Public Policy "NEWS"

In a shocking move, Huntington Beach, California, is considering a ban on celebrating Pride, Black History Month, and Women's History Month. This discriminatory proposal would silence important voices and erase vital parts of our history. We cannot let this stand! These celebrations are not just about parades and parties. They're about recognizing the struggles and triumphs of marginalized communities and building a more inclusive future for everyone. Silencing these voices would be a major setback for progress and equality. Contact your local representatives: Let them know you oppose the ban and urge them to vote against it. Find contact information for your representatives here: https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov #StopTheBan #CelebrateDiversity #EqualityForAll

California Is Planning a Billion-Dollar Unemployment Overhaul : California Is Planning a Billion-Dollar Unemployment Overhaul - As California embarks on an unprecedented $1.2 billion overhaul of the employment safety net, what lessons have the EDD and state regulators learned from mass COVID unemployment delays, a historic wave of fraud and years of stop-and-start reforms? This panel discussion will take place on Tuesday, January 23rd, from 12:00pm — 1:00pm at the CalMatters Studio. A networking session with free lunch will take place from 11:30am — 12:00pm for attendees and panelists. - Tuesday, January 23, 2024

DPA Statement on Mayor London Breed’s Proposal To Institute Drug Testing on San Francisco Welfare Recipients - Drug Policy Alliance : “We understand the Mayor is frustrated by the unhoused crisis. Unlike residents, she’s supposed to work through frustration to arrive at effective solutions. Welfare programs provide a safety net for individuals and families who are living in poverty. Without this assistance, they may be unable to afford food, housing, clothing, and other essential necessities.

CA Governor Gavin Newsom Signs Bill to End Surprise Ambulance Billing for Californians Read more: CA Governor Gavin Newsom Signs Bill to End Surprise Ambulance Billing for Californians 

California is considering new rules for property insurance pricing. The state's insurance commissioner, Ricardo Lara, has proposed several reforms, including: Requiring insurance companies to write more policies in high-risk areas. Currently, insurance companies are allowed to redline certain areas, meaning they can refuse to write policies there. Lara's proposal would require companies to write a certain percentage of their policies in high-risk areas, such as those prone to wildfires. Creating a statewide insurance pool. This pool would be made up of all insurance companies operating in California. It would be responsible for covering losses in high-risk areas where companies are unwilling to write policies. Limiting the amount that insurance companies can raise rates. Currently, insurance companies can raise rates by up to 10% per year without approval from the state. Lara's proposal would limit rate increases to 5% per year. These reforms are aimed at making prope

We need the community’s input to update the city’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan , to help plan for how to keep Angelenos safe in future emergencies or disasters. They want to hear from all Angelenos about your emergency preparedness priorities so that we can determine how best to focus our efforts to protect the city from various hazards.  Please take a moment to take a short Hazard Mitigation Survey above Cada octubre, el Departamento de Manejo de Emergencias de la Ciudad de Los Ángeles (LA EMD) alienta a los residentes a participar en el simulacro de terremoto más grande del mundo, por lo que hoy a las 10:19 a.m. lo alentamos a unirse a personas de todo el mundo que participarán en el Great Shakeout al practicando las acciones para salvar vidas de Agáchate, Cúbrete y Sujétate. Lo que hacemos para prepararnos ahora, antes del próximo gran terremoto, determinará qué tan bien podremos sobrevivir y recuperarse. Se pueden encontrar recursos adicionales de seguridad contra terremotos en h

Racism in real estate appraisals is a serious issue that has had a significant impact on homeowners of color. A 2018 study by the Brookings Institution found that black and Hispanic homeowners were more likely to have their homes undervalued by appraisers than white homeowners. This undervaluation can have a number of negative consequences, including making it more difficult for homeowners of color to sell their homes, refinance their mortgages, and obtain home equity loans. There are a number of things that can be done to stop racism in real estate appraisals. One important step is to increase diversity in the appraisal profession. According to the National Association of Realtors, only 5% of appraisers are black and 3% are Hispanic. By increasing the number of appraisers of color, we can help to ensure that appraisals are more fair and accurate. Another important step is to address the unconscious biases that can lead to racism in appraisals. Appraisers are trained to be objective, b

It is important to remember that LGBTQ+ veterans have served their country just like any other veterans. They deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Upgrading the discharges of LGBTQ+ veterans is one way to show them the appreciation they deserve. In 1993, the US military implemented the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, which prohibited openly gay and lesbian people from serving in the military. This policy was repealed in 2011, but its legacy of discrimination continues to impact LGBTQ+ veterans. Many LGBTQ+ veterans were discharged from the military under dishonorable conditions simply for being gay or lesbian. These discharges can have a devastating impact on veterans' lives, making it difficult for them to find employment and housing. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to upgrade the discharges of LGBTQ+ veterans. In 2019, the Department of Defense announced that it would review the discharges of all veterans who were discharged under &

 

  As we age, our bodies naturally begin to decline. This can lead to a variety of health problems, such as decreased mobility, vision problems, and hearing loss. These health problems can make it difficult to do the things we enjoy and can also lead to a loss of independence. Aging can also lead to a decline in cognitive function, such as memory and thinking skills. This can make it difficult to learn new things, stay organized, and make decisions. We may need more help with our daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and cooking. This can be a difficult adjustment to make, and it can also lead to a loss of independence. Not to mention as our friends and family members age and pass away, we may find ourselves feeling lonelier and more isolated. This can be a major challenge, especially if we do not have a strong social network. Aging is ultimately a process that leads to death. This can be a scary thought for many people, especially if they have not come to terms with their own mo

There are many reasons why we still have housing discrimination in the United States. Some of the most common reasons include: Lack of awareness: Many people are not aware of the laws that prohibit housing discrimination. They may not know that it is illegal to refuse to rent or sell a home to someone because of their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. Fear of retaliation: Some people who are discriminated against are afraid to report it because they fear retaliation from the person or organization that discriminated against them. They may worry that they will be denied housing, have their rent raised, or be harassed. Difficulties in proving discrimination: It can be difficult to prove that housing discrimination has occurred. The victim must be able to show that they were denied housing because of their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. This can be difficult to do, especially if the discrimination is

California Paid Family Leave : Paid Family Leave (PFL) provides benefit payments to people who need to take time off work to care for a seriously ill family member, bond with a new child, or participate in a qualifying event because of a family member’s military deployment. We, the people of the United States, demand that Congress pass a law to give parents paid time off after their babies are born. The Difference Between PFL and FMLA in California FMLA is for companies with 50 or more employees within a 75-mile radius. PFL is for companies with one or more employees who are subject to SDI. FMLA: Must have worked for an employer 12 months and 1,250 hours in the last 12-month period.

Here are some of your rights as an LGBTQ+ person: The right to be free from discrimination based on your sexual orientation or gender identity. The right to marry the person you love, regardless of their gender. The right to adopt children. The right to serve in the military. The right to access healthcare, including gender-affirming care. The right to be free from violence and harassment. The right to express your gender identity and sexual orientation without fear of reprisal. If you believe that your rights have been violated, you can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). You can also contact a local LGBTQ+ advocacy group for help. Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful: The Human Rights Campaign: https://www.hrc.org/ The National Center for Transgender Equality: https://transequality.org/ The Sylvia Rivera Law Project: https://srlp.org/ The National LGBTQ Task Force: h

Define what "aging gracefully" means to you. What does it mean to you to age well? Do you want to stay active and independent? Do you want to maintain your mental sharpness? Do you want to stay connected with your loved ones? Once you know what "aging gracefully" means to you, you can start to develop a plan to achieve your goals. Take care of your physical health. This includes eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. It also includes managing chronic health conditions, if you have any. Take care of your mental health. This includes finding ways to manage stress, staying connected with others, and keeping your mind active. Stay engaged in life. This could mean volunteering, learning new things, or traveling. It could also mean simply spending time with loved ones and doing things you enjoy. Accept the changes that come with aging. This doesn't mean you have to give up on your dreams or goals. But it does mean accepting that your bo

Patient assistance programs (PAPs) are a critical lifeline for many people who need access to life-saving or life-changing medications but cannot afford them. These programs are offered by pharmaceutical companies, foundations, and other organizations to help patients pay for their medications. There are several reasons why safeguarding and advocating for PAPs is important. First, PAPs help to ensure that patients have access to the medications they need. This is especially important for people with chronic conditions, who may need to take medication for the rest of their lives. Without PAPs, these people would be unable to afford their medications and could suffer serious health consequences. Second, PAPs help to improve patient adherence. When patients know that they can get help paying for their medications, they are more likely to stay on their treatment plans. This is important because medication adherence is essential for achieving good health outcomes. Third, PAPs help to reduce

The history of American slavery highlights the role of white people in codifying racism into law. The chattel slavery system was race-based, with laws designed to control enslaved people targeting Black people. The Casual Killing Act of 1699, passed in Virginia, made it legal for masters to kill their slaves at will in the process of inflicting punishment. This law distinguished between the punishment of Black enslaved people and White indentured servants, allowing Black people to be killed casually by enslavers without fear of reprisal. This racist blame-the-victim culture attempts to explain away the brutality experienced by Black people and normalize violence. American policing, which punishes non-compliance with brutality or death, dehumanizes Black people and prevents them from resisting the fight-or-flight response.  According to Berkeley Law , American jurisprudence and law have profoundly shaped, defined, and constrained the lives of Black people for over 400 years. Racial ineq

A target letter is a formal notification from the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) that a person is the target of a criminal investigation. The letter is typically sent by the United States Attorney's Office or the DOJ and is a formal notification that you are the target of an investigation. The letter will typically state that the DOJ has "substantial evidence linking [you] to the commission of a crime" and that you may be indicted. The letter will also advise you of your rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Target letters are not uncommon in white collar crime cases. They are often used as a way to give the target a heads up that they are under investigation and to encourage them to cooperate with the investigation. If you receive a target letter, it is important to consult with an attorney immediately. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options and can represent you in the investigation and any subsequent

It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what are safe cosmetics. Some people may be more sensitive to certain chemicals than others. It is always best to err on the side of caution and choose products that are free of harmful chemicals. Safe cosmetics are those that do not contain harmful chemicals that can potentially cause health problems. These chemicals can be absorbed through the skin or ingested when ingested. Some of the most common harmful chemicals found in cosmetics include: Phthalates: These chemicals are used to make plastics more flexible and are often found in nail polish, hairspray, and lotion. Phthalates have been linked to reproductive problems, cancer, and developmental disorders. Formaldehyde: This chemical is used as a preservative in many cosmetics, including makeup, shampoo, and deodorant. Formaldehyde can cause allergic reactions and has been linked to cancer. Parabens: These chemicals are used as preservatives in many

CMS issued a proposal Friday to cut reimbursements to home health providers by 2.2% next year, or an estimated $375 million less than 2023 levels. On June 30, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a 2.2% cut to Medicare home health payments in 2024. This would amount to a loss of $375 million for home health agencies. The proposed cut is due to a number of factors, including the implementation of the Patient-Driven Groupings Model (PDGM), which is a new payment system for home health services. The PDGM is designed to better align payments with the cost of providing home health services. However, some home health agencies have argued that the PDGM is not adequately compensating them for the services they provide. They have also said that the proposed cut will make it more difficult for them to provide quality care to Medicare beneficiaries. The CMS is currently accepting public comments on the proposed cut. The agency will make a final decision on the cut

The US Environmental Protection Agency proposed strict limits on six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. It's the first time the government has moved to  regulate PFAS , a class of thousands of chemicals used in everything from dental floss and toilet paper, to common furniture treatments and food packaging. Read more

There are many positive affirmative action ideas that can be implemented to help create a more equitable and inclusive society. Some examples include: Recruiting and hiring more women and minorities in leadership positions. This can help to ensure that all voices are heard and that decisions are made in the best interests of everyone. Providing scholarships and financial assistance to students from underrepresented groups. This can help to level the playing field and make education more accessible to everyone. Creating training programs and mentorship opportunities for women and minorities. This can help them to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workplace. Promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This can help to create a more welcoming and supportive environment for all employees. Addressing unconscious bias in hiring and promotion decisions.   This can help to ensure that everyone is treated fairly, regardless of their race, gender, or other pers

Sen. Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.). has previously demanded White House support for the project in exchange for his vote, and other Republicans, including West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, praised the pipeline provisions included in the legislation.  Read more  - The Washington Post

When people have a serious illness or a long-term health condition, getting a type of healthcare called palliative care can help improve their daily lives. These types of conditions might not be curable. Or, they may make it difficult for people to live comfortably or take care of daily tasks while they’re having treatment for the condition. “Palliative” means care that relieves pain and other symptoms without treating the condition that causes them. The main goal of palliative care is to help relieve uncomfortable symptoms you experience because of your illness. It also aims to relieve stress you feel because of your condition. You can get palliative care at any stage of your illness or while living with any serious health condition.  MSNBC anchor Richard Lui on caregiving for dad with Alzheimer's : MSNBC's Richard Lui stepped back from his TV job to be a caregiver for his father with Alzheimer's disease. The experience inspired his book , "Enough About Me."

Bonta : “It’s more important to get it right than fast, but the goal is to get it done right  and  fast…. It took some time to work out the kinks and to get through some of the hiccups, and we’re moving more rapidly now.”  B ill Text - AB-1506 Police use of force.   

Funding is removed from the public schools and given to the private schools. (It’s typically less than what a state allocated per student.) Vouchers can be a controversial topic in some communities. Voucher programs have been around since the early 1990s. They’re not available in all states—or even to all students where they are available. The new secretary of education favors these programs, however, so it’s possible more states will start offering them. (Get answers to common questions about the new administration and special education .)

Many other sacred cows graze in the pasture of failed policies, and a similar story may be told about each of them.  But show me a government policy that clashes with the interests of a substantial number of powerful government officials and their resourceful supporters in the private sector, and I’ll show you a policy that can be abandoned overnight. Read more

If you suspect your child may be the  victim   of   bullying   ask him or her to tell you what's going on. You can help by providing lots of opportunities to talk with you in an open and honest way. It's also important to respond in a positive and accepting manner. Let your child know it's not his or her fault, and that he or she did the right thing by telling you. If your child is aware of someone who is being bullied, encourage him or her to notify someone and get help.  Other specific suggestions include the following: Ask your child what he or she thinks should be done. What's already been tried? What worked and what didn't? Seek help from your child's teacher or the school guidance counselor. Most bullying occurs on playgrounds, in lunchrooms, and bathrooms, on school buses or in unsupervised halls. Ask the school administrators to find out about programs other schools and communities have used to help combat bullying, such as peer mediation, conflict resol

  For most of us, the idea of young children working in dangerous jobs with no legal protection belongs to the past, consigned to the pages of history and Dickens novels.  EPI shines a light into the dark corners of our labor market to expose injustice. Please help EPI spread the word by sharing this chart with your networks and, if you are able, please consider making a gift to support EPI’s important work.

On Monday, Rachel Maddow praised Indivisible activists for doing “some of the most practical, strategically interesting organizing in the country.”

The Biden-Harris Administration today released the President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2024. The Budget details a blueprint to grow the economy from the bottom up and middle out, lower costs for families, protect and strengthen Medicare and Social Security, and reduce the deficit by ensuring the wealthy and big corporations pay their fair share—all while ensuring no one making less than $400,000 per year pays more in taxes.  "Still, the scope of the budget—which includes significant funding for the climate, childcare, democracy, education, healthcare, housing, violence prevention, and more, made possible in part through tax hikes for wealthy individuals and corporations—was celebrated by the likes of Sharon Parrott, president of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities" (CBPP). For more information on the President’s FY 2024 Budget, please visit: https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/ .

Asthma is a condition where the airways become constricted or narrow. The inflammation in the area will keep the airways from being open, thus triggering breathing issues. The body will produce mucus that can stick in the airways and will be hard to cough up.  PHI’s Regional Asthma Management and Prevention (RAMP) program advanced two critical Medi-Cal policies to provide coverage for home-based asthma education, environmental trigger assessments and asthma remediation supports. "Both policy wins have major implications for increased access to home visiting services for people with poorly controlled asthma, which will improve health outcomes, reduce asthma disparities, and decrease healthcare utilization costs," said RAMP director Anne Kelsey-Lamb. Read more here