Toggle Menu
Greater Diversity News Homepage
  • Latest Jobs
    • Search Jobs
    • Send Advertisements/Jobs
    • Weekly PDF Editions
    • Subscribe to Print Edition
  • Books of Knowledge
    • Latest Books
    • Get Started: Reading Order
  • A Call to Colors
    • A Call to Colors Articles
    • About Civic Engagement Project
    • Civic Engagement Headlines
    • The Network for 2018
    • About Economic Equity
    • Economic Equity Headlines
    • GDN eNews Archives
  • Student Engagement
  • Subscribe
    • Subscribe to Print
    • Subscribe to eNews
    • eNews Archives
  • Virtual Events
  • Eastern NC
  • Sections/Archives
    • Latest Headlines
    • GDN eNews Archives
    • Books of Knowledge
    • Civic Engagement Headlines
    • Economic Equity Headlines
    • NAACP News
    • Print PDF Archives
    • All GDN Posts
  • Contact Us
    • General Questions
    • Send Advertisements
    • Contact GDN Sales
    • About GDN Products
    • Advertise
ACTC ACTC

New Scorecard Shows Only 12 House Democrats Have Fully Embraced Game-Changing Progressive Agenda

by Jon Queally, staff writer Common Dreams August 8, 2018

Caption:”To build an equal and just society in which every person can live a healthy life, Members of Congress must support bold progressive policies that address the public health and environmental crises that are ripping our country apart,” say the groups behind a new congressional scorecard that details lawmakers’ support for key pieces of legislation. (Photo: jerry dohnal/Flickr/cc)

“In today’s tumultuous world, it is important for all Americans to know exactly who in Washington is standing up for our most essential needs: a clean, livable environment, quality universal healthcare, and a more just, equitable society for all.

With the momentum and energy within the Democratic Party clearly tilting towards those willing to embrace a bolder, progressive set of policies and priorites, a new congressional scorecard released Tuesday reveals that only twelve lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives have put their support behind five specific bills that would “collectively ensure a strong, just future of public health and environmental protection” in the country.

“These five bills are vitally important to ensure the health and safety of the American people and of our planet.”
—Jean Ross, National Nurses United
The progressive scorecard—created jointly by National Nurses United, Food & Water Watch, and Progressive Democrats of America—is intended to be used as tool by voters to determine whether or not their lawmakers are putting their political muscle behind ambitious and visionary legislative proposals already introduced in Congress. The groups behind the effort say would dramatically improve the lives of Americans if ultimately voted into law.

“To build an equal and just society in which every person can live a healthy life, Members of Congress must support bold progressive policies that address the public health and environmental crises that are ripping our country apart,” the groups declared.

According to the Congress-Scorecard.org website—where visitors can check the record of their own member of Congress or any member via a state-by-state index—the five bills on which the scorecard is based include:

  • H.R.676 – Expanded & Improved Medicare For All: Today’s healthcare system fails to provide quality, therapeutic healthcare to tens of millions of people in the US. Because of the for-profit health insurance model, tens of millions of people don’t have health insurance, and tens of millions more cannot afford the costs of healthcare even though they have insurance. This legislation would establish a federal Medicare for All program to ensure every person in the U.S. has quality healthcare. A Medicare for All system would provide healthcare based on patient need, not on corporate profit. Full Bill Text»
  • H.R.1144 – Inclusive Prosperity Act: This bill would establish a small speculation tax on Wall Street financial transactions, which would help stabilize the market and generate an estimated $320 billion in revenue per year. That revenue would fund free tuition at public colleges and universities, guaranteed healthcare for all, affordable housing, the eradication the AIDS pandemic, climate change prevention, infrastructure development, and job creation through green infrastructure programs. Full Bill Text»
  • H.R.2392 – Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety & Quality Care: Right now, there are no federal standards regulating the number of patients a registered nurse can care for at one time in US hospitals. As a result, nurses are regularly required to care for more patients than is safe, compromising patient care. This legislation would protect patients and improve healthcare by setting mandated, minimum registered nurse to patient staffing ratios. Full Bill Text»
  • H.R.3671 – Off Fossil Fuels for a Better Future: From fires to floods to hurricanes, the impacts of climate change on the health and safety our communities and all people on the planet continues to escalate. Science has conclusively shown that dependence on fossil fuels is leading to massive changes in climate patterns. The OFF Act will rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other forms of pollutions by ensuring a complete and just transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy resources by 2035 with the bulk of reductions happening in the next decade. Full Bill Text»
  • H.R.5609 – Water Affordability, Transparency, Equity, & Reliability: Across the country, water infrastructure is crumbling, and millions of people lack reliable access to safe, drinkable, water. This legislation would provide the major financial investment needed to update our water infrastructure, repairing old and lead-ridden water pipes, stopping sewage overflows, and allowing for affordable water services for everyone, while also creating nearly a million jobs. Full Bill Text»

“These five bills are vitally important to ensure the health and safety of the American people and of our planet,” Jean Ross, RN, co-president of National Nurses United.

Currently, just one dozen lawmakers—all of them Democrats—are co-sponsors of all five “benchmark” bills. They are: Reps. Judy Chu (D-CA), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Keith Ellison (D-MN), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), James McGovern (D-MA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL).

After that, there are an additional thirteen Democratic lawmakers who are backing four of the five bills.

“In today’s tumultuous world,” said Food & Water Watch executive director Wenonah Hauter, “it is important for all Americans to know exactly who in Washington is standing up for our most essential needs: a clean, livable environment, quality universal healthcare, and a more just, equitable society for all. By advocating for bold solutions to our most pressing health and environmental problems, these 12 Congress members have shown they are public health and environmental champions in Washington.”

“The progressive and dynamic dozen Congressional members sponsoring all five of these critical bills understand the deep integration between access to health care, economic justice, clean water, and the health of our planet,” added Donna Smith, the executive director of Progressive Democrats of America.

Along with her allies, Smith invited people across the country to check out how their lawmakers scored and then urged those constituents to get “to work to move their members to co-sponsor these critical bills and be environmental and public health champions.”

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Related Civic Engagement Headlines Articles

Similar Posts From Civic Engagement Headlines Category
Overcoming Twin Threats to Voting Rights

Overcoming Twin Threats to Voting Rights

December 23, 2015
Our Selma: Attacks on the Voting Rights Act  Effective Community Organizing 2016

Our Selma: Attacks on the Voting Rights Act Effective Community Organizing 2016

August 4, 2015
Federal Lawsuit Filed Challenging Kentucky Requirements Putting Black Voters in Harm’s Way During Pandemic

Federal Lawsuit Filed Challenging Kentucky Requirements Putting Black Voters in Harm’s Way During Pandemic

May 27, 2020


Greater Diversity News Print Edition

Latest Jobs & Bids

Click here to send us your ad and get more information about advertising, or call Kathy Grear at 800-462-0738, cell: 910-617-4542.

  1. Richmond Community College

    Cafe– Restaurant Assistant Manager Mathematics Instructor Financial Aid Specialist, Enrollment Management Coordinator

  2. NHM Constructors, LLC

    02/03/21:  DM00287 Rutherford – Replace Bridge 167 (SR-1007 Andrew Mills Rd over Roberson Creek)

  3. North Carolina Department of Transportation

    Design-Build Request For Qualifications (RFQ) Design-Build Teams submit qualifications for an Express Design-Build Project. This project is located in Division 11 and includes the replacement of three structures

  4. Haren Construction Company, Inc.

    Monroe, NC – SP105 Crooked Creek WRF Process Impvs. Project

  5. East Carolina University

    “College Hill Drive Steam Replacement Phase 2” Project, SCO ID# 20-21927-01A, ECU # AiM CP 1692, DEI # 50132381

  6. Clancy & Theys Construction Company

    Sampson County Public Safety Center

  7. Bar Construction Co., Inc.

    Orange County Facilities Renovations in Hillsborough, NC

  8. Bar Construction Co., Inc.

    Family Justice Center in Wentworth, NC

  9. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

    Rhodes Pond Dam Repair (SCO #13-10039-02B)

  10. Montgomery County

    Little River Water Line Crossing at Pekin Rd.

  11. Lomax Construction, Inc.

    Cameron Park Elementary School, Hillsborough, NC

  12. Barnhill Contracting/Holt Brothers a Design Build Joint Venture

    Wilson Academy of Applied Technology project in Wilson, NC

  13. Barnhill Contracting

    New Construction of the Sampson County 911 & E.S. Facilities located in Clinton, NC

  14. Barnhill Contracting Company

    NCDOT Milling & Resurfacing on US 264, WBS 2021CPT.02.16.10741 (DB00498), Pitt County, NC

  15. Barnhill Contracting Company

    NCDOT Milling & Resurfacing on Various Primary and Secondary Routes, WBS 2021CPT.04.13.10421, 2021CPT.04.13.20421 (DD00341), Halifax County, NC

  16. Smith-Rowe, LLC

    Forsyth County Kerners Mill Creek Greenway

  17. Housing Authority of the City of Wilmington North Carolina

    Houston Moore Renovations / Rehabilitation Lifespan Extension

  18. Columbus County Schools

    Announcement Of Pre-Proposal Meeting Concerning Rigging And Equipment Renovations For Auditoriums At South Columbus And East Columbus High Schools And Bidding Procedures

  19. Wake County Public School System

    Wake Forest High School Stadium Renovation

  20. H.M. Kern Corporation

    NCDPS Albemarle Correctional Accessible Cells project

  21. H.M. Kern Corporation

    NC A&T Fume Hood Replacements project

  22. H.M. Kern Corporation

    Orange County Facilities Renovations project

  23. H.M. Kern Corporation

    Randolph County Clerk of Court Office Renovations project

  24. Haren Construction Company, Inc.

    Lawndale, NC – Cleveland Co. Water WTP Clearwell, High Service Pump Station, and Water Line Project

  25. Sandhills Community College

    Sandhills Community College Kennedy Hall Renovation & Addition (SCO # 19-20074-02A)

  26. Thomas Construction Group

    Sampson County 911 & ES Facilities project in Clinton, NC

  27. Gaston County

    Gaston County Finance Office and Tax Mapping Renovations and Tax Mapping Renovations

  28. Sharpe Brothers

    North Carolina Department of Administration (HUB) or the NCDOT within North Central North Carolina Counties for the City of Greensboro – Summit Avenue Streetscape project

  29. Sharpe Brothers

    NCDOT Asphalt Resurfacing Project NCDOT project DG00505 Widening and Resurfacing of 24 miles of Roadway in Guilford County

  30. New Atlantic Contracting, Inc.

    Sampson County 911 and Emergency Services Facilities

  31. Smith-Rowe, LLC

    Sampson County Bridge #9 Over South River Overflow on US 13 Grading, Drainage, Paving & Structure

  32. Yates Construction Co. Inc.

    City of Greensboro – Contract 2016-037A Ballinger Road Bridge #400098 Replacement

  33. Yates Construction Co. Inc.

    City of Greensboro – Contract 2018-020 – RE-BID Summit Avenue Streetscape

  34. Smith-Rowe, LLC

    Nash County Bridge No. 80 Over Gideon Swamp Grading, Drainage, Paving & Structure

  35. A.R. Chesson Construction

    ECU Bate Building Suite 3012 Alterations

  36. A.R. Chesson Construction

    ECU Bate Building CET Advising Center Renovations

  37. Baker Mechanical, Inc.

    Seeking Minority Prices for work relating to HVAC

  38. A. R. Chesson Construction

    Roanoke Chowan Community Health Center-Alterations

  39. Carolina Classic Window & Glass Inc.

    CMS Landsdowne Elementary School – 08-002 Glass and Glazing

  40. Balfour Beatty Construction

    Chatham County – Emergency Operations & Communications (EOC) Center

  41. North Carolina Department of Public Safety

    Wake County: ABC Commission Warehouse Rack Additions

  42. North Carolina Department of Public Safety

    Warren County: C-C11386 Warren CI Chiller Replacement

  43. North Carolina Department of Public Safety

    Wake County: C-C11387 SBI Roadway & Access Road

  44. State Utility Contractors, Inc.

    Highway 11 & Grifton Pump Station Improvements Project located in Grifton, NC

  45. Barnhill Contracting Company

    Street Resurfacing, City of Elizabeth City, located in Pasquotank County, North Carolina

  46. Smith-Rowe, LLC

    Guilford County Ballinger Road Bridge #400098 Replacement

  47. Smith-Rowe, LLC

    Wilkes County Bridge #667 Over Sparks Creek on SR-1749 Grading, Drainage, Paving, and Structure

  48. Smith-Rowe, LLC

    Sampson County Bridge #348 Over Beaverdam Creek on SR-1703 (Old Goldsboro Rd) Grading, Drainage, Paving, and Structure

  49. Barnhill Contracting Company /DA Everett , A Joint Venture

    E-41 Apex Friendship Elementary School

  50. Lomax Construction, Inc.

    Orange County Renovations, Hillsborough, NC

  51. Lomax Construction, Inc.

    Randolph County Clerk of Court Office Renovations, Asheboro, NC

  52. Lomax Construction, Inc.

    Square One Family Justice Center, Wentworth, NC

  53. H.M. Kern Corporation

    NCDOA Transportation Building Elevator Modernization project

  54. H.M. Kern Corporation

    NC Zoo Avian Holding Building Caging project

  55. H.M. Kern Corporation

    MCC- Huskins Library Elevator Modernization

  56. Bar Construction Co., Inc.

    Mitchell Community College Elevator Modernization in Statesville, NC

  57. Bar Construction Co., Inc.

    NC Dept. of Transportation Bldg. Annex Elevator Modernization in Raleigh, NC

  58. Rocky Mount Housing Authority

    Construction of (2) single-family houses at 909 and 913 Authority Drive, Rocky Mount, N.C.

  59. City of Statesville

    Airport: Temporary Airport Line Technician

  60. Thomas Construction Group

    New Hanover County Government Center in Wilmington, NC


tetsaro
actc video
Banner

  • Refund Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Job Posting
  • GDN eNews Subscription for Economic Equity Updates

Designed by Raibach Inc.

© 2017 Copyright Greater Diversity News. All Rights reserved.

  Close Window

Loading, Please Wait!

This may take a second or two. Loading
SUBSCRIBE
Processing...
Thank you! Your subscription has been confirmed. You'll hear from us soon.
Subscribe to Get Updates and the Latest Headlines
Email updates sent weekly on Voter Engagement, Economic Equity, and weekly Job Postings.
ErrorHere
Powered By Campaign Monitor