MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
We are very excited to see Senator Casey’s introduction of his REVIVE the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) bill. Like FDR’s New Deal CCC, Sen. Casey’s bill is a visionary response to extraordinary challenges—high joblessness, racial and environmental injustice, and climate change. It can help restore opportunity and hope to Pennsylvania, Appalachia, and our entire country. Read more below to learn about the details.
Onward!
Executive Director
Keystone Research Center Applauds Sen. Casey’s Historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Proposal
The idea of reviving the 1930s CCC has been bubbling up in U.S. policy circles for several years, initially out of fear that artificial intelligence and robots would displace millions of workers and warrant public job creation. In the last 15 months, policymakers and advocates have rallied to revive the CCC because of the COVID-19 recession and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, including by planting trees and other land restoration that absorbs carbon. The ReImagine Appalachia campaign, which KRC and many partners launched last year, has championed the idea, engaging extensively with Sen. Casey in the development of his bill. (View this video of the Atlantic Council’s recent event on CCC with Sen. Casey, this video of a ReImagine townhall with Sen. Casey moderated by KRC, and this ReImagine Appalachia white paper on a new CCC and regenerative agriculture.)
Telephone Town Hall with Rep. Cartwright
On July 20th, the 99% Pennsylvania campaign co-sponsored a virtual town hall with Rep. Matt Cartwright to discuss the impact of the Child Tax Credit on Pennsylvania communities and the opportunity to make this middle-class tax cut permanent.
TAKE ACTION
Save the Date – Give Day 2021 – Aug. 17-18
We are delighted to announce we will be hosting our second, virtual Give Day, a 24-hour CELEBRATION of progressive policy in Pennsylvania, from Tuesday, August 17, at 7 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 18.
We are pleased to honor Eric Elliott, PSEA Staff Organization, for his dedicated service to the Keystone Research Center and the labor movement.
Mark your calendars for 24 hours of learning, fun, and activism—and support all of our work!
IN THE NEWS
We need reinvestment in wake of PASSHE consolidation
The Loch Haven Express
Biden’s child tax credit will spread wealth. But 13K Philly kids stand to miss out.
Philadelphia Inquirer
“The Advanced Child Tax Credit, along with other expanded tax benefits in the American Rescue Plan Act, could reduce child poverty by one-third in Philadelphia, and deep child poverty by one-half, according to City estimates. In total, 75,000 people could rise out of poverty due to the tax credits, which function more like a direct stimulus payment.”