The Trump Administration is set to release its full budget tomorrow and all reports suggest that like the “skinny budget” that came before it, this budget will put most Americans last. Programs that protect seniors, kids, workers, and people with disabilities—along with environmental protection and investments in women’s health—are all under threat.
That’s why the Center for American Progress has teamed up with over a dozen progressive allies to launch Hands Off, a campaign to stop any budget that cuts programs that Americans rely on every day. The campaign’s website—Handsoff.org—will allow people to share their stories about how cuts to Medicaid, Social Security, and more would impact them. The website also has a toolkit so you can tell Members of Congress what the budget would mean for you.
ACTION OF THE DAY
#HandsOff. Trump’s budget comes out tomorrow and the Administration needs to hear right away that we won’t stand for a budget that cuts basic living standards. Here’s what you can do when Trump’s budget comes out:
- Follow and use #HandsOff on Twitter.
- Take a photo like this and share your story using the hashtag #HandsOff.
WHAT’S TRENDING
Russia. Still trending. Late Friday afternoon reports were confirmed that the Russia investigation has officially reached a sitting White House official. With Michael Flynn, Paul Manafort, and Carter Page all out of the picture, lots of signs are pointing to none other than Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law turned senior advisor. Stay tuned.
Plead the 5th. To quote Sean Spicer, “Why do you take the 5th if you have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide?” Good question for Michael Flynn, who’s decided to turn down the Senate Intel Committee’s subpoena request and invoke his 5th amendment right instead.
Trump Tour Continues. Trump is three days into his first trip abroad as Commander-in-Chief. His next stop? Israel and the West Bank, a visit which will put to test the President’s lofty goals of fostering “security and stability and peace” in the region. Not known for his diplomatic skills, the President could use some advice on foreign policy in the Middle East upon his arrival. Recommended reading, here and here.
Trumpcare. It’s not over yet and now Trump is suggesting ways to make the GOP bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act even worse. On Friday, Trump told advisers he wants to end payments of key ACA subsidies, which could completely undermine the ACA marketplaces. Ending these payments would sabotage the Affordable Care Act even without repealing the law. And even without taking actual steps to sabotage the ACA, Trump’s mercurial comments about the health insurance law are still raising prices. Trump’s threatening tweets and uninformed suggestions cause uncertainty, which in turn causes premium rate hikes. More on the Trump uncertainty hike here.
DeVos. Today, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos will be in Indianapolis, IN to roll out her private school voucher plan. The plan, which DeVos will likely sell as increasing “school choice,” will actually divert federal dollars from public to private schools through vouchers and tax credit schemes. For more on why vouchers aren’t a viable solution for vast swaths of America read this.
UNDER THE RADAR
Bathroom Bans. Texas’s is back. Last night, Texas legislators revived their “bathroom ban” in a 91-50 vote in the House. It’s North Carolina’s HB 2 all over again – except this time, the bill directly targets transgenderkids. This new version of the bill bars trans students from using the bathroom that matches their gender identity, doubling down on the widespread discrimination and harassment they already face in school. That’s not all. The Texas House also passed a bill that would allow adoption and foster care agencies to turn away LGBT people, single moms, and religious minorities. More on that here. The House takes a final vote today. Want to help? Join a phonebank: more info at theNEAT.org/TX.
GOOD NEWS
SCOTUS Strikes Back. This morning, the Supreme Court struck down two North Carolina congressional districts, claiming they weakened African American voting strength.