Latest news with #Maskot
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
How the Trump Attacks on DEI Will Enable Workplace Discrimination
Maskot Stay up-to-date with the politics team. Sign up for the Teen Vogue Take Since his first day in office, President Donald Trump has been on a crusade against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the workplace. One ripple effect of this has been many large employers abandoning their own public-facing commitments to equity. Meanwhile, Trump has also gutted the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency that enforces laws against workplace discrimination. The president is sending a very clear message: Employers should feel emboldened to exclude and discriminate. As a civil rights attorney, I'm saying they should not. Through my work as president of an organization called A Better Balance, which represents workers, I know it is critical to hold employers accountable to the law, and to combat misinformation geared to make the workplace a more hostile environment for groups that have historically been targets of discrimination, such as women, people of color, LGBTQ+ communities, and people with disabilities. Our anti-discrimination laws exist to ensure workers are not shut out of employment on the basis of protected characteristics like race, sex, national origin, age, religion, pregnancy, disability, or any combination thereof. DEI programs have become a popular way for employers to proactively and transparently create more equitable workplaces. These programs do not break any laws, and are a recognition that certain groups have long been denied equal opportunity in the workforce, and that we all need to take active steps to move beyond harmful practices. The Trump administration is using 'DEI' as a dog whistle to try to scapegoat marginalized workers — as with the White House's dangerous suggestion that federal workers with disabilities were somehow responsible for a deadly DC plane crash in January. The administration has also been perpetuating a false narrative about who is impacted by discrimination, which is consistent with the president's vow during the election to crush 'anti-white' racism. These narratives create distractions as the Trump administration rolls back the clock on civil rights for workers employed by the federal government — the nation's largest employer. Discrimination can be as obvious as a sign saying 'Women need not apply.' It can also be more insidious, such as a manager laying off a pregnant worker 'for her own good, so she can focus on the baby,' when she desperately needs her job and income to stay afloat. Examples of cases brought before the federal government in the past six months that illustrate today's reality of workplace discrimination include: A group of female housekeepers who were sexually harassed, then punished for reporting it — they received a $400,000 settlement; transgender employees who were subjected to misgendering, deadnaming, and other forms of harassment, then fired; a Muslim teenager who was harassed, retaliated against, and forced to quit her job after reporting a manager who forcibly removed her hijab — she received a $20,000 settlement; employers systemically segregating and underpaying female workers; employers refusing to hire qualified applicants simply because of their disabilities; and employers firing workers because they needed time off to care for their health. The EEOC enforces the federal laws that protect workers against discrimination, such as: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin; the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for workers who need changes to their usual work duties due to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, which prohibits discrimination against pregnant workers in hiring and firing; and the Americans With Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination against workers with disabilities, and requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for workers with disabilities. It is the EEOC's job to interpret these laws and issue specific guidelines for how employers should apply them. When workers believe they have experienced discrimination, they can file a charge with the EEOC against their employer. The EEOC will conduct an investigation into the allegations in the charge, and, if they find evidence that the law was broken, will try to negotiate a settlement. Sometimes the EEOC files a lawsuit; most of the time it concludes the investigation by allowing the worker(s) to file their own lawsuit in court. The EEOC is led by a bipartisan group of five presidentially appointed commissioners. Barely a week after taking office, Trump made an unprecedented power grab for more control over the EEOC, illegally firing two of the three Democratic EEOC commissioners. This leaves the agency unable to do critical aspects of its work. This also means there are now three vacancies for Trump to fill. Until new commissioners are appointed, the agency will remain hamstrung and unable to fully enforce the law. With its own version of the EEOC, the Trump administration can simply choose not to enforce aspects of laws it does not like. It could also issue new guidelines that defy existing legal precedent, sowing confusion and distorting anti-discrimination law as a means to enforce its own agenda — like bullying employers into abandoning DEI programs, limiting women's reproductive choices, and enforcing the gender binary. Agencies like the EEOC rely on funding from the executive branch and Congress to ensure they can fulfill their mission. With staff and budgets being slashed across the government, the EEOC will likely be impacted. That means longer wait times for workers filing charges, less capacity to hold employers accountable for breaking the law, and less funding for education and outreach. If you believe your rights have been violated, the first step is to speak with an attorney who can help you understand your options. A Better Balance maintains a free, confidential legal helpline covering rights related to pregnancy, health, and caregiving in the workplace. Other organizations, like the National Employment Lawyers Association and state bar associations, can also provide referrals to employment lawyers licensed in your state. Even if the EEOC is defanged, nonprofit legal advocacy organizations and civil rights attorneys will continue stepping in, representing workers whose rights have been violated and holding employers accountable. Knowledge is power. You should make sure that you understand your legal rights so you can recognize when something at work isn't acceptable and advocate for yourself. You have the right to be free from discrimination and harassment on the basis of your race, color, sex (including gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation), age, national origin, religion, pregnancy, and disability. One newer law that everyone should know about is the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. This act took effect in 2023 and was the first major advancement in workplace civil rights in decades. It gives pregnant and postpartum workers a right to changes at work that ensure they can keep their jobs without risking their health. A Better Balance's Workplace Rights Hub has additional information about laws that can support you in caring for yourself and loved ones, without risking your paycheck. You can also contact your senators and urge them to oppose extremist nominees and budget cuts at the EEOC. There are many threats to workers in the current political climate; employers' use of DEI programs is not one of them. Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue Want more labor coverage? Billionaires Barely Pay Taxes — Here's How They Get Away With It American Work Culture Is the Problem — Not You What a Labor Union Is and How It Works What Is Retaliation in the Workplace? Here Are Your Rights and What to Know
CBS News
12-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
3 times to use a HELOC in 2025
Need to renovate your kitchen now? Then it could be a good time to apply for a HELOC. Maskot Your home equity can be a viable financing source in any economic climate, but in today's elevated one, it's one of the better ways to borrow money. The average interest rate on a home equity line of credit (HELOC), for example, is just under 8% right now, and it's fallen by around two percentage points just since September 2024. And should certain economic factors that drive HELOC rates remain in play, rates on the line of credit could fall again, perhaps as soon as this week. In other words, it's a very credible way to borrow some of the average $300,000-plus home equity homeowners have right now. But in the economic climate of 2025, there are better times to use a HELOC than others. This consideration is especially important to get right, considering that HELOCs utilize the home in question as collateral. Failure to repay as agreed could result in foreclosure. Using it at the right times, then, is critical. But when, exactly, are the right times to use a HELOC in 2025? That's what we'll analyze below. Start by seeing what HELOC rate you could qualify for here. 3 times to use a HELOC in 2025 While each homeowner's circumstances are different, many could benefit from using it during one or more of these times this year: When financing home projects This is traditionally one of the better times to use a HELOC in any economic climate, and it's not different in the unique one of May 2025, either. That's because interest paid on a HELOC is tax-deductible if used to pay for eligible home projects and renovations. A kitchen or bathroom remodel undertaken this spring and summer, for example, could be a smart way to use the HELOC. Generic repairs and appliance replacements, however, will typically not qualify. But if you're already underway with a spring home project or plan to be soon, this could be one of the optimal times to pay for it with a HELOC. Get started with a HELOC online today. When price changes are affordable A HELOC has a variable interest rate, which means, right now, current borrowers have been experiencing and are positioned to further experience lower rates and lower monthly payments. But this rate changes monthly for borrowers and it could cause payments to rise or fall, perhaps in an unexpected way. So you'll need to calculate your future repayment costs tied to both today's available rates as well as what they could look like over the full draw and repayment periods. If you can afford these price changes, then this could be the right time to pursue a HELOC, thanks to its affordability compared to the broader borrowing climate. If you can't, however, then it may be time to explore the fixed-rate home equity loan as an alternative. When looking for the cheapest home equity borrowing option In the interest rate climate of just a few years ago, when it came time to secure the cheapest home equity borrowing option, a HELOC was generally not considered a top choice. But if you're looking for the cheapest home equity borrowing option in 2025, you'd be hard pressed to find something less expensive than a HELOC. Not only does a HELOC have a lower rate than a home equity loan right now, it also won't require you to forego your existing, presumably low mortgage rate, as you would have to with a cash-out refinance. You also won't have to deal with the age restrictions associated with a reverse mortgage. And you'll save considerably more by borrowing with a HELOC than you would with a personal loan (with an average rate over 12% now) or a credit card (with an average rate close to 23%). So, if you're looking for the cheapest home equity borrowing option right now, or simply one of the cheapest options overall, this is one of the better times to look for a HELOC. The bottom line The "right" time to use a HELOC in 2025 could be one or more of the above. Or it could be none. It really depends on the specific needs and financial health of each homeowner. So carefully consider where you fit in the home equity borrowing spectrum to determine if now is the right time for you to use a HELOC or if you'd better served with an alternative like a home equity loan instead. Learn more about your HELOC and home equity loan options here.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Forget the motherhood medals — Maine parents need real support
"Parents don't need platitudes. They need paid leave, child care they can afford, and food on the table," writes James Myall of the Maine Center for Economic Policy. (Photo by Maskot/ Getty Images) President Donald Trump's team is reportedly seeking ways to encourage Americans to have more children. They've looked at everything from baby bonuses to motherhood medals. Yet at the same time, policies perused by the president and his fellow Republicans are making life for parents harder and more expensive. Pronatalism can be a problematic idea, and it's debatable how much we actually need to increase birth rates. But we should all be able to agree on making kids' lives more fulfilling and parents' jobs a little easier. Here are some places to start. Instead of imposing tariffs that will raise the cost of everything from kids' clothes to strollers, Republicans could give parents a helping hand by expanding the child tax credit. When the credit was expanded nationally in 2021, the number of children living in poverty in Maine was cut in half. As they consider a new tax bill this year, lawmakers in Washington could repeat that success. Closer to home, lawmakers in Augusta are considering a smaller but meaningful change to the state level credit, increasing the amount for the most vulnerable kids in our state. Instead of submitting a dozen bills to repeal or weaken Maine's new paid family and medical leave program, Republicans could support the initiative which will allow thousands of Maine parents each year to take time off for childbirth or to care for a sick kid. PFML makes for healthier kids and allows parents (especially moms) to continue participating in the labor force. Instead of cheering on the president's illegal withholding of funds for school meals, and food banks, Maine Republicans could be working to ensure state funding replaces lost federal funds that help the one in five Maine families with kids at risk of going hungry. They could also urge their congressional colleagues not to cut more than a fifth of the funding to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, in which a third of Maine participating households have children. Republicans could also fight to protect health care coverage for Maine kids and parents. Expanding Medicaid coverage has restored coverage to 11,000 parents that lost their eligibility under former Governor Paul LePage's cuts, but Republicans in Congress are putting that at risk with multiple plans to slash Medicaid funding at the federal level. State lawmakers could also support parents by funding child care programs and supporting child care workers. Trump has targeted the Head Start program for cuts, so far withholding $1 billion from states across the country. In Maine, Governor Janet Mills's budget proposes reducing state support for the program, while also cutting wages for child care workers. Instead of taking away this crucial support for parents, lawmakers can strengthen it, ensuring that workers are paid fairly while keeping programs affordable for parents. As any parent will tell you, raising kids is hard. But it's not difficult to see ways to at least make parenting — and childhood — a bit easier. If Republicans want more babies, they should stop punishing the parents who already have them. Parents don't need platitudes. They need paid leave, child care they can afford, and food on the table. If politicians can't deliver that, they should stop pretending to care about families at all. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
We Want To Know What Medical Condition You Didn't Realize You Had Until Someone Pointed It Out
Sometimes, it takes an offhand comment from a friend, a TikTok, or even a stranger to make you realize that something you thought was "normal" might actually be a medical condition. Whether it's a subtle quirk, a recurring issue you brushed off, or something you thought everyone dealt with, plenty of people don't get diagnosed until someone else points out a red flag. Grace Cary / Getty Images So, we want to know: What's a medical condition you didn't know you had until someone pointed out a symptom? Related: Exactly How High Is Your Movie IQ? Test It With This Pass/Fail Movie Quiz! Maybe a friend noticed your eye wasn't tracking properly. A roommate insisted you see a doctor about your constant fatigue. Or a medical technician discovered your high blood pressure during a routine procedure. These moments of realization can be life-changing and sometimes even life-saving. Aire Images / Getty Images Perhaps you've always been cold, even in the summer, but thought nothing of it until your coworker mentioned it, leading you to find out you have hypothyroidism. Shironosov / Getty Images/iStockphoto Related: Are You More Summer, Fall, Winter, Or Spring? Plan Your Ideal Day At Camp To Find Out Maybe you've always lost focus during conversations and struggled to finish tasks, assuming you were lazy — until a friend with ADHD suggested you get evaluated. Maskot / Getty Images/Maskot Or perhaps you always thought you had sensitive skin around, only to discover you're actually allergic to your laundry detergent. Mrs / Getty Images Please share your experience with unexpected diagnoses, and your story could be featured in an upcoming BuzzFeed Community post. What condition did you discover you had? Who pointed out the symptom? How did getting diagnosed and treated change your life? Share your story in the comments or anonymous form below — your experience might help someone else recognize the symptoms they've been ignoring, or feel more empowered to seek medical help when something seems off. Also in Community: Choose Some Love Songs And We'll Guess Your Favorite Romance Trope Also in Community: Apparently The Average American Can't Name More Than 6/15 Of These Greek Gods, But I Believe In You Also in Community: Plan A Wedding And I'll Give You A Disney Princess Dress To Wear
Business Mayor
03-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
IRS unveils new HSA limits for 2026. Here's what investors need to know
Maskot | Maskot | Getty Images The IRS on Thursday unveiled 2026 contribution limits for health savings accounts, or HSAs, which offer triple-tax benefits for medical expenses. Starting in 2026, the new HSA contribution limit will be $4,400 for self-only health coverage, the IRS announced Thursday. That's up from $4,300 in 2025, based on inflation adjustments. Meanwhile, the new limit for savers with family coverage will jump to $8,750, up from $8,550 in 2025, according to the update. More from Personal Finance: There's a new 'super funding' limit for some 401(k) savers in 2025 This 401(k) feature can kick-start tax-free retirement savings Gold ETF investors may be surprised by their tax bill on profits To make HSA contributions in 2026, you must have an eligible high-deductible health insurance plan. For 2026, the IRS defines a high deductible as at least $1,700 for self-only coverage or $3,400 for family plans. Plus, the plan's cap on yearly out-of-pocket expenses — deductibles, co-payments and other amounts — can't exceed $8,500 for individual plans or $17,000 for family coverage. Investors have until the tax deadline to make HSA contributions for the previous year. That means the last chance for 2026 deposits is April 2027. HSAs have triple-tax benefits There's typically an upfront deduction for contributions, your balance grows tax-free and you can withdraw the money any time tax-free for qualified medical expenses. Unlike flexible spending accounts, or FSAs, investors can roll HSA balances over from year to year. The account is also portable between jobs, meaning you can keep the money when leaving an employer. That makes your HSA 'very powerful' for future retirement savings, Galli said. Healthcare expenses in retirement can be significant. A single 65-year-old retiring in 2024 could expect to spend an average of $165,000 on medical expenses through their golden years, according to Fidelity data. This doesn't include the cost of long-term care. Most HSAs used for current expenses In 2024, two-thirds of companies offered investment options for HSA contributions, according to a survey released in November by the Plan Sponsor Council of America, which polled more than 500 employers in the summer of 2024. But only 18% of participants were investing their HSA balance, down slightly from the previous year, the survey found. 'Ultimately, most participants still are using that HSA for current health-care expenses,' Hattie Greenan, director of research and communications for the Plan Sponsor Council of America, previously told CNBC. READ SOURCE
