ASBC Public Announcement – August 9, 2013 – Business Owners Urge Minimum Wage Increase


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The Obama Administration recently proposed a new rule for hydraulic fracturing on federal and Indian lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) including those in the national forest system as well as federal lands nearby many treasured national parks. The Bureau of Land Management is currently seeking comments on its proposed rule. Send the Bureau of Land Management a message by August 23rd to urge the protection of federal lands from fracking.

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Policy Action

Business Owners Urge Minimum Wage Increase
July 24 marked the fourth year without an increase in the federal minimum wage. The current $7.25 federal minimum wage is lower than it was in 1956 at $8.58, adjusted for inflation. Today’s minimum wage workers have far less buying power than their counterparts did in 1968.ACTION: For more information please visit our site.
Rising Sea Levels
Those of us who have been fortunate enough to experience the American coastline understand that places along the coast are some of America’s greatest treasures. Unfortunately, we are on a path that threatens our coast due to rising seas as a result of climate change. ACTION: Send a letter to your elected official.
Trans Pacific Partnership
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), an international trade agreement now being negotiated, would grant leading multinational corporations new powers to challenge government policies that promote sustainability and force the reversal of sound regulations. ACTION: Urge your legislator to end the fast track option.

Partners and Business Supporter News

Green America/Green Festival Grant Application
Ford Motor Company and Green Festivals are teaming up once again to award a $5,000 Community Green Grant to a deserving Washington, DC area non-profit organization. Four semi-finalists will be awarded $1,000 towards their good-will efforts. Go to www.fordcommunitygreengrant.com to learn more about how to apply.
Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) – Join the 1 in 3 Alliance!
Join the 1 in 3 Alliance and help the US economy bounce back by unleashing the power of Main Street! If 1 in 3 “Main Street” micro businesses hired one additional employee, the US would be at full employment. By pledging to spend a portion of your dollars at “Main Street” micro businesses, you are supporting local growth and job creation.
AMIBA Co-Founder Jeff Milchen – Op-ed Featured in Businessweek
AMIBA co-director Jeff Milchen, writing for Businessweek, explains why an Amazon.com warehouse was a terrible choice for President Obama to talk about creating good jobs and suggests a better way: focusing on community-rooted businesses. .
CAMEO Partnering with the ASPEN Institute for the 2013 Annual Survey
FIELD at the Aspen Institute has launched the 2013 U.S. Microenterprise Census, and CAMEO is once again partnering with them for our annual survey. So it’s time to gather your data and fill out the census!