Social justice regularly involves leaders making up for past injustices against communities of color. Here are some great examples!
Connecticut
- Housing Development
- Why we’re watching: Although we prefer to highlight legislative news in these roundups, it’s tough for us not to talk about what’s going on in Connecticut. In a state infamous for its restrictive zoning laws, the City of Fairfield gave developers permission to develop an affordable housing complex, helping make up for past discrimination in housing statewide.
Federal
- Discussion Draft: Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act
- Why we’re watching: Passing federal marijuana legislation will be difficult, but at least the ball is rolling, thanks to Sen. Schumer. Lawmakers are currently debating this drafted language and set of goals, which includes helping reverse America’s past transgressions again communities of color.
- John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act
- Why we’re watching: Did we talk about this bill last week? Yes, we did. But now, the House of Representatives has passed the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, sending it to its likely doom in the Senate. The bill would reestablish rules governing how some municipalities can alter voting access laws.
- Letter to the Department of Health and Human Services
- Why we’re watching: A while ago, Secretary of the Interview Deb Haaland began an initiative to investigate Native American boarding schools, a chapter of our past too often forgotten. In these institutions, teachers stripped Indigenous children of their culture and tried to “assimilate” them. Now, multiple senators have asked the Department of Health and Human Services to provide a counseling hotline for Indigenous groups as they grapple with this painful history.
Maryland
- Climate Change Preparedness Program
- Why we’re watching: Black and Brown communities bear the brunt of climate change more than their white counterparts. In Charles County, MD, the Climate Change Preparedness Program is working to identify the impacts of human-accelerated climate change while reducing carbon emissions and other polluting substances.
What do you think of the bills 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!
