[img]1857|right|Ms. Bass||no_popup[/img]More than 300 people turned out last Saturday morning for our resource fair and community town hall on mandatory minimum sentencing. We had a productive discussion about potential solutions to this problem, including U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott's (D-VA) “Justice Safety Valve Act.” This would give federal judges the flexibility to issue sentences below mandatory minimums. The bill aims to help judges avoid sentences unnecessarily harsh for non-violent offenders.
Largely because of mandatory minimum sentencing, African Americans are disproportionately sentenced to prison, despite the fact nationwide rates of substance dependence and levels of drug dealing are virtually identical between African American and white populations.
Thanks to the Brotherhood Crusade, Shields For Families’ Jericho Training Center, Community Coalition, Mayor Villaraigosa's Gang Reduction and Youth Development Office, and the Los Angeles Dept. of Social Services for providing re-entry services at the event
Equal Pay Still Is Unequal
Fifty years ago this week, on June 10, 1963, President Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act, which established the principle of equal pay for equal work for women in the workforce. In 1963, women on average made 59 cents for every dollar earned by men. Today, women on average make 77 cents for every dollar earned by men. For African American women, the gap is worse: 64 cents for every dollar earned by white men. We have made some progress – but not nearly enough.
Over the past 50 years, the Equal Pay Act never has been updated or strengthened. It is time for Republicans to finally stand up for women and help pass the Paycheck Fairness Act. The Paycheck Fairness Act closes loopholes in the 1963 law.
Nasty Republicans the Real Scandal
Furlough notices were sent out for thousands of civilian employees at the Los Angeles Air Force Base due to the sequester. Employees face 11 furlough days, beginning in July. The Dept. of Defense recently announced that furloughs will impact 57,270 employees in California, an economic loss of nearly $189 million. Despite this, Washington continues to be consumed with trumped-up scandals and games of political gotcha while hardworking Americans are finding out that just as our economy begins to show sparks of life, they will be forced to miss days of work and lose take-home pay because of the sequester. The real scandal in Washington is that despite this pain to hardworking families, Republicans still refuse to appoint budget conferees so we can pass a budget that replaces the sequester and invests in our economy,
Rice Escapes Scandal Scars
I am pleased U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice agreed last week to become National Security Advisor at a time when so many hardworking public servants have had their integrity and abilities unnecessarily challenged due to Washington's zest for scandals meant to score political points instead of doing what's best for the American people. Ms. Rice has been steadfast in advancing America's national security interests and in securing international support for sanctions against our adversaries. Ambassador Rice will be a steady, capable hand at the White House as we continue to promote peace and security throughout the world and successfully execute the fight against terror.
Rep. Bass (D-Culver City) may be contacted at http://bass.house.gov
