Truthout
Austerity

Austerity Measures Have No Place in Next Coronavirus Relief Bill
Two congressional proposals put the burden of debt reduction on the poorest and most vulnerable Americans.

The GOP Is Getting Back to Business as Usual — Trying to Gut Social Programs
For Trump and the GOP, maintaining a façade of prosperity is necessary to keeping power.

Students and Staff Oppose COVID-Inspired Disaster Capitalism on US Campuses
Faculty and students are fighting a crisis they say has been exacerbated but was not caused by the virus.

We Need a Universal Basic Income Now and After COVID-19
Such a policy would not only address suffering caused by COVID, but push back against the worst parts of capitalism.

1918 Flu Was Linked to a Rise in Nazi Support. Will This Pandemic Be Similar?
As with coronavirus, the 1918 pandemic led to a rise in xenophobia and budget cuts. Then it helped usher in Nazi rule.

Right-Wing Austerity Set New Orleans Up to Be a Coronavirus Disaster Zone
Louisiana law bans cities like New Orleans from raising the minimum wage and requiring paid sick leave for workers.

New York Gov. Cuomo’s Panel Proposes Medicaid Cuts Amid Coronavirus Crisis
A panel appointed by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo unveiled a plan to reduce the state's Medicaid spending by $400 million.

Years of Austerity Weakened the Public Health Response to Coronavirus
Thanks to budget cuts, public health departments nationwide have eliminated 50,000 positions since 2008.

Following Earthquake, Puerto Rico’s Largest Bank Hinders a Just Recovery
Hundreds of vacant residences that were repossessed by the banks could be used to house 6,400 displaced people.

IMF Backs Tax Reform Bill in Ecuador That Would Further Austerity
After the Argentina debacle, the IMF endorsed weakening capital controls in Ecuador.