Welcome to the Council on Women and Girls Weekly Highlights. If you have friends or family who would like to support the efforts of the Council on Women and Girls, please visit our website and share this link with others on Facebook and Twitter.
President Obama traveled to Scranton, PA yesterday to talk about an issue that impacts millions of women and families across the country – the extension of the payroll tax cut. It sounds like another wonky issue, but this one has the potential to hit all of our pocketbooks. If Congress doesn’t vote to extend the current payroll tax cut, taxes will go up for millions of Americans. For a typical family earning $50,000 a year, that means a $1,000 tax increase.
If Congress passes President Obama’s plan, that same family would keep that $1,000 in their family budget and add $500 additional dollars, for a total tax cut of $1,500. Find out what this means for you by using our Tax Calculator and check out some new state-by-state data from the U.S. Treasury Department.
In addition, today we commemorate World AIDS Day. President Obama spoke at ONE Campaign and (RED)'s Beginning of the End of AIDS event at George Washington University, and you can find information below on how to participate in our Open for Questions online session "The Beginning of the End of AIDS."
Best wishes for a great weekend!
Surprise Call from the First Lady
Last week, First Lady Michelle Obama made a surprise phone call to Jessica Allen, the wife of an Army veteran Charles (Chaz) Allen who was injured while deployed in Afghanistan earlier this year. Chaz lost both of his legs and is currently recovering at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Jessica has been by his side and maintained her career as a Tax and Financial Advisor at her own tax preparation business. She works with wounded warrior spouses, especially at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Fill out an interactive thank you card and show our troops and their families just how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice.
Highlights
Open for Questions- The Beginning of the End of AIDS
Reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act
USAID, AusAID, GSMA and Visa Partner in GSMA mWomen Programme Global Development Alliance
Supporting Small Businesses by 'Shopping Small'
Crafty Nevada Business Owner Says the American Jobs Act Would Remove a Roadblock to Growth
President Obama's Record on Taxes
National Adoption Month at the White House
Stay Engaged
On Friday, December 2nd at 1:00 p.m. ET, please join us for a conference call with Mark Zuckerman, Deputy Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, to discuss this week's We Can't Wait Executive Actions. These announcements build on our ongoing effort to take action and help middle class families. These steps aren’t a substitute for the bold action we need to create jobs and grow the economy, but they’ll make a difference.
WHAT: We Can’t Wait Update Call
WHEN: Friday, December 2nd
Start Time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Dial In: (877) 941-6029
Passcode Title: White House Update Call
Avra Siegel is the Deputy Director of the White House Council on Women and Girls.