Domestic
This week CAP released “A Look at Community Schools,” a report that explained how community schools can alleviate obstacles outside the classroom that hold back student success, especially students living in poverty. The report coincided with a panel discussion hosted by CAP that included British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), among others. The panelists discussed the importance of connecting schools and community to improve student outcomes by extending school hours and a menu of social services.
Report author Saba Bireda explained what community schools are and how they improve student achievement in an “Ask the Expert” video, and an interactive map showed community school projects across the nation that provide onsite social services, after-hours learning opportunities, and other sorts of supports.
David Balto and Stephanie Gross explained why the federal government needs to eliminate the antitrust exemption for health insurers. And Liz Weiss, Ellen-Marie Whelan, and Jessica Arons explored the barriers single women face in the health insurance market.
Energy and Environment
A green economy encompasses a range of goods and services that help provide environmental benefits such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, removing hazardous substances from water and land, improving air quality, and increasing urban vegetation. A report from Urban Agenda and CAP laid out how to create an inclusive green economy in New York City that employs thousands of locals in green-collar jobs.
Jake Caldwell discussed that the Green Bank will lower energy costs, create jobs, reduce carbon emissions, and protect our national security. CAP Action President John D. Podesta testified before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act. And Tom Kenworthy pointed out that agricultural lobbyists are once again trying to stop climate legislation that would benefit farmers.
Ruy Teixeira looked at a new poll from the Pew Research Center that shows Americans are ready to deal with global warming, and this week’s “It’s Easy Being Green” offered tips for a green, fun Halloween.
Economy
Congressional Budget Office projections show that federal spending on health care by 2019 will be the largest spending category among all programs, including defense and social security. Michael Linden explained that without reform, Medicare and Medicaid spending will grow rapidly.
Christian E. Weller wrote that the third quarter GDP numbers showed strong growth thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, but it’s not a strong and sustained recovery yet. Meanwhile, Alexandra Cawthorne and Melissa Boteach wrote that Congress can aid the rising number of long-term unemployed workers by extending unemployment insurance benefits.
Liz Weiss underscored that the oversight of consumer financial products is crucial for the economic security of unmarried women, many of whom are targeted by unscrupulous lenders.
National Security
Caroline Wadhams, Colin Cookman, and Christina Misunas looked at how Afghan elections shed light on the way ex-warlords continue to hold back democratic governance and threaten political stability. CAP also released a partial list of some of the major players in Afghan political society.
Finally, Brian Katulis advised not to let the recent attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan distract from addressing South Asia’s strategic security challenges.