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Horsford Legislation Would Help Federal Contractors, States and Reimburse Americans for Losses During Government Shutdown

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Congressman Horsford noted that, as thousands of federal employees and contractors learned in previous shutdowns, simply reopening the government doesn’t help them pay the credit card interest fees, and overdue rent notices that pile up during a government shutdown.
The post Horsford Legislation Would Help Federal Contractors, States and Reimburse Americans for Losses During Government Shutdown first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

2 years ago

September 29, 2023

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

Congressional Black Caucus Chair Steven Horsford (D-Nevada), a 2023 National Newspaper Publishers Association Leadership Award winner, has introduced legislation to reimburse federal employees for fees, interest, and fines charged through no fault of their own during a government shutdown. The bill, H.R. 5758, the “Pay Workers What They’ve Earned Act,” would also reimburse state and tribal governments for costs incurred during government shutdowns.

“Extreme MAGA Republicans are hellbent on shutting down the federal government, harming thousands of Nevadan workers and small business contractors wreaking havoc on our economy and impacting essential services to women and children, our military and delays to Medicare and social security payments to seniors,” stated Horsford, who earned a 2023 NNPA Leadership Award at a lavish ceremony this month for his tireless work to better all citizens, particularly people of color.

“This is wrong and unacceptable and it’s why I’m committed to supporting a bi-partisan solution to keep government working for constituents in Nevada,” Horsford said in a news release. “If a Republican-caused shutdown does occur, I’m working to make sure that Nevada’s federal workers and small business contractors aren’t on the hook for the additional costs of that shutdown.”

The congressman noted that, as thousands of federal employees and contractors learned in previous shutdowns, simply reopening the government doesn’t help them pay the credit card interest fees and overdue rent notices that pile up during a government shutdown. “Congress needs to make Nevadans whole for the costs they incur during shutdowns – including the Nevada taxpayers and tribal governments who pick up the slack when the federal government stops paying its bills,” he asserted.

In previous government shutdowns, Horsford noted that many states across the country were forced to tap into their own resources to cover the federal government’s lapse in appropriations for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP), Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF), and housing assistance. “Other individuals, like many of our service members, air traffic controllers and TSA agents at the airport, were required to show up to work, but not getting regular paychecks, forcing some to take short-term, high-interest loans to make ends meet,” he said.

The ‘Pay Workers What They’ve Earned Act’ would:

Cover Family Costs: Provide compensation to federal employees and contractors during a lapse in appropriations to cover the fees, interest and fines incurred due to the lapse in appropriations by setting up a reimbursement verification mechanism with the Department of Treasury.
Provide Timely State and Tribal Reimbursement: Ensure the federal government reimburses states who have used state budget funds to cover federal programs within 90 days after a shutdown.
Prevent Burden for Families in the Future: Creates a reserve fund for Federal Employees and Contractors who are furloughed during any future shutdowns.

The post Horsford Legislation Would Help Federal Contractors, States and Reimburse Americans for Losses During Government Shutdown first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Stacy M. Brown

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Black Feminist Movement Mobilizes in Response to National Threats

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States.

Published

12 hours ago

May 30, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States. The event, led by the organization Black Feminist Future, is headlined by activist and scholar Angela Y. Davis. Paris Hatcher, executive director of Black Feminist Future, joined Black Press USA’s Let It Be Known to outline the mission and urgency behind the gathering, titled “Get Free.” “This is not just a conference to dress up and have a good time,” Hatcher said. “We’re building power to address the conditions that are putting our lives at risk—whether that’s policing, reproductive injustice, or economic inequality.” Hatcher pointed to issues such as rising evictions among Black families, the rollback of bodily autonomy laws, and the high cost of living as key drivers of the event’s agenda. “Our communities are facing premature death,” she said.

Workshops and plenaries will focus on direct action, policy advocacy, and practical organizing skills. Attendees will participate in training sessions that include how to resist evictions, organize around immigration enforcement, and disrupt systemic policies contributing to poverty and incarceration. “This is about fighting back,” Hatcher said. “We’re not conceding anything.” Hatcher addressed the persistent misconceptions about Black feminism, including the idea that it is a movement against men or families. “Black feminism is not a rejection of men,” she said. “It’s a rejection of patriarchy. Black men must be part of this struggle because patriarchy harms them too.” She also responded to claims that organizing around Black women’s issues weakens broader coalitions. “We don’t live single-issue lives,” Hatcher said. “Our blueprint is one that lifts all Black people.”

The conference will not be streamed virtually, but recaps and updates will be posted daily on Black Feminist Future’s YouTube channel and Instagram account. The event includes performances by Tank and the Bangas and honors longtime activists including Billy Avery, Erica Huggins, and Alexis Pauline Gumbs. When asked how Black feminism helps families, Hatcher said the real threat to family stability is systemic oppression. “If we want to talk about strong Black families, we have to talk about mass incarceration, the income gap, and the systems that tear our families apart,” Hatcher said. “Black feminism gives us the tools to build and sustain healthy families—not just survive but thrive.”

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Hoover’s Commutation Divides Chicago as State Sentence Remains

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial.

Published

2 days ago

May 29, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The federal sentence for Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover has been commuted, but he remains incarcerated under a 200-year state sentence in Illinois. The decision by Donald Trump to reduce Hoover’s federal time has reignited longstanding debates over his legacy and whether rehabilitation or continued punishment is warranted. The commutation drew immediate public attention after music executive Jay Prince and artist Chance the Rapper publicly praised Trump’s decision. “I’m glad that Larry Hoover is home,” said Chance the Rapper. “He was a political prisoner set up by the federal government. He created Chicago Votes, mobilized our people, and was targeted for that.”

But Hoover, the founder of the Gangster Disciples, is not home—not yet. Now in federal custody at the Florence Supermax in Colorado, Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial. “There is a divide in the Black community here,” said Chicago journalist Jason Palmer during an appearance on the Let It Be Known morning program. “Some view Hoover as someone who brought structure and leadership. Others remember the violence that came with his organization.” Palmer explained that while Hoover’s gang originally formed for protection, it grew into a criminal network responsible for extensive harm in Chicago. He also noted that Hoover continued to run his organization from state prison using coded messages passed through visitors, prompting his transfer to federal custody.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is widely considered a potential 2028 presidential contender, has not issued a statement. Palmer suggested that silence is strategic. “Releasing Hoover would create enormous political consequences,” Palmer said. “The governor’s in a difficult spot—he either resists pressure from supporters or risks national backlash if he acts.” According to Palmer, Hoover’s federal commutation does not make him a free man. “The federal sentence may be commuted, but he still has a 200-year state sentence,” he said. “And Illinois officials have already made it clear they don’t want to house him in state facilities again. They prefer he remains in federal custody, just somewhere outside of Colorado.”

Palmer also raised concerns about what Hoover’s case could signal for others. “When R. Kelly was convicted federally, state prosecutors in Illinois and Minnesota dropped their charges. If a president can commute federal sentences based on public pressure or celebrity support, others like R. Kelly or Sean Combs could be next,” Palmer said. “Meanwhile, there are thousands of incarcerated people without fame or access to public platforms who will never get that consideration.” “There are people who are not here today because of the violence connected to these organizations,” Palmer said. “That has to be part of this conversation.”

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WATCH: Five Years After George Floyd: Full Panel Discussion | Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real | Live Podcast Event

Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

Published

2 days ago

May 28, 2025

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https://youtube.com/watch?v=OsNLWTz6jU0&feature=oembed

May 25, 2020. The world stopped and watched as a life was taken.

But what has happened since?

Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

She shares reflections, insights, and the story of a community forever changed. What has a year truly meant, and where do we go from here?

This is more than just a date; it’s a moment in history. See what one leader in the Black press has to say about it.

Recorded live at UROC in Minneapolis, this powerful discussion features:

Panelists: