Un-Rigging the System for American Workers

It's once again budget season in Washington – but there's only one plan that makes any sense.

On Wednesday, the Congressional Progressive Caucus unveiled its proposal, "The People's Budget: A Raise for America," which levels the playing field so that American families finally have opportunities to get ahead. The People's Budget closes tax loopholes that companies use to ship jobs overseas. It ensures that millionaires pay their fair share of taxes and provides relief for low- and middle-income families. It invests in debt-free college, workforce training and small businesses. The People's Budget repairs America's rapidly aging infrastructure and upgrades our energy systems to address climate change.

Get all the details here.

"Too many working Americans open their paychecks each week and ask themselves how they will make ends meet," said Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN).

CWA President Larry Cohen joins members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus at a Capitol Hill news conference.

CWA President Larry Cohen threw the union's support behind its budget.

"We stand against 19th century economics. That's the budget we heard about yesterday – the budget of the free market," said Cohen, referring to House Republicans' proposal. "The budget that says that workers don't need any rights, we don't need collective bargaining. The budget that says you don't need to regulate the environment, it's fine to just let it go. The budget that says you don't do anything about health care. The budget that says free trade works, just let the market take over and gigantic trade deficits."

Cohen praised The People's Budget for bolstering Trade Adjustment Assistance. But he noted that progressives must also put a stop to bad trade deals to get to the real root of the problem.

"The real answer is fair trade and you don't need trade adjustment assistance," he said to applause. "If we have trade deals that prevent currency manipulation, it prevents the export of our jobs."

Ellison concluded, "If we stick together and fight back just like Larry said we will have a renaissance in America for working people."

Watch the press conference here.