Thetimesweekly.com A report just released by the University of California Berkeley Labor Center reveals that 39 percent of construction worker families nationwide are forced to enroll in one or more safety net programs to make ends meet. That is higher than the 31 percent of all workers enrolled in such programs. The yearly cost to state and federal governments is a staggering $28 billion. Additionally, 31 percent of construction workers lack health insurance coverage, compared to 10 percent of all workers. Researchers attribute their findings to low pay, wage theft and illegal employment practices in the construction industry.
Safety
Posted in#NNPA BlackPress, Community, Crime, Featured, Law, National, News, NNPA, NNPA Newswire, Politics, Stacy Brown
President Biden Proclaims January as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
NNPA NEWSWIRE — The heightened awareness of human trafficking comes on the heels of an HBO documentary that finally spotlighted the world of the Black and Missing Foundation, headed by Washington, D.C., based sister-in-law’s Derrica and Natalie Wilson. The film, BLACK AND MISSING, pulled back the curtain and explored how systemic behaviors and attitudes stem from centuries of deeply rooted racism.
Posted in#NNPA BlackPress, Business, Commentary, Community, Economy, Featured, Law, National, News, NNPA, NNPA Newswire, Op-Ed, Politics, Ray Curry, UAW
COMMENTARY: In 2021, Organized Labor is Again Flexing its Muscles
NNPA NEWSWIRE — We have seen dramatic change in the makeup of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) under President Biden. Two former counsels to the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) – David Prouty, and Gwynne Wilcox – were named to the NLRB while Peter Ohy was named NLRB general counsel and Jennifer Abruzzo became permanent general counsel. Abruzzo immediately began encouraging the board to reinstitute the Joy Silk Mills doctrine, which allows organizing elections to be decided by card-check instead of needing to go to a full vote, providing a real boost for organizing efforts.
Posted in#NNPA BlackPress, Black Experience, Black History, Community, Crime, Featured, Health, Law, National, News, NNPA, NNPA Newswire, Politics, Stacy Brown
White House Announces the National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking
NNPA NEWSWIRE — The updated National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking responds to this predatory behavior by addressing the needs of underserved individuals, families, and communities. As such, officials said it reflects the administration’s commitments to gender and racial equity by taking action against the systemic injustices that communities experience, including underserved populations.
Posted inTimes Weekly News
County leaders spotlight priorities in 2022 annual budget
County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant joined County Board leadership in highlighting accomplishments in the Fiscal Year 2022 annual budget, which, they said, invests in key priorities while maintaining balanced spending. The $793 million package, which was passed unanimously today by the County Board, increases funding for public safety agencies, the Children’s Advocacy Center, and the Will-Ride transportation program.
Posted inTimes Weekly News
Forest Preserve's Black Road trail connection to Shorewood opens
A Forest Preserve District of Will County trail connection that stretches from Shorewood to Joliet along Black Road opened for public use on Friday, November 12, following a public ribbon cutting ceremony. The trail connection links the DuPage River Trail in Hammel Woods with the Rock Run Greenway Trail in Rock Run Preserve. The new path includes pedestrian bridges over the DuPage River and Interstate 55. The ribbon cutting was held on the DuPage River bridge portion of the trail connection.
“This bridge is going to increase the safety of walkers, runners and bikers,” said U.S. Rep Bill Foster. “… And it’s going to help everyone who is trying to get out on these trails to explore everything our region has to offer.”
Posted inTimes Weekly News
Pritzker signs law to ensure COVID-19 protections
At the request of the Attorney General, Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday signed SB 1169 into law, clarifying the legislative intent of the Health Care Right of Conscience Act so that it cannot be abused or misinterpreted to jeopardize workplace safety.
Posted inTimes Weekly News
Pritzker pledges $250 million for communities hardest hit by gun violence
Joined by legislators, stakeholders, and community leaders, Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday declared gun violence a public health crisis and announced support for a $250 million state investment over the next three years to implement the Reimagine Public Safety plan, a data-driven and community-based violence prevention initiative.
Posted inTimes Weekly News
Illinois daycare workers mandated to get COVID vaccines
UPDATED STORY
Daycare workers in Illinois will soon face mandatory COVID vaccines or weekly COVID testing if not fully vaccinated by early January 2022. There are 175 daycare facilities in Will County, according to countyoffice.org.
To prevent further spread of COVID-19 and to protect the health and safety of Illinois’ youngest residents, Gov. JB Pritzker joined Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Department of Human Services Secretary Grace Hou, and Department of Childhood and Family Services Director Marc Smith Friday to announce new vaccination or weekly testing requirements for individuals who work in licensed day care centers.
Posted inTimes Weekly News
Pritzker issues Executive Order mandated daycare workers to get COVID vaccines or face weekly testing
Daycare workers in Illinois will soon face mandatory COVID vaccines or weekly COVID testing if not fully vaccinated by early January, 2022. There are 175 daycare facilities in Will County, according to countyoffice.org.
To prevent further spread of COVID-19 and to protect the health and safety of Illinois’ youngest residents, Gov. JB Pritzker joined Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Department of Human Services Secretary Grace Hou, and Department of Childhood and Family Services Director Marc Smith Friday to announce new vaccination or weekly testing requirements for individuals who work in licensed day care centers.
