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Center for American Progress Center for American Progress
Issues Idea of the Day2011 August

August

August 31, 2011
Idea of the Day: America’s Diversity Is the Strength of Our Republic
The people who believe that America’s diversity is the strength of our republic have an obligation to speak up and out in its defense.

August 30, 2011
Idea of the Day: Congressional Inaction Would Almost Erase the Deficit
If Congress is unable to agree on ways to solve the deficit problem over the next 10 years—if there is a deadlock and nothing passes—then our federal budget deficit will all but disappear.

August 29, 2011
Idea of the Day: Economic Policy Discussions Remain Front and Center
Striking a balance between job growth, long-term productivity gains, and deficit reduction is a tall order but not an impossible challenge.

August 26, 2011
Idea of the Day: President Obama Needs to Announce a Strong Jobs Plan
When President Barack Obama announces his jobs plan in September, it should be a plan that matches the scale of the problem. With millions unemployed and job creation sluggish, this is not the time to be timid.

August 25, 2011
Idea of the Day: Green Pet Care
Using vinegar to clean up behind your pet is good for the animal and the environment.

August 24, 2011
Idea of the Day: Repealing DOMA Allows FAFSA to Recognize Families with Same-Sex Parents
Following repeal of DOMA, the Department of Education would be able to issue regulations and subregulatory guidance that allow the FAFSA and financial aid institutions to fully recognize families headed by same-sex couples.

August 23, 2011
Idea of the Day: Political and Economic Transition in Afghanistan
CAP's five recommendations for U.S. policymakers to take in Afghanistan.

August 22, 2011
Idea of the Day: TANF Should Focus on Singular Mission of Ending Poverty
In the coming months Congress should seriously work toward defining the next era of TANF and shift its focus toward the singular mission to end poverty.

August 19, 2011
Idea of the Day: Big Oil's Illusions About Smog Reductions
CAP disproves claims about the economic effects of strengthened ozone protections.

August 18, 2011
Idea of the Day: National Payroll Contest
Michael Ettlinger and Jordan Eizenga propose a competition to encourage firms to hire.

August 17, 2011
Idea of the Day: Reining In 'Secure Communities'
If DHS fails to rein in the Secure Communities program, the president will be accused by the immigrant community of pursuing the restrictionist goal of mass deportation.

August 16, 2011
Idea of the Day: Studying 'Fracking'
The Center for American Progress calls for an authoritative government study of the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of natural gas in relation to other fuels.

August 15, 2011
Idea of the Day: Develop the Supportive School Discipline Initiative
It is imperative that initiatives such as the Supportive School Discipline Initiative are developed and implemented to combat policies that prevent an education from becoming a reality.

August 12, 2011
Idea of the Day: Renting Out Government-Owned Foreclosed Properties Will Benefit Economy
Renting out government-owned foreclosed properties will generate much-needed revenue for the government, expand the quantity of energy efficient, affordable housing to thousands of American families, and create well-paying jobs.

August 11, 2011
Idea of the Day: We Need to Responsibly Reduce Wasteful Military Spending
As the administration, Congress, and the Pentagon work to make good on the debt ceiling deal, they should focus on responsibly reducing wasteful military spending in a way that bolsters our economy without endangering our national security.

August 10, 2011
Idea of the Day: New Initiative Aims to Help Young Black and Latino Males
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg last week announced a new initiative that aims to address the economic challenges facing young black and Latino males across New York’s five boroughs.

August 9, 2011
Idea of the Day: Changes in Mexico Will Likely Lead to Decline in Migration
All evidence suggests that Mexico’s demographic and economic shifts will only increase in the future, further decreasing the pressures to emigrate.

August 8, 2011
Idea of the Day: Unemployment Worse for Communities of Color
Without access to sufficient and sustained income through employment, weak job growth will continue to trap Latinos and African Americans in a cycle of dramatically depressed wealth and fewer asset-retaining opportunities.

August 5, 2011
Idea of the Day: We Need Strong Protection Against Harmful Pollution
The EPA’s proposed air toxic standards and their other ongoing efforts should be defended both before Congress and in our public discourse.

August 4, 2011
Idea of the Day: We Can Help Stabilize the Housing Market While Boosting Employment
Scattered site rental is a great opportunity to put people back to work, provide energy efficient housing, and stabilize home prices.

August 3, 2011
Idea of the Day: Insurance Coverage of Contraception Will Help Women’s Health
Complete insurance coverage of contraception will have a direct beneficial impact on women’s health and well-being.

August 2, 2011
Idea of the Day: State Water Funds Should Make Better Use of Their Resources
State water funds are not optimally investing their assets and are not getting the kind of returns necessary to meet future needs. These funds could generate billions more without any more taxpayer funding if they invested their money better.

August 1, 2011
Idea of the Day: Big Oil Profits from Americans
Big Oil has American families to thank for their enormous second-quarter profits: Oil profits grow when Americans pay more for gasoline.