THE FAIRNESS AGENDA FOR AMERICA
The Progressive Challenge Project - from the
Institute for Policy Studies
(supported by members of the Congressional Progressive
Caucus)
The challenges facing the world today include providing economic
security for all, abolishing discrimination, achieving a sustainable
environment, and above all, building societies that value and
embrace all members. The Fairness Agenda for America is a vital,
living document that reflects these principles and the needs and
desires of a global society. The Agenda is supported by over 175
citizens' organizations as well as members of the Congressional
Progressive Caucus through the Institute for Policy Studies' Progressive
Challenge Project. The Progressive Challenge builds alliances
between grassroots groups, innovative policy thinkers, and progressive
officials for a more unified movement towards a society of fairness.
Please endorse this agenda and use it as an organizing tool with
your organizations, city councils, state legislatures, college
campuses, candidate forums, and spiritual centers.
GOALS
1. ENACT A FAIRNESS BUDGET FOR AMERICA
America's abundant resources must be used to build a decent
society. We propose including military spending and corporate
giveaways and reinstating progressive taxation, while redirecting
revenues to invest in human resources, such as schools and health
care, and in infrastructure, such as mass transit.
2. ENSURE JOBS, LIVING WAGES, BENEFITS & WORKER RIGHTS
FOR ALL
Our nation depends on a vigorous, and innovative workforce
that is assured basic rights. We propose government job creation,
especially in areas of high unemployment, laws requiring profitable
companies compensate workers and communities affected by job cuts,
elimination of tax breaks for companies that provide excessive
executive compensation, and stronger protections against labor
rights violations and all forms of discrimination.
3. ENSURE EQUALITY FOR ALL
Despite recent progress, there is still widespread discrimination
in this country based on race, gender, disabilities, age, and
sexual orientation. Wage gaps by sex, race and de facto segregation
still exist. Two means of addressing these problems include sufficient
funding for agencies that administer anti-discrimination laws
and reinforcing affirmative action, while exploring the integration
of class-based criteria into such programs.
4. PROMOTE A JUST AND SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL ECONOMY
Free trade agreements and World Bank/lMF structural adjustment
programs have increased inequalities at home and abroad. We propose
an international dialogue to develop alternative trade and development
initiatives that encompass the protection of worker and women
s rights, environmental standards, food security, and oppose the
MAI, and also tackle the issues of immigration and the need to
reduce inequalities.
5. SUPPORT DEMILITARIZATION, HUMAN RIGHTS, & A NEW INTERNATIONALISM
Cutting military expenditures; negotiating to eliminate all
nuclear weapons; sharing R&D priorities towards pressing domestic
needs; stopping NATO expansion; banning landmines; ending subsidies
for arms exporters and arms transfers for dictators; banning covert
operations; shifting from unilateral military aid and US-controlled
peacekeeping missions abroad to multilateral responses; and promoting
real human rights abroad. which include political, economic, social,
and cultural rights.
6. GUARANTEE SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES & ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
Distribution of more no-strings federal funds, especially
to poor communities; revisions in trade agreements to allow communities
to enact strong environmental and labor laws; and re-targeting
federal insurance, subsidies, and loans for community development;
promoting the right to a clean environment and replacing subsidies
for polluters with subsidies for ecologically sound products and
services. We also support a still to more sustainable agriculture
that supports rural communities and a safe food supply.
7. PROVIDE ADEQUATE SOCIAL INVESTMENT
Preserving social security and protecting it from privatization;
remaking economic security structures to address the needs of
the poor; offering universal access to affordable quality health
care; protecting and expanding Medicare eligibility to people
of all ages and income; creating a bill of rights to protect health
care consumers; increasing funds for low-income housing assistance;
and providing adequate funding for quality public education.
8. LIMIT PRIVATE MONEY IN POLITICS
Public outrage is increasing over the abuse of campaign finance
loopholes, influence peddling, and political favors granted to
special interests. Candidates who reject contributions from private
sources, accept spending limits, and run shorter campaigns should
have the option of receiving clean, disinterested money for their
elections. Such a voluntary system would provide an alternative
to private fundraising, create a financially level playing field,
and tighten loopholes.
To endorse the Fairness Agenda, call IPS, Progressive Challenge
Project at 202-234-9382, www.netprogress.org
Reforming the System