There’s been no shortage of news relevant to the fight for social justice lately, even if it’s not all good. Here are our highlights!
Federal
- S. Budget Reconciliation Bill
- Why we’re watching: The $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill is a multifaceted, complicated piece of legislation with a number of praiseworthy provisions. Today, however, we focus on the citizenship portions, one of which would provide a pathway to citizenship for DACA participants and some groups of undocumented people.
New York
- School Resource Officer Removal
- Why we’re watching: The school-to-prison pipeline impacts the lives of thousands of students across the country. New York City is finally taking action by moving nearly 5,000 such officers away from their public school posts. Now, counselors and restorative services will have more leeway to help children rather than punish them.
Texas
- SB1
- Why we’re watching: For weeks now, we’ve been keeping you updated on Texas’ effort to reduce the voting power of minorities. This week, they were finally successful. SB1 will limit voting options in especially diverse communities, including Harris County, which saw a boom in voter participation thanks to good ideas like drive-thru and early voting.
Virginia
- Robert E. Lee Statue
- Why we’re watching: After a multiyear battle with legislators and the court system, activists saw their efforts pay off when Virginia removed the country’s largest Confederate statue from its pedestal in Richmond. No longer will young Black children be forced to look up towards the most significant Confederate from the Civil War.
Wisconsin
- Milwaukee Green Jobs Plan
- Why we’re watching: Environmental reform is central to social justice, especially as climate change induces more freak weather events. Milwaukee is planning ahead on this topic, coupling federal funds with local action to create good jobs for low-income families in the renewable energy economy.
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!
