News

In an attempt to postpone a government shutdown, House GOP and Democratic leaders have come to a tentative agreement on a two week budget that would cut hundred of millions from vital health care services.

Earlier this week, nearly 100 CWA leaders from 26 states came to Washington, D.C. for the first-ever Legislative University. The Legislative Political Action Teams focused on sharpening their grassroots organizing skills and learning better ways to move members of Congress. On the first day of the gathering, the group heard from Rep. Donna Edwards, a Maryland Democrat elected in 2008. Edwards discussed the importance of letters and phone calls flooding into Congress, noting that members track every single communication their offices receive. Sometimes, she said, all it takes is ten phone calls to make her take a stance on an issue.

Giving in to pressure from businesses, OSHA has halted plans to restore a rule requiring employers to keep a record of job-related ergonomic injuries by simply checking a box on a form they already fill out.

Last week the House voted, largely along party lines, to repeal the new health care law. Senate Republicans have pledged to force a similar vote in the Senate, but Majority Leader Harry Reid has said he will not allow a vote on the floor.

A new report from the Commonwealth Fund finds that there are 8.6 million uninsured Americans between the ages of 50 and 64 and 9.7 million with inadequate health coverage who will benefit from health care reform.