It’s not unusual that within a few weeks or days of a new year, what seemed like emphatic resolutions are broken or forgotten. For this New Year there’s one resolution members of the community are being urged to keep. It’s insisting those they elect to represent them in public office are effective representatives.
More aggressive opposition needed
There has been some warranted criticism that at the federal level Democrats in the US House and Senate have not acted aggressively enough in opposing the incumbent Republican administration. It’s certainly not enough for elected Democrats, including those in the Florida Legislature as well, to just abstain from voting for measures they oppose. More aggressive opposition is required even just to mobilize the public who are also opposed to these measures to be more emphatic in publicly expressing their views.
Feeble lip service
Sometimes, it seems some Democrats are content to oppose pending legislation with feeble lip service. However, much more than lip service is needed.
Some were surprised in the recent activities leading to the eventual approval of new tax measures more attempt wasn’t made to bargain for an increase in the federal minimum wage. Very few Democrats made an argument that if businesses were being offered a significant drop in corporate taxes, there was justification for improving the federal minimum wage. There was almost no argument, at least publicly, for this intervention. Now, some Republicans argue companies have the ability to increase minimum wage paid to their employees. However, this is solely on the discretion of such companies, not a policy based on law.
This year there are key measures which Democrats in Congress need to bargain more effectively to ensure the community is not the loser.
These policies include those relating to the future of DACA; health insurance, and several social programs.
Although President Trump had given assurance his administration wouldn’t repeal the DACA program initiated by former President Obama, pressure from conservative Republicans have placed the program in jeopardy. Last year Trump deferred approving continuing the program to a Congressional decision. One senses there isn’t much focus being placed on a vote to continue the program.
Several valid arguments have made indicated the unfairness and potential destruction to families in deporting members brought to the US as youngsters by their parents. But some Republicans are determined to end the program.
Use infrastructure bill as bargaining chip
However, Democrats who are keen on retaining the program have a bargaining chip they can use effectively. This is the infrastructure funding bill President Trump and Congressional Republicans plan on getting passed this year.
Get action on DACA
For this measure to pass the US Senate, a minimum of 60 votes is needed. Therefore, at least nine Democrats’ votes will be required. Here is the opportunity for Democrats in the Senate to ensure a positive vote on DACA in exchange for voting for the infrastructure funding bill.
Improve Obamacare
Offering support for the infrastructure bill, and other legislation requiring 60 votes in the senate, is opportunity for Democrats to seek appropriate reform to improve the Affordable Care Act, also called Obamacare. Recent registration for health insurance under Obamacare indicated strong demand for this insurance, but premiums have increased because less insurance companies are participating in the program. Millions of American need health insurance. Congressional Democrats must be urged to persuade Republicans to work on a bi-partisan plan to improve the program. Democrats must withhold votes on key legislation, unless these reforms are approved.
Stop attempts to cut social programs
The same thing applies to any action Republicans may likely try attempt to cut back on social programs like Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, Food Stamps, and the Children Health Program to meet loss in revenue from the new tax policy. This year Democrats have the potential to effectively bargain so the interests of major American communities are effectively represented.
The public shouldn’t have hesitation in pressuring their elected representatives – Republican, Democrat or Independent, to act assertively in meeting their needs. These representatives were elected to serve, not to give lip service while enjoying benefits of elected office. They must make aggressive efforts to ensure voters’ needs are met, despite the challenges of their office.
