September 15, 2023 - Your Daily Digest

Government shutdown, union strike, and more

Shana Tovah to all who celebrate the beginning of the Jewish New Year this evening! I will be offline in observance of the holiday during the weekend, but will start back up on Monday. As always, if you enjoy this news digests and want to see more, then consider becoming a monthly paid subscriber to support my work!

1) Government Shutdown Looms

We are now just 15 days away from a possible government shutdown and no resolution appears to be in sight. Despite the looming deadline, Speaker Kevin McCarthy has allowed Congress to go home for the weekend, essentially putting a pause on negotiations. There are currently two competing plans, the President’s Bidenomics plan and McCarthy’s MAGAnomics.

Once the government runs out of funding, only essential employees will continue working. They will not be paid, however. All non-essential employees will be sent home without pay, though it is possible for Congress to pass legislation that these non-essential workers receive backpay. Some examples of essential employees include TSA employees, Border Patrol, and law enforcement officials. Meanwhile, government benefits, like Social Security and Medicare, continue to be paid out, though some benefits, like school meals that are funded through appropriations, will be cut off. These potential issues only grow larger the longer the government is unable to work. Learn more about what to expect in my latest article here.

2) Gun Violence Rises

A new study released by the Pew Research Center shows that the number of children under the age of eighteen killed by gun violence has increased by 50% between 2019 and 2021. In 2019, researchers estimate that proximately 1,732 children were killed as a result of gun violence. That number ballooned to 2,590 in 2021, an increase of about 50%. A chart depicting this substantial rise can be seen below: 

Despite this substantial rise, Republicans in Congress have failed to meaningfully act to stop the gun violence epidemic. If you are concerned about the rise in gun violence and gun deaths, especially among young people, then call your member of Congress and call on them to act before more lives are lost.

3) Autoworkers go on Strike

Autoworkers have officially gone on strike against three of the largest auto manufacturers in America. For too long, these large companies have failed to meaningfully share profits with their employees, resulting in employees being underpaid and overworked. Here are four reasons autoworkers have gone on strike:

First, UAW, the union representing laborers is demanding at least a 20% raise in wages, with a 5% increase each year. Second, UAW is requesting that workers hired, whether hourly or salaried, receive pension payment plans and retiree health care. Third, the union is demanding more time off for employees, including the implementation of a possible four day work week. Finally, with the advent of electric vehicle technology, autoworkers should not lose their jobs merely because companies are producing EVs instead of traditional gas vehicles. It is unclear how long this strike will last, but bargaining will continue tomorrow. More to come on this story.