Berkshire Eagle Op-Ed: We can do better than pipeline
Massachusetts has distinguished itself as a state with a strong and enduring commitment to environmental conservation, a commitment evidenced in the wetlands, forests, waters, and state and private conservation lands that run from our coastline to the Berkshires. The commonwealth is also a leader in developing clean energy and promoting energy efficiency. In fact, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy ranks Massachusetts number one in the country in its energy efficiency policies and programs.
CNN Op-Ed: We need to rein in 'too big to fail' banks
More than five years after the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers and the beginning of the most severe economic downturn since the Great Depression, lawmakers should ask themselves whether they have done enough to reduce the risk of another financial crisis. In our view, the answer is no.
U.S. News Op-Ed: The Big Benefits of Postal Service Banking
More than a quarter of all American households – about 68 million people – rely at least in part on nonbank financial services like check cashing or payday lending. These unbanked and underbanked households pay more – a lot more – for the kinds of basic financial services the rest of us take for granted. In 2012, the average income for these families was about $25,500, and they spent an average of $2,412 just on interest and fees for nonbank financial services. That was just under 10 percent of their annual income – or about the same amount as they spent on food.
Salem News Op-Ed: Student debt is a national emergency
Total student loan debt across the country now stands at $1.2 trillion – and each year, students are taking on more and more and more debt. From 2004 to 2012, the average student loan balance increased by 70 percent. Millions of young people are struggling to keep up with their student loan payments.
CNN Op-Ed: What happened to the middle class?
A great crack in America’s middle class came to light recently: While our country continues to lead the world as the richest nation, our middle class, once the most affluent in the world, has fallen behind. According to an analysis by The New York Times, Canada’s middle class is now the wealthiest, and working families in many countries have seen their incomes rise much faster than those in the United States.
Politico Op-Ed: The Citigroup Clique
Today, I cast my vote on the Senate Banking Committee for Stanley Fischer to serve in the No. 2 position at the U.S. Federal Reserve. I asked Fischer tough questions – in person, at his nomination hearing, and in writing – and I have been impressed with the depth of his knowledge and experience.
Credit.com Op-Ed: Why Equal Pay Is Worth Fighting For
I honestly can’t believe that we’re still arguing over equal pay in 2014.
When I started teaching elementary school after college, the public school district didn’t hide the fact that it had two pay scales: one for men and one for women. Women have made incredible strides since then. But 40 years later, we’re still debating equal pay for equal work.
Huffington Post Blog: Wall Street Should Disclose Its Think Tank Contributions
In December, I wrote to the heads of six of the country’s biggest financial institutions with a simple request: that they voluntarily disclose the financial contributions their companies make to think tanks. This disclosure would help make sure shareholders, policymakers, and the public are aware of efforts by large Wall Street banks to indirectly influence lawmakers and regulators by supporting think tanks’ research. Unfortunately, none of the six institutions — JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley — has agreed to release this information.
Boston Globe Op-Ed: Help for homeowners
Homeowners across Massachusetts received some good news last week: President Barack Obama signed into law the bipartisan Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act, which will help protect millions of families here in the Commonwealth and across the country from huge increases in flood insurance rates.
Credit.com Op-Ed: 17 Million Reasons to Raise the Minimum Wage
I have 17 million reasons for wanting to increase the minimum wage. Yes, 17 million-the number of children whose lives would be a little more secure if their moms and dads earned at least $10.10 an hour.