Federal Watch Series

The 2018 Midterms Bring New Opportunities and Challenges for Women and Working Families

November 7, 2018
National Laws, State Laws

The record-breaking wave of women running for office this election season and the soaring voter turnout made a difference. Last night's election results indicate many opportunities and of course some ongoing challenges to advancing the rights of women and all caregivers across the country.

Kavanaugh Nomination Puts Women’s and Workers’ Rights at Risk

July 10, 2018
National Laws

We are deeply concerned by President Trump’s nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to fill the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated by Justice Anthony Kennedy. Kavanaugh’s appointment could have profound implications for the rights of women, low-wage workers, and other vulnerable groups.

U.S. Supreme Court Rules Against Workers, Women & Immigrants

June 27, 2018
National Laws, Pregnant Workers Fairness, Workplace Equality

This week, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down three 5-4 decisions with terrible consequences for workers, women, and immigrants. A Better Balance unites in solidarity with all those affected. And we are as resolved as ever to fight for justice for all vulnerable groups.

FED WATCH: The Supreme Court Once Again Turns Its Back on Workers

May 22, 2018
National Laws

The Supreme Court may be willing to put workers interests second to business interests but we most certainly are not. We will continue to fight for fairness and safety in the workplace and to enforce workers’ rights across the country. If you or anyone you know is facing discrimination in the workplace, please call our free, confidential legal hotline. In these uncertain times, we are here to help.

Trump Administration Attempts to Implement Discriminatory and Harmful Transgender Military Ban Despite Court Rulings

March 29, 2018
LGBTQ, National Laws

On March 23, the White House issued a memorandum signaling its intent to move forward with the transgender military ban announced by the Trump administration last year, despite court rulings.

Trump Administration Furthers Its Anti-Women & LGBTQ Agenda With New “Conscience and Religious Freedom” Office

January 26, 2018
LGBTQ, National Laws

In addition to the clear impact that HHS’s new enforcement priorities will have on women seeking reproductive healthcare, they will almost certainly invite religious and “conscience”-based discrimination against LGBTQ patients.

Fed Watch: In Victory for Equal Rights, Federal Court Blocks Trump Administration’s Transgender Military Ban

October 30, 2017
LGBTQ, National Laws

The court believes the Trump administration’s transgender military ban most likely violates the U.S. Constitution. We extend our congratulations to our friends at NCLR and GLAD and their clients, and we are optimistic that justice will prevail for transgender individuals currently serving and hoping to serve in the U.S. military.

FedWatch: Trump’s Latest Executive Orders Attempt to Gut ACA

October 13, 2017
National Laws, State Laws

This latest assault on healthcare not only stands to destabilize the insurance marketplaces that so many workers and their families rely on, but also makes it harder for states to set their own health insurance standards to ensure strong coverage for their residents.

Fed Watch: Department of Justice Continues Rollback of LGBTQ Protections

October 11, 2017
LGBTQ, National Laws

The extent to which the DOJ will act against transgender plaintiffs remains to be seen. What’s clear, however, is that the Department’s revised policy is a reflection of the Trump administration’s larger attempt to roll back rights and protections for LGBTQ individuals.

FED WATCH: The Supreme Court is Back in Session and They’ll Be Deciding A Crucial Workers’ Rights Case

October 10, 2017
National Laws, Paid Sick Time, Pregnant Workers Fairness

Mandatory arbitration often deprives individual workers of their rights, and being unable to assert claims in conjunction with others will further hurt workers.