Progressive Breakfast: Warning: Another Attack On Our Postal Service

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MORNING MESSAGE

Dave Johnson: Warning: Another Attack On Our Postal Service
There are some conservative ideologues who just can’t stand that the USPS demonstrates government doing its job of helping make our lives better. As with Social Security, they attack it relentlessly and endlessly. The latest push to privatize the USPS came from the Elaine Kamarck at Brookings, in “Delaying the Inevitable: Political Stalemate and the U.S. Postal Service.” ... If the USPS is partially or completely privatized, employees will be moved into low-wage positions with little or no benefits, working longer hours. Their communities would suffer as they cut back from spending and paying taxes, homes are foreclosed, public assistance is needed and problems of poverty start to appear.

Warren Embraces Black Lives Matter

Sen. Elizabeth Warren delivers powerful speech supporting Black Lives Matter: “Fifty years later, we have made real progress toward creating the conditions of freedom. But we have not made enough progress … violence against African Americans has not disappeared … black voters are still deliberately cut out of the political process … Housing discrimination alive and well in 2015. Violence, voting, economic justice.”

Bipartisan Budget Talks

White House, Republicans aim for long-term budget deal. Politico: “…McConnell detailed the talks, which are focused on top-line budget numbers for fiscal 2016 and 2017 … A major budget deal could be elusive … Democrats and many Republicans are eager for a broader agreement that would lift federal spending for domestic [and] defense programs. But many conservatives want to keep strict spending caps … In exchange for increasing some key spending levels, McConnell will insist on offsetting those costs and will take a hard line against any tax hikes.”
House conservatives angry at inclusion of Boehner in talks. The Hill: “‘Why the president would look to John as being able to speak on behalf of the House is, I think, a legitimate question. The man just quit. I’m not sure how much weight he continues to carry in the body,’ said Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R-S.C.).”
Right-wing scrambles to elect one of their own for House Majority Leader. W. Post: “[There are] doubts among some members about whether the two declared candidates … — House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (La.) and Budget Committee Chairman Tom Price (Ga.) — possess the necessary backbone and messaging savvy.”

Clinton Opposes Health Plan Tax

Hillary Clinton comes out against Obamacare tax on high benefit plans. W. Post quotes: “I encourage Congress to repeal the so-called Cadillac Tax, which applies to some employer-based health plans, and to fully pay for the cost of repeal … My proposed reforms to our health care system would more than cover the cost of repealing the Cadillac tax.”
Hillary signals interest in bipartisanship. The Hill: “Team Clinton is hoping the message of reaching out to Republicans will resonate with voters frustrated by Washington’s inaction and dysfunction, even if it goes against the grain in a year in which anti-establishment candidates have had success in both parties. Even Republican lawmakers say it’s not just a Clinton talking point. They say she won’t emulate the Obama model of conducting business with Congress. For one thing, they say, she knows the players and isn’t afraid to reach out.”

Progressive Breakfast is a daily morning email highlighting news stories of interest to activists. Progressive Breakfast is a project of the Campaign for America's Future. more »

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