Public Policy "NEWS"

Imagine living in a world where the colors of your being are muted, a tapestry woven with threads of invisibility. This is the reality for many Black gay men, navigating a landscape where both race and sexual orientation cast long shadows, obscuring their true selves. But within these shadows, a vibrant kaleidoscope of identity shimmers, waiting to burst forth in the full spectrum of light. My journey as a Black gay man has been a constant negotiation between these fragments, a dance between societal expectations and unapologetic self-expression. From the hushed whispers of prejudice in childhood playgrounds to the microaggressions that sting like unseen insects, the pressure to conform is a constant hum. The weight of history sits heavy on my shoulders. The legacy of slavery whispers in my ear, reminding me of a past where Black bodies were objectified, and stripped of their agency and humanity. And the fight for LGBTQ+ rights echoes in my heart, a testament to the ongoing struggl

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