Public Policy "NEWS"

Reading about Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett's reflections on her political journey struck a deep chord with me. Her words about putting in immense effort and still feeling labeled "not a team player" highlight a frustration that many of us deeply invested in social progress can understand. It's a powerful reminder that for many, especially those from marginalized communities, engagement goes far beyond casting a vote. We dedicate our time, energy, and voices, driven by a profound commitment to seeing our communities thrive. Yet, sometimes it feels like the expectation is simply participation, rather than genuine integration into leadership and strategic work. My truth is, I'm doing everything I can to stay engaged, because the mission of creating a more just and equitable society is too critical. But authentic inclusion means being put to work, leveraging our unique experiences and skills to build impactful programs and policies. It means being seen as an indispe...

BIG NEWS for family caregivers! ❤️ The 211 Caregiver Support Program (AARP + United Way Worldwide) is expanding to more states & Puerto Rico! This means millions more caregivers can access vital, free, 24/7 support through the 211 helpline for resources such as local assistance, emotional support, and more. No caregiver should ever feel alone. Let's celebrate and share this crucial expansion! If you or someone you know is a caregiver, remember 211 is there for you. #CaregiverSupport #211Helpline #FamilyCaregivers #CommunityHealth #MakingADifference #SupportLocal #AARP #UnitedWay #Caregiving

Placemaking is a multifaceted approach to planning, designing, and managing public spaces that puts people at the center. It's about capitalizing on a local community's assets, inspiration, and potential to create public spaces that promote health, happiness, well-being, and a sense of belonging. The concept originated in the 1960s with thinkers such as Jane Jacobs and William H. Whyte, who emphasized the importance of lively neighborhoods and inviting public spaces designed for people rather than just cars or commerce. The term itself gained more common usage in the mid-1990s. In essence, placemaking is about creating public spaces that are not just functional but also meaningful, engaging, and reflective of the communities they serve. It's a dynamic and evolving field that emphasizes a bottom-up, human-centered approach to shaping the built environment. Read more:  https://savingplaces.org/stories/sojourner-truth-legacy-plaza-placemaking-toolkit?utm_medium=email&utm_s...

As a member of the Riverside County IHSS Advisory Committee, I read articles like this one and am reminded daily of the critical importance of the IHSS program right here in our community. Kristine's story from Desert Hot Springs is a powerful example of how IHSS allows our neighbors with disabilities and seniors to live with dignity and independence in their own homes. Evanne from Rancho Mirage rightly points out the need for continued support and respect for our elders and those with disabilities. We on the Advisory Committee are committed to advocating for substantial IHSS funding and policies that support both recipients and caregivers in Riverside County. #IHSS #RiversideCounty #HomeCare #DisabilityRights #SeniorCare  

As an MPA graduate student, I always look at policy in action. "The National Goal for Reducing Food Loss and Waste" is an excellent example of how government can partner with the private sector to address complex problems. This initiative, led by the USDA and EPA, relies on voluntary commitments from "2030 Champions" to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030. It showcases multi-stakeholder collaboration, goal setting, and public-private partnerships – all crucial concepts in public administration. What are your thoughts on this approach? #MPA #PublicPolicy #FoodWaste #Sustainability #PublicPrivatePartnership  Read more  

The Supreme Court's recent decision on the Clean Water Act requires further analysis as it impacts how the EPA enforces its permit requirements. The Supreme Court decision  regarding the EPA's regulatory power under the Clean Water Act prompted extensive debate. The decision effectively restricted  the application of expansive narrative permit requirements that broadly instruct facilities to "do not violate water quality standards." The Court analyzed the San Francisco Oceanside plant case and determined that the EPA's requirements were unclear.   Despite the Court's ruling, the decision preserved the EPA's authority to regulate water pollution. Regulatory authorities have the ability to establish exact numeric effluent limitations as well as non-numeric requirements,  including time- or weather-based restrictions. The judgment requires that regulatory bodies write permits with greater precision.   The effect of the ruling will hinge on how regulatory ...