Today, we’re looking at some past due policies from around the country, from reparations to hate crimes. Check it out!
Arizona
- State Election Bills
- Why we’re watching: Arizona has made headlines the last several months for slowly infringing on the voting rights of minorities. Legislators there are continuing down this shameful path and looking to pass several more discriminatory and misguided bills. This package of legislation includes publishing voter addresses following elections, requiring citizenship checks to vote, and ending early voting.
California
- Statewide Reparations Program
- Why we’re watching: In a first-of-its-kind move, a California task force is proceeding with a plan to offer reparations to Black descendants of enslaved people. The panel responsible for this decision is also overseeing the implementation of other, related policies that involve reparations, which can help the Black community overcome the systemic racism they deal with every day – a past due notion if you ask us.
Colorado
- Denver Co-Responder Program
- Why we’re watching: Six years ago, Denver began using clinicians to respond too mental-health related crises. Now, a recent study found that the program has been immensely effective, answering 10,000 calls since its inception. Denver residents are arguing that the program should be expanded to continue protecting vulnerable citizens from police brutality.
Federal
- Emmitt Till Anti-Lynching Act
- Why we’re watching: Lynching has always been a hate crime – now our laws reflect that. This week, President Biden signed the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act, which finally designates the racist crime in the proper way. Legislators have made over 200 attempts to enact this bill over several decades, making it the very definition of a past due policy.
New York
- EV Charging Infrastructure Investment
- Why we’re watching: Communities across the country are grappling with the notion that vehicular air pollution disproportionately affects Black and Brown citizens. By investing in electric vehicles, those same communities are demonstrating their willingness to undergo reform in the name of equity. We applaud New York for this idea!
What do you think of the news in this week’s legislative roundup? Did we miss anything? Drop us a line on any of our social channels or hit us up through our contact us form. Let us know what’s happening in YOUR neighborhood!
