MORNING MESSAGE
This
pope is an optimist. He described the activists gathered in Bolivia as “sowers
of change,” and said of his social vision: “Such an economy is not only
desirable and necessary, but also possible. It is no utopia or chimera. It is an
extremely realistic prospect. We can achieve it.” ... “Working for a just
distribution of the fruits of the earth and human labor is not mere
philanthropy,” Francis has said. “It is a moral obligation.” Soon we will know
how that message is received in this country. It is coming at a critical moment
in our – and the world’s – history.
Senate Makes First Move
Senate
GOP leadership will move first to keep government open. W. Post: “…the
Senate would first vote on a short-term continuing resolution (CR) that would
include language blocking funds from going to Planned Parenthood … [After a
filibuster,] McConnell would then bring up a CR that would extend current
discretionary funding levels for up to two and half months without any
significant policy changes.”
House
may call Planned Parenthood to testify day before shutown deadline. W. Post:
“The timing of the possible Sept. 29 hearing of the House Oversight and
Government Reform Committee has Democrats crying foul … The committee’s
Republican majority has not yet publicly announced a hearing … if invited,
[Planned Parenthood says it] would accept the invitation.”
Bernie Stands With Workers
Sen.
Bernie Sanders to join striking federal contract workers today. Politico:
“The workers, who work at the U.S. Capitol and other federal buildings, are
striking to encourage Congress and President Barack Obama to adopt a $15 minimum
wage, and are seizing upon the pope’s visit to draw attention to their
cause.”
Hillary
Clinton expected to oppose Obamacare tax on high benefit plans. The Hill:
“Clinton will drop the first details of her healthcare plan during a campaign
event in Iowa on Tuesday … Sanders, as well as former Maryland Gov. Martin
O’Malley, have both come out in opposition of the Cadillac tax, putting pressure
on Clinton to do the same…”
And
propose cap on drug costs. W. Post: “Democratic presidential candidate
Hillary Rodham Clinton is proposing a $250 monthly cap on the amount patients
with chronic and serious medical problems would have to pay out of pocket for
prescription drugs as a way to reduce the effect of skyrocketing drug prices on
consumers.”
Jeb
Bush says deregulation will boost wages. Bloomberg: “…Jeb Bush on Tuesday
proposed cutting federal regulations that he said would increase growth 3
percent in 10 years and help increase wages by 6 percent. Bush’s plan would
freeze any proposed regulations from the Obama administration, require any
regulatory costs to be offset elsewhere during his first year in office, and
push legislation that would require Congress to approve major rules.”
Scott
Walker drops out. The Atlantic: “…Walker’s unexpected early success … made
him overconfident, removing the incentive to put his head down, study policy,
and work for votes, while training a harsh spotlight on his every utterance.
Those utterances frequently made audiences and the media do double takes…”
Senate Dems Set Climate Marker
Senate
Dems introduce aggressive climate bill. NYT: “The measure would establish as
United States policy a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2 percent each
year through 2025 — a cut even larger than the target set by the Obama
administration … Democrats say they believe that forcefully pushing for climate
change policies could help them win control of the Senate in 2016. And if they
regain the majority, they will move to enact climate legislation along [those]
lines…”
CEO
of Siemens announces carbon cuts, and urges business leaders to follow, in NYT
oped: “…we hope to demonstrate to other companies that cutting your carbon
footprint is not only possible, but profitable. With today’s software and
technology, it’s easier than ever before to increase efficiency. And while this
plan requires a substantial investment, it will pay off quickly…”
Breakfast Sides
Mayor
Rahm Emanuel proposes tax increase. NYT: “The proposed property tax increase
would be used to finance the city’s looming payments for police and firefighter
pensions, city officials said. Under the plan, the city … spare those with less
expensive homes from bearing the burden of an increase. The proposals are
expected to face vigorous debate in Chicago’s City Council…”
EPA
forces VW to admit wrongdoing. NYT: “…this month, the executives made a
startling admission: The diesel vehicles it sold in the United States used
software meant to cheat on the tests. VW made the admission only when the
Environmental Protection Agency took the extraordinary action of threatening to
withhold approval for the company’s 2016 Volkswagen and Audi diesel
models…”
Progressive
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