Providing resources to underdeveloped communities is of the utmost importance. Here are some relevant examples in the news!
Colorado
- SB 150
- Why we’re watching: Not too long ago, we wrote about the epidemic of missing and ignored Indigenous individuals. Thankfully, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis will sign SB 150 into law, creating the Office of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives to investigate and provide resources to Indigenous groups and families alike.
Connecticut
- Eviction Prevention
- Why we’re watching: Amid rising eviction totals, the Connecticut Department of Housing now has an additional $5 million for eviction prevention programs and resources. For example, the “rent bank” will distribute up to $3,500 over an 18-month period to families facing eviction, saving thousands from homelessness and a lower quality of life.
Federal
- Permanent Child Tax Credit
- Why we’re watching: During the pandemic, the White House spearheaded the Child Tax Credit, a supplementary income program based on the number of children living in a household. The program lifted millions of children out of poverty overnight. Now, for several reasons, it’s defunct, something many progressive legislators want to rectify.
Maryland
- Urban Tree Program
- Why we’re watching: Tree inequity is a serious problem in majority-minority neighborhoods, significantly affecting community health. In Maryland, the Urban Tree Program looks to overturn that legacy by planting 500,000 trees over the next eight years, fostering a better environment and more equitable society.
New York
- Rikers Island
- Why we’re watching: News outlets have heavily covered the predictable meltdown at Rikers Island over the past few months. A federal monitor has been dispatched to oversee implementation of solutions to those issues. Right now, that federal monitor is satisfied with the progress thus far and is not recommending a federal takeover.
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!
