Monetary and Fiscal Policies

  • Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007

    Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007
    The fair minimum wage act would raise the federal minimum wage from $5.15/hour to $7.25/hour in three steps over two years; the federal minimum wage would be applied to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. This has to do with savings because it shows how people can gain more money through their wage increases.
  • Honest Leadership and Government Act of 2007

    Honest Leadership and Government Act of 2007
    This act strengthened public disclosure requirements that deal with lobbying activity and funding. It also placed more restrictions on gifts for members of Congress and their staff, and provided for mandatory disclosure of earmarks (directly approved funds that are spent on specific projects) in expenditure bills. This is in the leadership category because it deals with the direct spendings and activities carried out by the people in charge of the government.
  • Homeowner Affordability and Stabilization Plan

    Homeowner Affordability and Stabilization Plan
    The Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan was part of the President's broad, comprehensive strategy to get the economy back on track. It provided access to low-cost refinancing for responsible homeowners suffering from falling home prices, reduced monthly payments, and instituted clear and consistent guidelines for loan modifications. This relates to savings because it saves people money when they try to buy homes.
  • Poverty Rates Hit All Time High

    Poverty Rates Hit All Time High
    By the end of 2009, the recession had hit the communities of America hard; almost 1 of every 7 Americans was living below the poverty line. The budget of America was greatly affected, as it struggled to support all of the families living in poverty.
  • Trade Adjustment Assistance Act

    Trade Adjustment Assistance Act
    The Trade Adjustment Assistance Extension Act supports workers in their search for reemployment by providing a variety of benefits and services including Trade Readjustment Allowances, training, assistance with healthcare premium costs, Reemployment Trade Adjustment Assistance, employment, and case management services.
  • Budget Cuts shrink U.S. Army to pre-WWII Size

    Budget Cuts shrink U.S. Army to pre-WWII Size
    Massive Pentagon budget cuts lead to the shrinkage of U.S. Army; bringing them to the size of a pre-WWII force. The loss of American troops was almost 100 thousand soldiers as a result of the budget cuts. This relates to budget deficits because it is the Army’s budget being changed.