Economists: Overhaul would boost growth
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s expansive executive action on immigration is good for the U.S. economy – just not as good as partnering with Congress on broader reforms.
The executive order signed Friday would prevent the deportation of about 4 million parents and guardians who lack the same legal status as their children. By gaining work permits, they will likely command higher wages, move more easily between jobs and boost government tax revenues, according to multiple economic analyses.
“This is focused on people who are already in the economy today, who are contributing mightily but are basically operating in the shadows,” said Raul Hinojosa-Ojeda, a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. “Their economic potential is being held back.”
The new order could boost labor income by $6.8 billion, helping to generate 160,000 new jobs and $2.5 billion in additional tax revenues, according to estimates by Hinojosa-Ojeda. The findings dovetail with separate research showing that a 1986 amnesty measure raised incomes for illegal workers in the years that followed.
Still, any gains from the executive action would be modest in the $17 trillion U.S. economy.
Cosby’s career unravels as allegations spiral
Since renewed allegations of sexual assault erupted in late October, Bill Cosby has seen a career resurgence begin to crumble. Here’s what’s happened since Oct. 31:
Appearances on “The Queen Latifah Show” and “Late Show With David Letterman” were canceled.
NBC has scrapped a Bill Cosby sitcom that was in development.
TV Land has pulled “The Cosby Show” reruns off the air.
Netflix indefinitely postponed rolling out “Bill Cosby 77,” an original stand-up special.
UVa suspends fraternal activities amid probe
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – The University of Virginia on Saturday suspended activities at all campus fraternal organizations amid an investigation into a published report in which a student described being sexually assaulted by seven men at a fraternity in 2012.
President Teresa Sullivan said the suspension of all fraternal groups is effective until Jan. 9. She also has asked Charlottesville police to investigate the alleged rape at the Phi Kappa Psi house. The fraternity has voluntarily surrendered its fraternal agreement with the university.
Associated Press
