Author Blog Taifa Smith Butler Taifa Butler: I Work at GBPI to Spotlight What’s Possible September 17, 2014 / January 17, 2020 by Taifa Smith Butler This September marks my third anniversary as part of the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (GBPI) team. I’m spending much of the month scrambling to make the organization’s 10th anniversary gala next month a big success. We still have tickets for sale and I hope you’ll join us! Why did I join GBPI three years […] Read more »
Author Blog Taifa Smith Butler Making KIDS COUNT Every Year August 21, 2014 / January 15, 2020 by Taifa Smith Butler | 1 Comment on Making KIDS COUNT Every Year “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” Nelson Mandela As I reflect on the happenings in the world these last few weeks, Nelson Mandela’s quote is more poignant than ever. So many challenges plague the world today that require a collective, collaborative response […] Read more »
Author Blog Cash and Safety Net Taifa Smith Butler Worker Justice Keep Working Families Top of Mind for Georgia’s Future August 7, 2014 / January 15, 2020 by Taifa Smith Butler A worker who earned $32,000 to $58,000 a year when the recession hit in 2007 was much more likely to lose a job than workers at the high and low ends of the spectrum. That’s because mid-wage industries lost the most jobs during the recession, as GBPI documented in a recent report. During Georgia’s slow […] Read more »
Author Blog Cash and Safety Net K-12 Education Taifa Smith Butler Starbucks’ Venti Plan to Advance Educational Opportunities June 20, 2014 / January 16, 2020 by Taifa Smith Butler | 1 Comment on Starbucks’ Venti Plan to Advance Educational Opportunities This week Starbucks gave me new appreciation for corporations that value employees and show it in meaningful ways. Starbucks made headlines with its announcement that it will provide free college tuition for all its employees through a partnership with Arizona State University’s online program. To obtain financial support for a bachelor’s degree, employees don’t have […] Read more »
Author Blog Taifa Smith Butler Worker Justice Purpose Vs Short-Term Profit: CVS’ Lesson for Georgia February 12, 2014 / January 15, 2020 by Taifa Smith Butler | 1 Comment on Purpose Vs Short-Term Profit: CVS’ Lesson for Georgia Since the Great Recession, the public has given extra scrutiny to business interests and recognized that, left to their own devices, they can give in to temptations to take short cuts to profits that damage their own companies, hurt the economy and many families along the way. Corporate decisions don’t often weigh the public good. […] Read more »
Author Blog Cash and Safety Net Taifa Smith Butler Georgia Gets a Failing Grade for the Overall Well-being of Women October 11, 2013 / January 17, 2020 by Taifa Smith Butler | 4 Comments on Georgia Gets a Failing Grade for the Overall Well-being of Women Once again, sigh, Georgia is among the worst in a new analysis that ranks states by how well its citizens are faring. Georgia ranks as the 41st worst state for women, according to a recent report by the Center for American Progress. “The State of Women in America” analyzes various factors around women’s livelihood, considering […] Read more »
Author Blog Health Justice Taifa Smith Butler Medicaid Expansion Could be a Lifeline for Veterans May 23, 2013 / January 15, 2020 by Taifa Smith Butler Memorial Day is one day we set aside to honor service members who lost their lives to protect this country’s freedoms. It is also a day to honor men and women who still serve, as well as those who have returned home. Unfortunately many face difficult transitions returning home to civilian life. More and more […] Read more »
Blog Taifa Smith Butler Reality Check: Stilling the Heart During a Tumultuous Season December 28, 2012 / January 17, 2020 by Taifa Smith Butler Posted by Taifa S. Butler Newtown, Connecticut. Without saying anything else, I’m sure many hearts—like mine— fill with sadness thinking about the senseless violence that befell 27 precious souls at Sandy Hook Elementary School earlier this month. In the aftermath of most tragedies, we focus a great deal of attention on the devastation itself. But […] Read more »
Taifa Smith Butler All I Want for Christmas is… December 22, 2012 / December 26, 2020 by Taifa Smith Butler Responsible policy that sees the plight of Everyday working people who Struggle to make ends meet. Where Policymakers fight to ensure Opportunity is within the reach of every person– Not just the corporation or advantaged or politically-favored. Where Sustainable effort is made to Invest in education, workforce development, and our quality of life. Where a […] Read more »
Blog Taifa Smith Butler GBPI Hosts Fall Policy Forum: Expanding Health Coverage in Georgia October 26, 2012 / January 15, 2020 by Taifa Smith Butler GBPI recently hosted its Fall Policy Forum, Expanding Health Coverage in Georgia. Nearly 200 supporters joined us for a discussion around the benefits of the Medicaid expansion. Conference attendees heard from two nationally renowned health care experts who recently authored groundbreaking studies that highlight the substantial benefits of Medicaid coverage: Dr. Heidi Allen and Dr. Benjamin […] Read more »
