The Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law last week, makes historic investments in our communities. Creating union jobs, taxing the rich, combatting climate change and lowering health care costs are at the forefront of the bill's goals.

If you want details on what else is in this historic bill, keep reading ⤵⤵⤵

Health Care

• 13 million people will save an average of $800 per year on health insurance premiums.
• Prevents premium hikes for people with Affordable Care Act coverage.

Prescription Drugs

• Medicare can negotiate prescription drug costs, which can lower costs for millions of people.
• Caps insulin costs at $35/month for Medicare beneficiaries.

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. It was on June 19, 1865 that Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, made it to Galveston, Texas with the news that the Civil War had ended and that slaves were now free. This news arrived two and a half years after President Lincoln signed into effect the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed slaves held in the 11 Confederate states that had seceded from and which were at war against the Union. The Proclamation became official on January 1, 1863, and in every Confederate state, except Tennessee and Texas, the Proclamation went into immediate effect in the Union-occupied areas.

The Emancipation Proclamation had little to no impact on Texas due to the lack of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger and his regiment, they were finally able to overcome the Confederacy.

• A member or an associate member of OPEIU in good standing, for 12 out of the last 14 months, on the date the application is submitted to their local union.
• Must have completed an Associate Degree or Undergraduate Degree Program at a College, University or a recognized Technical or Vocational Post-Secondary school as a full-time or part-time student.
• Must demonstrate that applicant has at least $10,000 in outstanding student debt and is making regular student loan payments to a recognized student loan provider or debtor organization.