The rumors are true: Sonny Perdue is thinking about following the lead of many other southern governors by turning down some of the stimulus money offered to Georgia.
Perdue's reasoning is that certain provisions - specifically, an expansion of unemployment insurance (UI) - will lead to higher taxes in Georgia in the long run.
In order to receive the funding allocated for unemployment insurance, Georgia must make two reforms to its current UI program: UI benefits must be expanded to cover part-time workers and those who are in extended training programs.
Many states already made these reforms to their UI programs years ago, and now is a great time for Georgia to catch up! With our state's unemployment rate at record highs, why is Sonny Perdue refusing to reform the current system?
Many other southern governors, including Bobby Jindal of Louisiana and Mark Sanford of South Carolina, have already rejected this funding for unemployment insurance. But, Perdue hasn't made up his mind yet!
NOW IS THE TIME TO TAKE ACTION! Contact Sonny Perdue's office and let him know you favor accepting all stimulus money offered to Georgia and an expansion of unemployment insurance benefits!
To reach the governor...
by phone: 404-656-1776
by fax: 404-656-5947
by email: fill out this web form
in person: State Capitol, room 203
MAKE SURE SONNY PERDUE HEARS YOUR VOICE!
For more information, please visit the following websites:
Franklin Wants Perdue to Take Stimulus Money - AJC.com
Georgia Unemployment Reaches Record High - AJC.com
Perdue, Labor Commissioner Debate Taking Stimulus Money - AJC.com
Take the Money and Update the Rules - NELP.org
Unemployment Insurance Links - NELP.org
Unemployment Insurance Reform - Women's Policy Group
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Today at noon, students and seniors from across the state came together on the North Steps of the capitol building in support of the Parent Protection Act. We held a press conference, where 2 students from A. Philip Randolph Elementary (where the idea for the bill originated) and a senior citizen affiliated with the Georgia Council on Aging spoke about why they support the passage of the Parent Protection Act (HB 37). There was a news crew there from the "Lawmakers" program on Georgia Public Broadcasting, so check it out tonight at 7pm on channel 8!
Stay tuned to the blog next week... I'll post videos from today's press conference, as well as from the 2/13 minimum wage press conference and a presentation to Masters of Social Work students, that was also featured on "Lawmakers" last month!
Stay tuned to the blog next week... I'll post videos from today's press conference, as well as from the 2/13 minimum wage press conference and a presentation to Masters of Social Work students, that was also featured on "Lawmakers" last month!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
You're Invited!
WHAT? Growing Women's Power in Atlanta, a 9to5 Atlanta chapter meeting
(this will be the first of 9to5's monthly community dialogues.)
WHEN? Saturday, February 21st, 11am
WHERE? The Java Delight Cafe
4153C Flat Shoals Parkway
Decatur, GA 30034
Map
TOPIC: organizing collectively for workplace justice. Come learn how you can get involved in 9to5's movement!
See the online invitation HERE.
(this will be the first of 9to5's monthly community dialogues.)
WHEN? Saturday, February 21st, 11am
WHERE? The Java Delight Cafe
4153C Flat Shoals Parkway
Decatur, GA 30034
Map
TOPIC: organizing collectively for workplace justice. Come learn how you can get involved in 9to5's movement!
See the online invitation HERE.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
just in time for Valentine's Day....
Show your Server some Love
Sponsored by the Georgia Minimum Wage Coalition
Join us in support of restoring the minimum wage for tipped workers (currently $2.13/hr) to 60% of the minimum wage.
Where: Danneman’s Coffee Shop
466 Edgewood Ave.
Atlanta, GA 30312
Map
When: Friday, February 13th (2/13!)
11:00 A.M.
Reasons to come (according to Anni):
1. Women like you will speak in support of raising the minimum wage for tipped workers! You'll hear about their experiences working for minimum wage - and you might be surprised by what they have to say!
2. Support a local business! Danneman's website boasts "great local micro-roasted coffee" and "good... food at moderate prices," as well as well as a space featuring "tall ceilings, handsome woodwork, large vintage windows, and midcentury furnishings such as lab tables and Navy chairs." Come check it out! (For more information: www.dannemans com.)
To view a flier with more information about this event, please visit the Georgia Minimum Wage Coalition website.
Friday, February 6, 2009
How do you feel about the new stimulus plan??
Our U.S. Congress is working on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The House has already passed the stimulus plan and the Senate will soon be voting. If passed, some of the money will come to the state of Georgia, to some of our cities and also some school districts.
Locally, ten cities in Georgia have requested almost 3 billion dollars from the plan, including Atlanta, Alpharetta, Marietta, Acworth, and Athens. Proposed projects would put money into repairing old infrastructure and building new that could possibly add 30,000-40,000 jobs in Atlanta region alone. Also a priority to Atlanta is public safety, including hiring more police officers. Mayor Shirley Franklin states that “this is important to the city, to the state and important to the national economy.”
Meanwhile, Rep. John Lewis, who supports the stimulus plan, states on his website that the bill offers tax cuts to 95% of Americans and that the funds will go to increasing Pell grants, infrastructure, lowered healthcare costs thru technology upgrade as well as many other programs. His website shows as much as $8 billion as being requested to aid in projects such as Head Start; employment training for adults, youth and dislocated workers; Low-Income Home Energy Assistance; elderly services; the Food Stamps Program; and Medicaid.
Critics, however, look at this as increased government spending and increasing to our debt, rather than helping it. They urge for continued stimulus to the private sector rather than government programs. Adding to public criticism is the failure to pay taxes by several of President Obama’s administration choices including Tom Daschle.
Meanwhile, the news reports today that employers have slashed another 598,000 jobs in January - pushing the unemployment rate up to 7.6 percent!! According to CNNMoney, the latest job loss is the worst since December 1974, and brings job losses to 1.8 million in just the last three months. Economists project continued losses and economic downturn in 2009.
President Obama has said that the American people called for change in November and “that's what we're going to deliver”. How do you feel about the new stimulus package? Do you support it or oppose it? Have you contacted your legislators about your views? Share with us, but also don’t forget to share with your US Senators, Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson, as well as your district House and Senate reps. You can find how to contact them at www.votesmart.org.
Locally, ten cities in Georgia have requested almost 3 billion dollars from the plan, including Atlanta, Alpharetta, Marietta, Acworth, and Athens. Proposed projects would put money into repairing old infrastructure and building new that could possibly add 30,000-40,000 jobs in Atlanta region alone. Also a priority to Atlanta is public safety, including hiring more police officers. Mayor Shirley Franklin states that “this is important to the city, to the state and important to the national economy.”
Meanwhile, Rep. John Lewis, who supports the stimulus plan, states on his website that the bill offers tax cuts to 95% of Americans and that the funds will go to increasing Pell grants, infrastructure, lowered healthcare costs thru technology upgrade as well as many other programs. His website shows as much as $8 billion as being requested to aid in projects such as Head Start; employment training for adults, youth and dislocated workers; Low-Income Home Energy Assistance; elderly services; the Food Stamps Program; and Medicaid.
Critics, however, look at this as increased government spending and increasing to our debt, rather than helping it. They urge for continued stimulus to the private sector rather than government programs. Adding to public criticism is the failure to pay taxes by several of President Obama’s administration choices including Tom Daschle.
Meanwhile, the news reports today that employers have slashed another 598,000 jobs in January - pushing the unemployment rate up to 7.6 percent!! According to CNNMoney, the latest job loss is the worst since December 1974, and brings job losses to 1.8 million in just the last three months. Economists project continued losses and economic downturn in 2009.
President Obama has said that the American people called for change in November and “that's what we're going to deliver”. How do you feel about the new stimulus package? Do you support it or oppose it? Have you contacted your legislators about your views? Share with us, but also don’t forget to share with your US Senators, Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson, as well as your district House and Senate reps. You can find how to contact them at www.votesmart.org.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Want to be a Citizen Lobbyist?
Have you heard of Women in the Halls? This program, sponsored by Planned Parenthood Action Fund of Georgia, brings women to the capitol every week during the legislative session to tell their state Congresspeople about their concerns, needs, and ideas. Direct communication with your legislators is an important way to hold them accountable to the needs of Georgia's women and families.
Have you ever wanted to be a Citizen Lobbyist? 9to5 encourages all of our members to contact their legislators about working women's issues on a regular basis -- here's a chance to do it directly! The Women in the Halls program takes place every Wednesday at 9am during the legislative session (from now until the beginning of April) and anyone can join! Meet in room 306 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building, right across the street from the Capitol building on Mitchell Street. Training and information about lobbying will be provided on-site.
For more information about Women in the Halls, as well as contact information for the program coordinators, please visit the Women in the Halls website.
ALSO, PLEASE NOTE:
Through Women in the Halls, members of the Georgia Minimum Wage Coalition and the Georgia Job/Family Collaborative will be lobbying our legislators to raised the minimum wage and pass the Parent Protection Act!
Minimum Wage Day: Wednesday, March 4th
Parent Protection Act Day: Wednesday, March 11th
Stay tuned for more information about how you can get involved with 9to5's activities at these two lobby days, or contact our office for more information!
Have you ever wanted to be a Citizen Lobbyist? 9to5 encourages all of our members to contact their legislators about working women's issues on a regular basis -- here's a chance to do it directly! The Women in the Halls program takes place every Wednesday at 9am during the legislative session (from now until the beginning of April) and anyone can join! Meet in room 306 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building, right across the street from the Capitol building on Mitchell Street. Training and information about lobbying will be provided on-site.
For more information about Women in the Halls, as well as contact information for the program coordinators, please visit the Women in the Halls website.
ALSO, PLEASE NOTE:
Through Women in the Halls, members of the Georgia Minimum Wage Coalition and the Georgia Job/Family Collaborative will be lobbying our legislators to raised the minimum wage and pass the Parent Protection Act!
Minimum Wage Day: Wednesday, March 4th
Parent Protection Act Day: Wednesday, March 11th
Stay tuned for more information about how you can get involved with 9to5's activities at these two lobby days, or contact our office for more information!
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