With the anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, comparisons of President Biden to F.D.R. and his legislation to the New Deal. But there's something missing: the programs for people.
Personally, I'm celebrating the IRA. There's a lot more in it than I expected, especially considering zero GOP support and a ton of resistance from Joe Manchin and a few other conservative Democrats. Most of the electorate has no idea of how things work because they're constantly overloaded with the noise of propaganda. The social program we really need is a program that can help people understand what they really need to know when they are flooded with information, misinformation, and toxic disinformation.
This is the first I'm hearing of her and no I don't think there is anyone out there today like her. And yes, we need to look out after Social Security now more than ever. Let's not forget, SS can never run out of money no matter what politician or an economist says. There are people in favor of privatizing it and that would be a disaster for working class Americans. Safety nets need protection again now more than ever and that includes unemployment insurance. A must article here.
Thanks for the informative historical refresher. I worked within the Uniemployment Insurance Program at both state and federal levels and to watch the "old" program, basically still in place, perform during the pandemic, was truly amazing.
"I had just heard of Frances Perkins when working with policy experts during the pandemic. It helped me understand why the programs are the way they are. Political compromises can cast a long shadow—ones to throw sunshine on. ... Frances Perkin is awe-inspiring had incredible dedication."
BTW, did she and Sadie T.M. Alexander knew one another?
Thank you Claudia for highlight the work of Perkins. It would have been lost if people did not mention it. I could not believe impeachment because of too many immigrants?? Love for you to highlight more female economists and policy makers! Thank you!
Awesome article. The citations pulled from the book are insightful and deja vu at the same time in comparing to today's communication and political environment. Change is always hard. Putting people first though is a good starting point. IMO.
Of course it was not Perkins's fault, but what a shame SS, UI were not funded with a VAT. I think (who can be sure) that it would have been easier to increase VAT rates to make the programs more generous over time than increases in the payroll tax.
Inspiring. This is just what Joe Biden needs - a younger person with vision. Where's Kamala Harris when we need her? Elizabeth Warren tried but was cut off at the pass by the old guard. Ugh!
I agree political compromise must be part of the democratic process to work. Unfortunately, the perspectives people brought and bring to the table, i.e., Dixiecrats, contemporary republicans and balance the budget hawks, etc., possessed and continue to pose the worst of what the United States could and can be; for one United. We need more savvy politicians steeped in MMT knowledge, Constitution focused and community/people minded to lead efforts to realize more useful compromise. I know...patience. Thank you always Claudia!
What would Frances Perkins do?
Personally, I'm celebrating the IRA. There's a lot more in it than I expected, especially considering zero GOP support and a ton of resistance from Joe Manchin and a few other conservative Democrats. Most of the electorate has no idea of how things work because they're constantly overloaded with the noise of propaganda. The social program we really need is a program that can help people understand what they really need to know when they are flooded with information, misinformation, and toxic disinformation.
This is the first I'm hearing of her and no I don't think there is anyone out there today like her. And yes, we need to look out after Social Security now more than ever. Let's not forget, SS can never run out of money no matter what politician or an economist says. There are people in favor of privatizing it and that would be a disaster for working class Americans. Safety nets need protection again now more than ever and that includes unemployment insurance. A must article here.
Thanks for the informative historical refresher. I worked within the Uniemployment Insurance Program at both state and federal levels and to watch the "old" program, basically still in place, perform during the pandemic, was truly amazing.
I just gave my younger daughter a copy of The Woman Behind the New Deal about a week ago...
"I had just heard of Frances Perkins when working with policy experts during the pandemic. It helped me understand why the programs are the way they are. Political compromises can cast a long shadow—ones to throw sunshine on. ... Frances Perkin is awe-inspiring had incredible dedication."
BTW, did she and Sadie T.M. Alexander knew one another?
Thank you Claudia for highlight the work of Perkins. It would have been lost if people did not mention it. I could not believe impeachment because of too many immigrants?? Love for you to highlight more female economists and policy makers! Thank you!
Awesome article. The citations pulled from the book are insightful and deja vu at the same time in comparing to today's communication and political environment. Change is always hard. Putting people first though is a good starting point. IMO.
Of course it was not Perkins's fault, but what a shame SS, UI were not funded with a VAT. I think (who can be sure) that it would have been easier to increase VAT rates to make the programs more generous over time than increases in the payroll tax.
Inspiring. This is just what Joe Biden needs - a younger person with vision. Where's Kamala Harris when we need her? Elizabeth Warren tried but was cut off at the pass by the old guard. Ugh!
I agree political compromise must be part of the democratic process to work. Unfortunately, the perspectives people brought and bring to the table, i.e., Dixiecrats, contemporary republicans and balance the budget hawks, etc., possessed and continue to pose the worst of what the United States could and can be; for one United. We need more savvy politicians steeped in MMT knowledge, Constitution focused and community/people minded to lead efforts to realize more useful compromise. I know...patience. Thank you always Claudia!