News Information and Media Site: Daily Skimm: I'm Scuba Sam, Scuba Steve's father

April 29, 2021

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Quote of the Day

"It's about time" – President Joe Biden on having two women stand behind him during his first address to Congress.

How It Started...How It's Going

The Story

President Biden just shared his self-review.

Tell me.

It's tradition for the president to brief Congress on their priorities. But this year, it all looked a little different, because COVID-19. But also because for the first time in history the two people framing the president (the veep and the House speaker) were women. Yesterday, after fist-bumping his way down to the podium, Biden got right to substance. Here's what he had to say about…

COVID-19…as in the virus we all want to put behind us. Biden talked up getting more than 220 million shots into arms in less than 100 days. He pointed out that all Americans age 16 and up are eligible to get vaccinated. And that more than half of US adults have gotten at least one shot. His message: "go get vaccinated, America."

Jobs…as in Biden made the case for his $2 trillion American Jobs Plan. He said focusing on replacing lead pipes in schools and homes, strengthening the country's power grid, and building energy-efficient homes would create millions of jobs all while tackling climate change. He also wants equal pay and a $15/hour minimum wage.

Care...as in Biden has big plans for child care, family care, and health care. Case in point: his $1.8 trillion American Families Plan. It includes a proposal for universal preschool and tuition-free community college. Biden's also pushing for paid family and medical leave, an extension of the child tax credit, and investment in historically Black colleges.

Foreign adversaries...as in he had words for China, calling President Xi Jinping an "autocrat" and saying that wind turbine components should be made "in Pittsburgh instead of Beijing." He also called out Russia for election interference, and Iran and North Korea for their nuclear programs. But he doesn't want the US to continue with the "forever war" in Afghanistan.

Equality…as in he thanked Congress for taking action to protect Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders from hate crimes. But he wants more. Like the Equality Act to protect LGBTQ+ Americans. And for Congress to pass the George Floyd police reform bill by next month.

Guns…as in Biden wants background checks, an assault weapons ban, an end to ghost guns (like untraceable 3D-printed guns), and to get guns out of the hands of abusers. And he says it's time for "Congress to act."

How will he pay for all this?

By raising taxes on the wealthiest Americans. Biden said it's time for corporations and America's 1% to pay "their fair share." And that he'd bump up the capital gains rate on those making over $1 million. But claims he won't raise taxes on Americans making less than $400,000. While the Dems cheered, not everyone bought into Biden's vision.

Let's hear it.

Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), the Senate's only Black Republican, delivered the GOP rebuttal. He said our nation is "starving for more than empty platitudes." And he criticized the Biden admin for public school closures and "job-killing" tax hikes. He also discussed his personal experience with racism – and blamed the admin for partisanship and division.

theSkimm

Today marks 100 days since Biden took office. And last night, he laid out an ambitious agenda for the days ahead. But in order to get it done, he'll need bipartisan support in Congress – a task that is likely to be an uphill battle. Whether it takes up the call remains to be seen.

Psst...Here's where Biden stands on his campaign promises after 100 days in office.

And Also...This

Why environmental and racial justice are interconnected...

This study. Yesterday, researchers revealed that air pollution in the US disproportionately affects Americans of color – regardless of where people live or how much they make. Researchers from five universities found that although the US has made strides to curb air pollution caused by cars, trucks, and construction, people of color have not benefited the same way as white Americans. And that Black Americans, in particular, are exposed to higher averages of polluted air particles (21% more) that account for between 85,000 and 200,000 deaths every year. For comparison, white Americans are exposed to 8% less than the average exposure.

Pushing for change: Activists and scientists are calling on the Biden admin to take action to address the inequities because "the deck is stacked against people of color." Biden's proposed some changes in his infrastructure bill, but progressives say the plan doesn't go far enough.

Who won't be forgotten...

Michael Collins. Yesterday, the Apollo 11 astronaut died at age 90 after battling cancer. In 1969, Collins joined Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin in NASA's first moon landing. But Collins never stepped foot on the lunar surface. Instead, he held down the fort (aka command module) and flew the spacecraft solo. He became known as the "forgotten" astronaut partly because he didn't get the press Armstrong and Aldrin did. After the historic trip, Collins went on to launch and oversee the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. NASA remembered him as a "true pioneer." And Aldrin, as the man who helped carry the team to "new heights and to the future." RIP.

Who's got people talking…

Rudy Giuliani. Yesterday, federal agents searched the home and office of former President Trump's personal lawyer. Since 2019, prosecutors have been investigating Giuliani's dealings – on behalf of Trump – in Ukraine. Reminder: Giuliani is under suspicion of breaking lobbying laws in Ukraine while also pushing for then-candidate Joe Biden to be investigated. Giuliani has yet to be charged and has denied any wrongdoing.

Who's singing 'you're gonna have to see through my perspective'...

Britney Spears.

When you're curious about how vaccines are made…

Check out the Pfizer sausage.

Add to Cart

Made for Mom

Mother's Day gives us all a chance to show our moms (or friends or partners or siblings or dads or any mother figures) we appreciate them. Enter: Minted. They've got gifts that'll make 'em feel the love – whether you're in the same room or miles away on video chat. And they'll ship them free through May 5. We're particularly into…

This custom photo collage in the shape of a heart. Art, but make it your family.

These aprons with personalized leather tags. Because cottagecore is still very much a thing.

Puzzles made from family photos. Choose from 12, 60 or 252 pieces. Picture perfect.

Btw, Skimm'rs get 20% off their first purchase with code THESKIMM20. Hearts = full.

Managing your finances doesn't have to mean putting in a ton of effort. Here are a few ways to money smarter, not harder:

Use tech. Like apps that track your spending for you and browser extensions that auto-apply coupon codes.

Get strategic about debt. Because when and how you pay your bill makes a difference.

Earn passive income. By renting out stuff you own or using a rewards card that gets you points and discounts for purchases you were planning to make.

Read the rest of the tips here.

PS: For more $$$ news and tips, sign up to get our Skimm Money newsletter in your inbox every Friday.

Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. Vibrators and toys and lube. Oh my. Dame Products is trying to make the world a happier place, starting with your bedroom...or couch...or kitchen...or, wherever. No judgments. We're pretty sure it'll be a pleasure meeting them.*

2. A free app that's all about making good money choices. Once you set goals and link your accounts, Fidelity Spire can help you track your progress. So you can work on planning, saving, and investing smarter. Hellooo, more power for your dollar.*

3. An instant outfit. This brand's best-selling jumpsuits are flattering, comfy, versatile, sustainably made, and available in new colors. Aka exactly what you'll want to wear all spring and summer long. PS: Skimm'rs get 20% off. Try 'em.*

4. A wellness brand...for dogs. This company packs superfoods and balanced nutrition into every meal, treat, and dental chew. So your pup can feel good, look good, stay healthy, and ditch the dog breath. Get 50% off your first order with code SKIMM50.*

5. Mother's Day gifts that'll make every day feel like a spa day. Because flowers and brunch reservations may come and go. But self-care is forever. We've got the essentials she'll need to have the ultimate at-home spa experience.

6. Problem-solving products under $50 that you'll use forever. Like drawer dividers to keep clothes neatly stacked and a wine filter that may help prevent hangovers. Cheers.

PS: Like what you see here? Make sure you're signed up to get more picks like these in your inbox every Thursday. We've got exclusive shopping recs, streaming ideas, life hacks, and more.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

Skimm'rs

We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.

Chatting up...Lorena M (PR). She launched Tale+, a virtual platform that allows multilingual speech-language pathologists to connect with multilingual children and adults in the US and Puerto Rico. Learn more.

Cycling for change...David R (NV). He recently published a book about his 5,000-mile bike journey and 15 people's emotional journeys with cancer. He's donating profits to cancer-related charities. Check it out.

(Some) Birthdays...theSkimm's Jodi Patkin (NY), Jamie Pickard (CA), Amanda Black (KY), Angelina Darrisaw (NY), Emily Mattice (VA), Beth Kelley (MI), Farah Benahmed (MD), Susana Rodriguez (VA), Cheryl Perry (AZ), Chelsea Lundeen (TX), Sara McCord (DC), Dina Scherer (NY), Halie Wisse (IL), Lauren Moloney (CO), Julie Nasser (CO)

*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

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