount as grace period for federal moratorium expires
‘Coming to a Town Near You.’ “It is morally obscene that the American people have to rely on GoFundMe to pay for rent and food,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). by Kenny Stancil, staff writer Tuesday,…
