Rise and Consequences of Inequality
From CAP: (8)
Economic Immobility: Accelerating Poverty in America and GOP Obstructionism
From The Nation: When President Obama proposed his American Jobs Act back in September, he included $1.5 billion toward summer jobs and year-round employment for low-income youth ages 16–24. That was important, considering that just 49 percent of that age group was employed in July, the month when youth employment…
MLK Day Report: Dr. King’s Dream 30 Years from Now
From United for a Fair Economy: The last 30 years of public policy have hindered progress toward Dr. King’s dream of racial equality. Thirty years from now, people of color will collectively represent the majority of the U.S. population. If we continue along the same governing path, the racial economic…
BofA in $335M settlement over Countrywide loans
From Post-Tribune: Bank of America agreed to pay $335 million to resolve allegations that its Countrywide unit engaged in a widespread pattern of discrimination against qualified African-American and Hispanic borrowers on home loans. The settlement with the U.S. Justice Department was filed Wednesday with the Central District court of California…
GAO VACANT PROPERTIES: Growing Number Increases Communities’ Costs and Challenges
There is a new report by the GAO with regard to the costs of vacant properties inflicted by the national foreclosure crisis. From the GAO: According to Census Bureau data, nonseasonal vacant properties have increased 51 percent nationally from nearly 7 million in 2000 to 10 million in April 2010,…
Take Back the Capitol, Thousands to Protest in D.C.
From Colorlines: housands of unemployed workers and activists from around the country will begin to “Take Back the Capitol.” The protesters will spend today setting up an encampment on Capital Hill and K Street in Washington, DC. Organizers say they want to remind members of Congress that they work for…
Movers And Sheriff’s Deputies Refuse Bank’s Order To Evict 103-Year-Old Atlanta Woman
From ThinkProgress: [Last Monday], a Deutsche Bank branch in Atlanta had requested the eviction of Vita Lee, a 103-year-old Atlanta woman, and her 83-year-old daughter. Both were terrified of being removed from their home of 53 years and had no idea where they’d go next. But when the movers hired…
Out of Work, and Trying to Stay Positive
From NYT: She had to miss her father’s funeral in Jamaica last year because she could not afford to go. Fresh fruits and vegetables are now a luxury. She keeps her hair short, cutting it herself to avoid the expense. Her only new clothing in more than two years has…