LIADA Newsletter       April 2002  

BUSH WELFARE REFORM PLAN SCARY

If we thought the first era of welfare reform, 1996-2002, was scary, then we should run away screaming from President Bush's vision of the second era.

Instead of aiming for poverty reduction and increased ability to raise children, as does the ADA-supported HR 3113 [introduced by Rep. Patsy T. Mink (D-HI)], the recently revealed Bush plan will:

• slash spending en TANF, the federal money going to states for welfare benefits, 22% by 2007.

• deny welfare benefits to hard-working, taxpaying, legal immigrants.

• despite rhetoric on helping Americans pull themselves out of poverty through better jobs, reduce access to education and training programs.

• waste $300 million - which could be spent on so many vital welfare programs - on encouraging women to get married.

ADAction: Call your Representative, and urge him/her to cosponsor the Mink bill (HR 3113).

SENATE CAVES ON FUEL ECONOMY

In the first major battle of the Senate energy policy debate, pro-environment/pro-energy efficiency forces sustained a significant loss: rejection of a John Kerry-led (D-MA) effort to increase fuel efficiency standards (CAFE) for American automobiles.

On a 62-38 vote, the Senate instead opted to empower the Bush administration to develop its own standards within the next two years. Fuel economy standards have not been increased since 1975.

Attention now turns to the issue of drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and renewable energy. Constituent lobbying must be brought behind legislation that protects the environment, promotes conservation, and eases America's dangerous dependence on oil. The Republican solution to the energy crisis — simply ratchet up existing production — must not be allowed to stand.

ADAction: Call your Senators and ask them to support raising the raising the percentage of electricity that utilities must buy from renewable sources, and to oppose drilling in Alaska's ANWR.

ADA AGAINST "BLANK CHECK FOR RECKLESS BUSH FOREIGN POLICY"

Americans for Democratic Action, the nation's eldest liberal questions about the War on Terror, and we condemn Senate organization, urges the government to continue to fight terrorism and ensure that no more innocent people become victims of bloody attacks.

If we are to succeed, however, Congress must not grant President Bush a blank check to pursue a rash, unilateralist foreign/military policy. Our nation must avoid the danger of military action being launched without consulting our foreign friends and allies, and even worse, without the advice and consent of Congress.

The Administration and Congress must constantly keep in mind that dissent is a cherished part of democracy. Our liberties -including the freedom to politically disagree - must not be attacked by the Justice Department or overly zealous members of Congress. ADA stands strongly behind Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) for raising critical questions about the War on Terror, and we condemn Minority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) for impugning Senator Daschle's patriotism.

Likewise, we congratulate the Representatives who oppose expansion of the war beyond Afghanistan "without clear and compelling evidence that other nations were involved in the September 11 attacks." Unfortunately, the Bush Administration is giving ever more indication that it is preparing to unilaterally expand the War on Terror far beyond Afghanistan. Reckless threats against the "Axis of Evil" suggest a mindless, unilateral approach to terrorism which only serves to frighten and alienate our friends and allies.

ADAction: Urge that U.S. actions be taken with maximum international cooperation and support, involving Congress, the United Nations, our NATO allies, and other friendly nations.

PLEASE PAY YOUR DUES FOR 2002

Send your check of: $45 for single; $60 for family membership and $25 for limited income. Please mail check to: LONG ISLAND ADA . 44 South Dr., Great Neck, NY 11021.