From CAP:
On this day consumed by all those warm and fuzzy feelings, we thought it would be sweet to acknowledge some of the recent actions, policies, and initiatives that caused our progressive hearts to race, uplifted our spirits, brightened our outlook, strengthened our hope for the future, and made life better in America—basically, the things that have made us feel all warm and fuzzy.
Here is CAP’s abbreviated “feeling the love” top 10 list:
- DOL will require 401(k) fee disclosure: In January two new regulations were proposed: one will require disclosure to employers of all 401(k)-related payments they receive; the second will require that employees with 401(k) accounts receive notice of all fees they pay for investment management and other services.
- EPA set new rules on coal-fired plants: In December the Environmental Protection Agency issued long-awaited national standards requiring coal-fired power plants to reduce mercury and other toxic pollutants.
- New HUD rule prohibits LGBTQ discrimination: A new HUD rule prohibits owners and operators of HUD-assisted and insured housing from asking applicants their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- BusinessUSA.gov to launch:Obama administration announced the proposed launch of BusinessUSA.gov, a one-stop online shop for all things small business. Its slated to launch this month.
- Richard Cordray appointed CFPB director: Thanks to President Barack Obama’s recess appointment of Richard Cordray as director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau—the centerpiece of the Dodd-Frank financial reform bill—the agency is ready to begin regulating mortgage firms, credit card companies, payday lenders, student loan providers, and other financial firms.
- Promoting school diversity: The White House provided new guidance to assist schools and colleges to ensure diversity through race-based enrollment without violating equal protection laws guaranteed by the 14th Amendment.
- Obamacare saves seniors billions: In its first year the Affordable Health Care act saved more than $2.1 billion in the cost of prescription drugs for more than 3.6 million Americans.
- Obama halted Keystone XL: Last month President Obama rejected a proposal to begin construction on the controversial Keystone XL pipeline.
- Unemployment insurance and payroll tax cut extended:On December 23, following weeks of rancor, Congress passed the extension of the payroll tax cuts and unemployment benefits. The two-month extension, which expires on February 29, preserved an average $1,000 payroll tax cut for the middle class and prevented the immediate loss of jobless benefits for some 3.3 million displaced workers.
- The Iraq war ended: In late December the last U.S. soldiers rolled out of Iraq, marking the end of a nearly nine-year war that bitterly divided the country and cost us dearly.
See CAP’s full version here.
See also: Public supports President Obama’s progressive proposals
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