2012 Job Gap Report

“Broken Bootstraps: Falling Behind on Full-Time Work,” is the 14th annual installment of a joint study by Alliance for a Just Society and its affiliates in 7 states.   Unemployment rates in all states are still high. A modest $9.00/hr. minimum wage has been mentioned at the federal level. Even that income would leave mostContinue reading “2012 Job Gap Report”

One Solid Act for Homeowners: Can Obama do it in the First 100 Days?

      It’s been five and half years since the largest economic collapse in 4 generations, and fiscal policy is still being executed in a way to favor the banks and not regular folks. We’ve subsequently seen a “jobless” recovery from our recession and are now seeing a “houseless” rebound of home market. ButContinue reading “One Solid Act for Homeowners: Can Obama do it in the First 100 Days?”

Taking on Predatory Lending in Idaho

Thousands of Idaho residents are strapped for cash. The economic recession has devastated the lives of Idahoans across the state. As the need to make the dollar stretch increase, financial resources from traditional banks decrease. Payday loan centers have seized an opportunity to profit from the misfortune of those in need.  Predatory lenders have lined the sidewalksContinue reading “Taking on Predatory Lending in Idaho”

AJS and Affiliates Finish Off a Strong Year of Civic Engagement Work

2012 proved to be an exciting and successful year of civic engagement for AJS affiliates all across the country. Oregon Action, Center for Intercultural Organizing, Make the Road New York, PLANevada, Montana Organizing Project, Idaho Community Action Network, Maine People’s Alliance, Colorado Progressive Coalition, and Washington Community Action Network all devoted considerable staff and resourcesContinue reading “AJS and Affiliates Finish Off a Strong Year of Civic Engagement Work”

Alaska Natives Rally for Traditional Hunting & Fishing Rights

After days of rain and snow in Anchorage,Alaska, the skies cleared and it warmed to chilly 34 degrees just in time for 400 Natives to rally in a park to call for an end to increasing regulations, enforcement and criminalization of their traditional way of life. A unique scene in Alaska: 400 Natives taking toContinue reading “Alaska Natives Rally for Traditional Hunting & Fishing Rights”

The Value(s) of Medicaid: 47 Years Later

July 30th marked the 47th anniversary of Medicaid and Medicare. It’s hard to imagine that 47 years ago, these critical programs that we have grown to love and rely on, were controversial sticking points that were hotly contested for years prior to being passed through the legislature- similar to the Affordable Care Act; passed onlyContinue reading “The Value(s) of Medicaid: 47 Years Later”

Rep. Gutierrez delivers amazing speech on the House floor about racial profiling

Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., used teen pop stars Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez to argue that the Arizona immigration law allowing officers to check the immigration status of detainees will lead to racial profiling.

When Feeding Your Family Is Illegal

For Native people of the Yukon Flats, feeding your family requires the ability to hunt and fish for their foods. After spending a week in the Flats, assisting the Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments (CATG) on a campaign to secure traditional food and hunting and fishing practices; I would argue that it is the onlyContinue reading “When Feeding Your Family Is Illegal”

Daley’s View from Washington: Minority Health Month Cheers and Jeers

Bill Daley is the Federal Issues Policy Director at The Alliance for a Just Society. May was Minority Health Month and a couple of things happened that deserve a bit of attention. And it’s also important to note that not enough happened and more attention is needed.

The Immigrant & Latino Vote Matters in Idaho

Latinos are growing fast in both numbers and voting strength in Idaho. With over 11 % of the state’s population concentrated in specific counties, Latinos are the swing voters for some state races and the 1st congressional district. This power will only grow with time as age eligibility and naturalization rates increase for Latinos in Idaho.