Striking West Virginia educators are inspiring teachers across the country; U.S. appeals court rules that bias laws also prohibit workplace discrimination against transgender people; Austin extends its new paid sick leave rule to city temp workers; and congressional Democrats introduce legislation to protect workers’ tips.
The Labor Department’s mine safety chief has a warning for mine operators who don’t pay their monetary penalties: We’ll shut you down until you pay, and you’ll have to pay your workers while your closed.
Gun Control/Violence
Worth reading: US gun violence, environmental racism, and attempts to rebrand “abstinence only”
Recent pieces address the Parkland shooting and US gun violence in general; what the Trump budget would mean for US pandemic response; a new EPA report demonstrating environmental racism; Trump administration attempts to rebrand “abstinence-only” education; and more.
A 2014 study on teen worker safety introduced me to the term “occupational health literacy.” It’s a concept that deserves attention.
Affordable Care Act
Trump’s new short-term health plan could destabilize the ACA market (which is probably the point)
For now, it seems congressional leadership has given up on a full-throated repeal of the Affordable Care Act. Their new, less-visible repeal strategy is just ignoring the health reform law altogether.
US Government
Business group testifies: “Congress, we want OSHA regulations and don’t cut funds for training grants
The Tree Care Industry Association has a refreshing message for Congress: OSHA is not our enemy. They want an OSHA regulation for their industry and think OSHA grants for safety training should be preserved.
Scientific Integrity & Ethics
Advice for federal employees and contractors: Take notes and draw lines
Advice from a long-time public servant and a new guide from nonprofit groups encourage federal employees to take notes about things that concern them.
New data finds one American is dying from alcohol, drugs and suicide every four minutes — that’s the highest number recorded so far.
A new study finds that a $1 increase in the minimum wage translates to a six-hour reduction in absenteeism per worker per year. Better wages mean better health.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ answer to the shooting massacre at the Florida high school is to study “mental health and criminality.” Not only is it the wrong topic, it’s just an excuse not to act.