Public Policy "NEWS"

🔍 Policy Insight: November 2025 Electorate Data For those interested in public administration and policy analysis: Access the November 2025 Ballot Return Survey results, conducted by Open California / Capitol Weekly . The full report, which includes detailed charts and demographic information on participants, offers a valuable, non-partisan look at voter engagement and profile in California. Use this data to inform your understanding of administrative timelines, policy reception, and community representation. Review the detailed breakdown here: LINK  

[Image description: Diagram demonstrating intersectionality. In the center is a figure of a person. Multiple, brightly colored arrows point out from the central figure, each pointing to a different phrase. The phrases are, starting from the top and working clockwise: socio-economic status, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, age, gender, and culture. Attribution:  Higher Education Digest  (2024). ⏰ 5-Minute Favor, HUGE Impact! My DPA survey on equity and public policy is open. If you work in governance, nonprofits, or public administration, I need your voice. Let's make policy work for everyone. Participate! https://forms.gle/nTnmHcqckopxunkJ6

Photo courtesy of Amazon A recent article from The Conversation highlights a vital point: effectively teaching the history of slavery is a critical issue in public administration and social equity. Key takeaways for educators: Use actual records. Examine diverse historical arguments. Prioritize lived experiences. Connect to modern relevance. This directly impacts our curriculum development, historical preservation efforts, and our collective journey towards social justice. In San Jacinto, California, and everywhere, empowering teachers with these strategies is essential for building a truly informed citizenry capable of creating equitable policy. #PublicAdmin #Education #Equity #History #SanJacinto

Photo courtesy of Politico As a Doctor of Public Administration student, I am dedicated to creating equitable policies that improve community health. That's why I'm submitting a comment on the Election Rigging Response Act maps to the California State Assembly. 🏛️ My experience working with vulnerable families reminds me that every policy decision has a real human impact. We can't let abstract debate overshadow the needs of the people. Join me in making your voice heard on this critical issue.  https://aelc.assembly.ca.gov/redistricting-public-comment  #CommunityFirst #PolicyAdvocacy #SocialJustice #CAleg #VoicesForChildren Check out this article:  Data & Insights on the Caregiver Experience in the U.S.

This week, the Riverside County Democratic Party, led by Chair Joy Silver, announced its strong support for Governor Newsom’s redistricting proposal. This is not just a political headline; it's a critical moment for our democracy. It highlights the need for leaders who are not only prepared to react to challenges but are proactive in building a more equitable and sustainable future. This is precisely the kind of work I am committed to doing if elected a delegate for Assembly District 60. Chair Silver’s statement is a clear warning: we cannot stand by while other states manipulate congressional maps to serve a partisan agenda. The governor’s proposal to allow California’s independent citizens commission to revise our maps in response is a crucial safeguard. It's a strategic move to ensure that our representation remains fair and proportional, reflecting the will of the people, not the whims of political opportunists. This issue resonates deeply with my work as a Doctor of Public...

As a doctoral student of public administration, I believe equitable policy is essential for community health. Damon Freeman's article on the "Big Beautiful Bill" powerfully illustrates how seemingly broad legislation can have disproportionate, negative impacts, especially on Black communities already navigating systemic barriers. Consider these points: Wealth Gap: The Black-white median wealth gap reached $240,120 in 2022 , meaning Black households hold only $15 for every $100 held by white households. Policies that don't address this reality will only deepen it. Job Inequities: While the Black unemployment rate has fluctuated, it consistently remains higher than the national average, often double the rate for white Americans (e.g., 6.80% for Black Americans in June 2025 ). Cuts to job training programs will hit hard. Criminal Justice: Increased policing funding without reform, coupled with the fact that Black individuals are arrested at 2.5 times the rate of Whit...

Courtesy Photo  That’s the question we’ve been talking about for a while now.  Jail vs. Prison: On any given day, over two-thirds of people in jail (more than 400,000 individuals) are awaiting trial and are incarcerated simply because they cannot afford bail. Even two days in jail can significantly increase the likelihood of losing a job, housing, or child custody. In 2021, Black children were arrested at a rate of 1 in 3 child arrests, despite making up only 15% of the nation's youth population. Black youth are more likely to be in custody than white youth in every state except Hawaii, with a national placement rate of 315 per 100,000 for Black youth compared to 72 per 100,000 for white youth. Transfer to Adult Court: Black youth are significantly more likely to be transferred to adult court compared to white children for the same or lesser offenses. In 2016, Black youth made up 67.7% of mandatory and discretionary direct file transfers to adult court in Florida, despite be...

Many communities, particularly those in rural and underserved areas, rely on public media as their primary or sole source of local news and information. Funding cuts would accelerate the closure of these outlets, leaving residents without access to critical local journalism and civic engagement opportunities. Read more here . In essence, the threat to public media is not just about budget cuts; it's about diminishing a vital public good that provides accessible, reliable information, strengthens community ties, and fosters an informed citizenry.

Photo courtesy of the net My take on the Army's shaving policy & PFB: Laser hair removal worked for me. Yes, costly, but worth it for the health and relief. Crucial: Find a specialist experienced with #BlackSkin! If an effective solution exists, why isn't the military offering it or using it as a waiver? Policies must prioritize health & equity for all service members. #ArmyPolicy #PFB #HealthEquity #RacialJustice Read the article here.  New Army Shaving Policy Will Allow Soldiers with Skin Condition that Affects Mostly Black Men to Be Kicked Out

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 ...

Hey everyone!  This legislative session, we're thrilled to support Senator Weber Pierson's SB 764 policy.  SB 764 requires restaurant chains to offer healthy meal choices for children.  Studying for my MPA degree has sparked my deep interest in understanding the potential real-world effects of public health policies. Think about it: Numerous restaurant kids' meal options contain excessive calories, sodium, and sugar, which we know is harmful to children.   My experience as a research assistant has shown me research demonstrating that these eating habits can result in serious health complications later in life. But here's the thing: Our goal is to assist families in choosing better options.  Through my family experiences, I understand how difficult it is to locate healthy food choices during restaurant meals.   My little cousin enjoys fresh veggies and fruit, but kids' menus often lack these healthy options. So, here's where you come in!  Pare...

From my perspective as a Black gay man, I understand that assaults on Black history impact me personally, extending beyond mere political issues. The distortion of Dr. King's legacy, along with the diminishing of the struggles faced by Black Americans, serves to undermine my personal identity and experiences. The forces attempting to eliminate Black history are the same forces that seek to erase LGBTQ+ history, as my identity exists at the intersection of racial discrimination and anti-LGBTQ+ prejudice. The Black and LGBTQ+ communities must unite to protect our shared heritage and promote justice and equality for all.

College leaders remain challenged by the consequences of this letter.  Two weeks is insufficient time to fully evaluate and make necessary changes to sophisticated policies and programs.  Potential funding reductions create substantial pressure.  I want to understand how colleges will handle these changes and their eventual impact on campus diversity. According to this letter, the Department of Education has  significantly changed its stance on race-conscious policies. The expedited timeline reveals that they plan to implement their interpretation forcefully. Legal challenges against this letter remain uncertain as debates surround race-conscious approaches in higher education. Achieving institutional diversity without referencing race is a substantial policy difficulty.

Now is the time to tell Congress to vote against the budget resolution.   Tell them to oppose the budget resolution and any other legislation that would cut Medicaid because seniors will be harmed.  Use this call-in line to reach your member of Congress:   866-426-2631.