Daily Democratic Wire 3-11-2010

George Wenschhof

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Today, President Obama will meet with the Black and Hispanic caucuses - a variety of issues will be discussed, but you can be sure the passage of the health care reform bill will be at the top of the list. Politico.com has more here. The president traveled to St. Louis yesterday and gave another "fired up" speech in favor of passing health care reform.

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Vice President Joe Biden responds to Israeli announcement of 1600 new building permits in the disputed West Bank - while he personally and the U.S. have been a long term friend of Israel, he says sometimes a friend has to tell you when you are wrong. He goes on to say this was not the right time to make such an announcement on the eve of the "proximity talks" beginning between Palestine and Israel. He states the U.S. will continue to point out whenever either country makes a statement or takes an action which impedes the peace process. You can watch a video of Biden's speech here.

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Unemployment claims drop for second straight week - for the week ending March 6, initial claims were down 6000. The number who are receiving unemployment insurance has grown but the number receiving extended benefits has declined. Bloomberg.com has more here.

I still advocate for remaining funds from the Stimulus bill to be used to fund public service employment programs to last for the next 12-18 months. These programs would take many off unemployment insurance, and put them to work providing needed public services which have suffered cut backs due to budget deficits being faced by local and state government across the country.

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Senator Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) to announce Senate Financial Regulation bill - as chair of the committee, he has been unable to receive Republican support, in spite of months of negotiations so he will announce the bill himself. The House passed a finance regulatory bill last December. At issue, is the creation of a Consumer Finance Protection Agency. The NY Times has more here.

While, a lot of what is being proposed is worthwhile and needed, the most important issue of allowing financial institutions to be too big to fail is not addressed.

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Senators chuck Shumer (D-NY) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) to meet with Obama today to discuss Immigration Reform - a much needed discussion which hopefully leads to meaningful reform. Health care reform and the economy has taken the front seat for some time so after the passage of health care reform, immigration reform deserves the attention from the White House. It will be just as tough as health care to pass, but equally important for the future of our country. Politico.com has more here.

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