A report released by Democratic members of the Joint Economic Committee highlights causes of the increasing cost of college for many Americans. It identifies, among those, declining state support for public institutions, incentives for institutions at odds with keeping programs affordable, and failures in the regulatory system to hold programs failing students accountable.
Nov 07 2017
Politico - Morning Education
Democrats on the Joint Economic Committee, led by Sen. Martin Heinrich, today are releasing a new report describing “The College Affordability Crisis in America.” Read it here.
Nov 02 2017
Politico - Morning Energy
Joint Economic Committee Democrats released a report Wednesday arguing the federal government must adapt how it rebuilds following natural disasters to be more resilient and that every dollar spent on disaster preparedness provides almost $4 in future benefits. Take a glance here.
Still, some lawmakers believe a recognition of the threats posed by climate change is essential when drafting mitigation, preparedness and response solutions to extreme weather events. "We've seen the economic toll that climate change takes on communities through larger and more frequent storms, fires and floods," said Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), ranking member of the Joint Economic Committee, in a statement to E&E News yesterday. "We must ensure that our recovery efforts include improvements in infrastructure that prepare us for a new climate reality. As Congress moves forward with additional disaster relief, it should require relief funds for the construction of resilient infrastructure and also prioritize mitigation efforts that save us money." Heinrich yesterday released a report on the need to rebuild infrastructure from natural disasters in a way that limits future risk.
“The details of the secretive Republican tax proposal emerging today reveal a plan that does very little for working families and may even increase their tax burden, while providing deficit-busting giveaways for others that bankrupt our ability to invest in a stronger economy tomorrow. We need to make sure the tax code is working for everyday New Mexicans, growing the economy, creating good paying jobs, and supporting families and communities across the country. This GOP plan is a setback on almost every level.”
Oct 31 2017
Arizona Daily Star - McSally Can't Ignore Economics of National Monuments in AZ (Letter to the Editor)
Even if the administration and some in Congress don’t care about the intrinsic values of these places, they should appreciate the economic benefits they provide. In Arizona, outdoor recreation accounts for more jobs than defense, technology and aerospace combined. (US Senate Joint Economic Committee). A 2013 study showed nearly $28 million in economic benefits to Flagstaff from visits to local monuments. Martha McSally must pay attention to the economic needs of Arizona and vote against HR 3990.
Democrats weren't prepared to yield any credit to the new administration. "Today's GDP numbers show the resiliency of the economy this administration inherited," Sen. Martin Heinrich (D., N.M) said in a statement. "Instead of building on this foundation, President Trump has created a climate of uncertainty."
Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM), ranking member of the Joint Economic Committee, praised the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) final rule to establish borrower safeguards on payday loans.
Oct 20 2017
Glamour Magazine - Elizabeth Warren Once Struggled to Find Child Care—and Every Working Mother Can Relate
Though plenty has changed in the decades since Warren began teaching law, affordable, high-quality child care remains one of the most significant challenges for working parents. According to a recent report from the Democratic staff of the Congress Joint Economic Committee, American families spend an average of 15 percent of their income on child care—and in states like California, New York, Arizona, Colorado, and Oregon, it's not uncommon for that total to hit the 20 percent mark.
As we continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Joint Economic Committee Democrats and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus have released a fact sheet on the “Economic State of the Latino Community in America.”