This week, we’re looking across the country at some issues and bills from a long time ago and some from this week! Check it out!
Arizona
- Early Voting Lawsuit
- Why we’re watching: In yet another move designed to hamper the voting power of minorities in Arizona, Republicans there have filed a lawsuit to end early voting. Last election, 89% of voters used early mail-in voting, so the program is wildly popular. This move would be rather confusing if not for the blatant disdain for Black and Brown voters.
California
- Fast Recovery Act
- Why we’re watching: California is debating passage of the Fast Recovery Act, or AB 257, which would create a statewide fast food sector council to set wage and work standards for the industry. If you ask us, this should’ve gotten done a long time ago, given the abuse and working conditions fast food workers suffered during the pandemic.
Colorado
- Denver Social Equity Program
- Why we’re watching: When Colorado legalized the recreational use of marijuana, they failed to create guidelines for equity in licensing growers and retailers. Now, the Denver Social Equity Program seeks to create balance in an industry that white business owners have dominated thus far by guaranteeing licenses for historically underserved communities.
Federal
- Emmitt Till Antilynching Act
- Why we’re watching: Just after a jury convicted Ahmaud Arbery’s murderers of hate crimes, the House of Representatives resoundingly passed the Emmitt Till Antilynching Act, which would make lynching a federal hate crime. The bill was named after Emmitt Till, a 14-year-old Black child tortured and murdered a long time ago in 1955. This is the House’s first of nearly 200 attempts at passage to be successful.
New York
- Less Is More Act
- Why we’re watching: In September, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the Less Is More Act, which prevented police from jailing people from some minor violations, in response to the crisis at Rikers Island. Now, several lawyers are claiming officers and the judicial system have largely ignored this law and are requesting the release of over 90 detainees on those grounds.
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!
