This week, we’re still doing something different! Here are some of the highs we saw over the last year of news!
- It took some time, but the Biden administration eventually passed its $1 trillion infrastructure package, which included funding for improved broadband, public transportation, and electric vehicle charging networks. Now, states are deciding how to spend the money, much of which has been allocated in ways that will help historically underserved communities of color. The pandemic revealed the importance of such investment, and we hope all 50 states act equitably.
New Wave of Political Representation
- Following the 2020 elections and several high-profile contests in November of 2021, our government is more representative of its constituents than ever before. Not only is Congress more racially diverse than ever, but Boston elected its first Asian-American and woman mayor – all in the same night. There are hundreds of other success stories from the past year, including those of Kamala Harris, Deb Haaland, and Rachel Levine. We hope this trend continues into the next year, because everyone deserves to see themselves in their leadership.
Conviction of Derek Chauvin and Ahmaud Arbery’s Killers
- Let us preface this by saying that George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery should still be alive today. Their deaths last year galvanized the entire country to action in a way we haven’t seen for a long time. As a result, police departments began implementing citizen-based reforms, as they should have long ago. The high-profile convictions of the four men charged with killing Floyd and Arbery will hopefully become the norm rather than the exception in the year to come.
Honorable Mention
Ever Given Stuck in the Suez Canal
- What does this story have to do with the fight for social justice and equity? Absolutely nothing. But all these months later, we still find it hilarious that a boat getting stuck in a canal was among the biggest stories of the year – we couldn’t just leave it out.
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!
