Labor/Economics/Business

Treasury Notifies Congress of $650 Billion Emergency Reserves to Fight Global COVID Crisis

Treasury notified Congress of its support for $650 billion in IMF global reserves, also known as Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), to assist developing countries struggling with the coronavirus crisis. US law requires a ninety-day advance alert to Congress before the US votes for SDRs with the IMF board.

IMF Head: Global Recovery Uncertain as People Face Income Drops

International Monetary Fund head Kristalina Georgieva warned of an uncertain global recovery as the world struggles with the COVID spurred economic crisis. The IMF Managing Director stated concern that average incomes in developing countries faced drops of 20% and 11% in advanced economies. "This loss of income means millions of people will face destitution, homelessness, and hunger," reported Georgieva during her curtain raiser speech ahead of the Spring IMF and World Bank meetings.

G7 Supports Emergency Funds for Developing Country COVID Relief

G7 finance ministers agreed to create emergency reserve funds for developing countries wrestling with coronavirus economic impacts. The funds are likened to a type of currency the International Monetary Fund creates, called Special Drawing Rights (SDRs).

G20 Discusses Stimulus, Climate and Aid for Developing Countries

G20 finance ministers met Friday to discuss global coronavirus response. The group endorsed continuing stimulus plans in wealthy countries and supporting plans to increase aid and vaccine access for developing countries.

"Real People Real Relief" hold symbolic march on Capitol for covid relief

On the 25th of February, the "Real People Real Relief" rally demanded Congress pass a covid relief bill that benefits working class people, migrants, and people of color. A key demand was that the $15 an hour minimum wage NOT be dropped from the bill. The event climaxed with a symbolic march to the razor-wire topped fence around the US Capitol.

Video-marching on the Capitol 2 min 26 sec

Marching to the Capitol for covid relief. Fence is at edge of Mall prior to 3ed St

International Cooperation Can Fight Corruption and Stop Tax Evasion, Say UN Experts

A UN experts report offers 14 recommendations to stop the loss of trillions in public revenues. The UN group argues that money lost to transnational crime, corruption and tax avoidance could be used to address the pandemic, poverty and climate change.

“The lack of transparency in the financial system impacts the vulnerable and our planet,” stated Eric LeCompte, the Executive Director of the religious development group Jubilee USA Network. “Capturing the trillions in lost revenue is an important way to fight the pandemic and economic crises that countries face.”

Rally held in Arlington to support Amazon worker's union drive in Bessemer, Alabama

On the 20th of February, supporters of Amazon workers seeking to unionize and get a living wage gathered in a series of solidarity rallies at or near Amazon facilities across the US. One of these was in Crystal City Arlington, where Amazon is setting up part of their "HQ2" second headquarters split between Arlington and Nashville.

Biden Names Transparency Advocate to Top Regulatory Post

Gary Gensler, former Wall Street regulator will be President-elect Biden's nominee to head the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), according to Reuters. Gensler will lead the agency created after the 1920's stock market crash to protect investors and enforce stability in the banking system.

Democratic Socialists of America "Santa" delivers coal to Congress

On the morning of Christmas Day, Dec 25, MetroDSA delivered a sack of coal (may have been charcoal) to Congress in "honor" of their betrayal of working-class people during the COVID 19 pandemic.

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