Senate Passes Unemployment Extension

The Senate JUST passed an extension for unemployment benefits:

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-20/senate-advances-unemployment-extension-plan-over-objections-of-republicans.html

It will go to the house tomorrow. Also, President Obama is signing the financial reform bill tomorrow. Anyone who made any call, email, text, or leaned over the coffee pot to talk to a coworker, or emailed an unemployed ex-coworker about it should be proud. We didn't get most of what we wanted, but we got 10% of what most people thought was impossible, and the individual actions scared the hell out of a few lawmakers. ("Why is someone named Joanie from Idaho calling about Section 716?!!! Since when do grassroots activists know about the SAFE banking act!!!!!?"). I was just on a call today with the Americans for Financial Reform coalition of groups who fought for the bill, and there were some really nice words about the ANWF activists. 

We will, someday soon, with your help, break up the big banks. As long as you are with us, we are going to keep demanding radical structural change for everyone. 

Zephyr Teachout (writing for Tiffiniy, who is taking a much needed vacation)

A New Way Forward

PS--Thank you for all of you who wrote in to Brian Moynihan--we never heard from him. Despite the DC sense that "this round is over" with the banks, we know its just beginning--we have to keep the pressure on, and be clear about who is responsible for the crisis. Your messages were so heartfelt and full of dignity. Thank you.