Disparities in our education, the environment, and the economy surround us. Here are a few we noticed in this week’s news.
California
- AB 1961
- Why we’re watching: Applying for affordable housing is complicated in California. One must fill out old-school paper forms in different developments. For thousands of homeless Californians who do so, the process can be long and often fruitless. AB 1961, currently under consideration of the California Legislature, would create an online database for individuals to apply for such coveted housing.
- Climate Change Roadmap
- Why we’re watching: California has garnered a reputation for poor air quality caused by smog and other pollution. Now, the California Air Resources Board is on a mission to capture carbon dioxide and increase dependence on electric vehicles. Their plan commits to eliminating 91% of California’s oil usage by 2045 – a plan we can certainly get behind.
Missouri
- Abortion Disparities
- Why we’re watching: We’ve known for a long time that abortion carries significant racial disparities. In the case that the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, Missouri would automatically ban abortions in most cases, which would hurt Black women more than any other group, according to recent studies. Black women are three times as likely to die giving birth as white women, giving this liberty significant importance.
New York
- Clemency Reform
- Why we’re watching: Our country incarcerates more of its citizens than any other. Around half of these prisoners are locked up for drug-related offenses that don’t exist anymore in several states, thanks to the recent wave of cannabis legalization efforts. It’s time we seriously consider reforming clemency through efforts like New York’s Fair & Timely Act, which would give thousands a second chance at freedom.
Texas
- Disaster Planning Disparities
- Why we’re watching: Just recently, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development gave Texas $1 billion to protect communities from future disasters, such as frequent flooding in Houston neighborhoods. A recent audit of the disbursement of those funds found that Texas didn’t allocate enough toward Black and Brown neighborhoods, favoring their white counterparts instead.
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!
