Regulations

Scott Pruitt has called for the dissolution of much of the EPA's authority yet now runs the Environmental Protection Agency.  He is a seasoned legal opponent of the agency and is unfortunately an effective tool for Trump's efforts to dismantle regulations on climate change and clean water and "get rid" of the agency.  In general, Pruitt and the administration are waging a war against science, safety, and common sense in order to benefit their favored corporate interests.

The FCC will take the next step towards ending net neutrality on Thursday, May 18th.  

On Thursday, the FCC will vote on whether to solicit public input on the proposal to undo the rules, the first step in the process of rolling them back.

Financial regulations do not come into existence for the purpose of penalizing banks seeking to operate in a lawful and ethic manner.  Instead, they arise on an as-needed basis to retroactively attempt to address ills caused by financial institutions who have acted in their own best interest at the expense of a segment of the population or society overall.  

An executive order was signed earlier this month that allows tax-exempt churches to actively participate in politics without risking the loss of their tax exemption.

Trump's order directs the Internal Revenue Service to "alleviate the burden of the Johnson Amendment"... Under that amendment, the tax code prohibits organizations that enjoy tax-free status from participating in a political campaign or supporting any one candidate for elective office.

While everyone was rightfully focused on the firing of the FBI director, Director John Thompson of the U.S. Census Bureau abruptly resgined after Congress refused to provide adequate funding for the upcoming 2020 census.

BE SMART ABOUT is an unfortunate series highlighting examples of those in power who you need to stay informed about so you can share this knowledge and together we can Be Smart and Actively Dissent.

In their continued assault against the environment and efforts to combat climate change, the Scott Pruitt and the Environment Protection Agency removed 5 scientists from the Board of Science Counselors, which monitors and directs research conducted by EPA scientists. The move is a clear signal that the EPA aims to consider business interests over scientific data.

A coalition of nearly 400 U.S. companies employing a combined 9% of private-sector workers has asked Congress to step in and invalidate state and city laws requiring paid leave.

The strike from the business community is a response to the increasing number of states and municipalities that have taken matters into their own hands, passing local laws that require employers to offer paid time off. 

Rules and regulations do not come into existence for the purpose of penalizing businesses seeking to operate in a lawful and ethic manner.  Instead, they arise on an as-needed basis to retroactively attempt to address ills caused by corporations who have acted in their own best interest at the expense of a segment of the population or society overall.  

This is the latest in the Budget Cuts Series which is an examination of White House proposed budget cuts to learn what's hidden beneath the surface.  We will later update based on Congressional budget proposals and actions.  This post examines the proposed 21% cut to the Labor Department, the key agency that protects U.S. workers from being killed on the job, protects their pay and benefits, helps them get retrained after job loss and provides unemployment benefits.