You deserve a break.For the past few years, checking the news was becoming less of a routine and more of a voluntary bodily function. This culminated in the Capitol riots during the first week in 2021. After the explosion in news consumption in 2020 the prime time ratings of all major cable news channels have dropped by more than one-third.It is understandable that Americans are cocooning. But it is time to get out of the cocoon. This month, Capitol Hill will decide the future of the country and the planet. The Senate Democrats passed a budget blueprint worth $3.5 trillion. This is the start of a reconciliation process which will allow congressional Democrats pass a package domestic proposals without any Republican votes.This is the most important piece of legislation in decades, second only to the 2010 Affordable Care act. But the policies contained within are getting far less attention than a billionaire astronaut cosplaying as a spaceship. Here's a list of useful links:1. We could fix some of our most cruel acts as a societyThe pandemic has seen the wealthiest make their fortunes like intergalactic robber barsons, but the poor have suffered the most, as they have always. This is an option in the richest country ever. This could be reversed by reconciliation in a few quick steps. One is to make permanent the child tax credit, which reduces child poverty by nearly half, and reform and enhance SSI, which entraps 8 million Americans with disabilities in the most severe poverty.2. We have one last chance to combat climate changeClimate scientists are stunned by the increase in extreme weather caused by climate change. It was called "a code red" by the United Nations in a new report. The Biden win means that America is now back in Paris Accords, and not trying to worsen the planet crisis. But that's not enough.Continue the storyInaction is not an option: The planet is in 'code red" for climate changeThe House is not going to approve the reduced payments made in the bipartisan infrastructure agreement. The White House has urged Congress to spend big on tax credits, new standards, and billions of dollars for conservation. This green energy investment would dwarf even the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that launched our solar and electric car industries.Yet, the massive effort to make electric vehicle charging stations as common as gas stations might not be enough.3. This is a historic chance to expand MedicareThe White House and the Democrats in Congress have already joined forces to provide essential benefits to America's beloved senior health plan, including hearing, vision, and dental. There is more we can do.Senator Bernie Sanders, many doctors, and Joe Bidens campaign platform all called to lower the Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 60. Although this is not included in the current proposal, it could be with great uproar and make it into the final bill. You must start somewhere if you want to lower the eligibility age. Here is an example.4. What is the most popular part? What are the best ways to pay for it?This bill includes historic increases in support for child care, education, and home health. It's also incredibly popular with nearly twice the opposition in some cases.How will we pay for it? This is the most remarkable part. Biden's economic plans are even more popular because they can be paid for with tax increases on corporations and the rich, or both. It could be said that taxing the wealthy and their corporations to improve the lives and quality of life for Americans is the most popular thing Joe Biden wants. This is if it's going to survive the attacks by corporate lobbyists.5. This could be our last chance to accomplish any of these thingsThis is the darkest part. Democracy is in peril. Trump's Big Lie is motivating GOP operatives to prepare state legislatures for nullification of election results.Even if it fails, Republicans can easily gerrymander their House majority to ensure that there is no opposition. This bill, which is so broken in the Senate by the filibuster could be our last chance to pass immigration reform and expand voting rights.Senate bill passes by both parties: More than infrastructure, it equals jobs, growth and competitive edge for millionsSenate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was instrumental in ensuring the bipartisan success Tuesday of Biden’s infrastructure bill. This weakens the case for eliminating filibuster, which allows minorities to control the Senate. Budget reconciliation, which requires only a simple majority to pass, is likely to be the best and most effective way for Democrats to deliver on their promises.Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) at the Capitol on August 9, 2021.This is a strange moment in politics. We have proven that we are capable and willing to help people, despite all the negatives. We are about to witness the culmination a period legislating that rivals New Deal in terms of direct support for Americans struggling to make ends meet. But who knows it's happening?Now you can. You can make your voice heard because so few people pay attention.Later this month, the House will vote on the budget reconciliation process and its final version. Your calls to Capitol switchboard are more important than ever. Tell your senators and representatives what you want. Tell them to support Americans with disabilities, expand Medicare and fully fund the fight against global warming. Tell them to tax professional astronauts. Keep calling until they give in to your requests.You can then go back to your well-deserved rest.Jason Sattler is a writer from Ann Arbor, Michigan. He is also a member of USA TODAYs Board of Contributors. Follow him on Twitter at @LOLGOPDiverse opinions can be found on our Opinion front page, Twitter @usatodayopinion, and in our daily Opinion newsletter. To respond to a column, submit a comment to letters@usatoday.com.This article first appeared on USA TODAY: Medicare and education: A Democratic Senate budget worth paying attention to
