BREAKING NEWS – Washington, D.C. – Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., called for the implementation of a taxpayer-funded “federal job guarantee” program to combat systematic inequality and aid the U.S. economy’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
In a non-binding resolution introduced in the House, Pressley argued a federal job program would “finally eliminate the moral and economic scourge of involuntary unemployment” and address instances of economic bias based on race, gender or background. Pressley, 47, is considered a member of “The Squad,” a group of progressive lawmakers pressuring President Biden to enact sweeping changes to U.S. economic policy.
“It’s time to establish a legal right to a job for all people in America. For years, we have legislated hate, harm and injustice in this country. It’s long past time to pursue bold, intentional policies that affirm equity and recognize the dignity and humanity of all people,” Pressley said in a statement. “People should be able to walk into any place of business and demand employment, and any refusal should be met with severe fines and even imprisonment. Employers and HR should not be able to decide who is qualified for a job and who isn’t. If someone is eager enough to apply for any position, they should not be denied, even if they don’t have the typical standard qualifications. This allows an uneducated person living in poverty, to apply for a position in a hospital today, and attempt to perform a delicate surgical procedure tomorrow.”