Tag

Advocates

All articles tagged with #advocates

politics2 years ago•11 min saved

"Louisiana's Criminal Justice Overhaul at Risk as Republicans Seek Reversal"

Six years after implementing criminal justice reforms, Louisiana's prison population has decreased, saving the state millions of dollars. However, newly-elected Republican Governor Jeff Landry is seeking to roll back these changes, citing a rise in violent crime. Advocates argue that the reforms have been successful in reducing nonviolent offenders in the prison system and saving taxpayer money, but opponents believe they have made the state too lenient on criminals. The debate over criminal justice reform is not unique to Louisiana, as other states are also considering rolling back similar measures.

via The Washington Post|

#advocates #criminal-justice-reform #governor-jeff-landry

politics2 years ago•7 min saved

"Political Fallout: Immigration Strategy Shifts After NY Special Election Upset"

Tom Suozzi's successful campaign in a New York congressional district has emboldened Democrats to adopt a new immigration strategy, focusing on both border security and expanding legal pathways for migrants. This approach, which resonated with voters, has sparked discussions among Democrats about prioritizing strong and fair border policies alongside a pathway to citizenship. While some advocate for a balanced approach, others emphasize the need for expanded legal pathways to reduce demand for illegal crossings and asylum claims. The debate reflects a shift in the Democratic Party's stance on immigration, with implications for future policy and electoral strategies.

via The Hill|

#advocates #border-security #democrats

environment2 years ago•5 min saved

"Climate summit draft omits fossil fuel phase-out, sparking outrage among advocates"

The draft of the core agreement for the COP28 climate summit has removed the call to phase out fossil fuels, angering climate advocates who warn that the summit could be on the verge of failure. The draft includes vague language on fossil fuels and lacks concrete timelines, leading to criticism from experts and observers. While over 100 countries initially supported language to phase out fossil fuels, oil-producing nations opposed the measure. Negotiators may need to return to debate if the current draft does not receive widespread support.

via CNN|

#advocates #climate-summit #cop28

politics2 years ago•6 min saved

"Controversial CA Mental Health Bond Expands Involuntary Treatment Options"

Advocates for disabled Californians are expressing shock and concern over last-minute changes made to Governor Gavin Newsom's $6 billion mental health bond proposal. The changes remove language that prohibited the funds from being used for involuntary confinements, potentially opening the door to the involuntary institutionalization of people with mental health illnesses. The bond measure, which aims to address the state's shortage of mental health treatment beds, would fund the construction of treatment facilities and supportive housing. Advocates argue that the changes contradict previous assurances that the funds would be used for unlocked, community-based settings. The bond measure will be placed on the March 2024 election ballot.

via CalMatters|

#advocates #bond-measure #california

healthcare2 years ago•4 min saved

"US Proposes Nursing Home Staffing Standards, Falls Short of Advocates' Expectations"

The Biden administration has proposed new regulations that would dictate staffing levels at nursing homes for the first time, in response to the systemic problems exposed by COVID-19. However, the proposed threshold falls short of what many advocates had hoped for, drawing criticism from both advocates and the nursing home industry. The proposed rules call for staffing equivalent to 3 hours per resident per day, with just over half an hour of it coming from registered nurses. The rules also require facilities to have an RN on staff 24 hours a day. The government estimates that the majority of nursing homes would need to add staff under these rules. The proposal now enters a public comment period and would take years to fully take effect.

via The Associated Press|

#advocates #biden-administration #healthcare

immigration2 years ago•5 min saved

"Judge's Decision Puts Pressure on Hochul Regarding Migrants in New York"

A judge's order may force New York state to take a more direct role in addressing the migrant crisis. Advocates have sought to compel Governor Kathy Hochul's administration to adhere to a 1981 consent decree requiring the city to provide shelter to needy people. The judge's order requires New York City to provide a list of needs to Hochul, including state-owned properties and resources for migrant housing. Hochul's office has not commented on the case, but the state has already allocated $1 billion in its budget and committed 2,000 National Guard units to housing sites for migrants. The court order may push the state to do more, and advocates believe Hochul could issue an executive order to prevent local governments from blocking migrants from settling in their communities.

via POLITICO|

#advocates #governor-kathy-hochul #immigration

social-issues2 years ago•4 min saved

San Diego's Homeless Camping Ban Sparks Uncertainty and Concern

San Diego's controversial new camping ban, which took effect over the weekend, will be enforced by police starting Monday. The ban prohibits encampments on public property if shelter beds are available, and police can also remove people from "sensitive areas." Advocates are concerned that the ban will make it more difficult to connect people with shelter and services, while some hope it will clear sidewalks. The exact locations where encampments will be prohibited have not been disclosed. The ban comes as San Diego grapples with a growing homelessness crisis, with the number of unsheltered individuals increasing in recent years.

via The San Diego Union-Tribune|

#advocates #camping-ban #enforcement

immigration2 years ago•2 min saved

Accessing Driver's Licenses: Undocumented Immigrants Navigate RMV Appointments and New Options

Undocumented immigrants in Massachusetts are now able to apply for driver's licenses under the Work and Family Mobility Act. The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is anticipating an increase in customers and has extended hours and staff to accommodate the influx. Advocates believe that this law will improve safety on the roads and provide opportunities for hard-working immigrant communities. Appointments are already booked out through late July at some RMV locations.

via CBS Boston|

#advocates #drivers-licenses #immigration

politics2 years ago•1 min saved

Supreme Court's Decision on Student Loan Forgiveness Sparks Controversy and Concern.

The Supreme Court may soon rule on the legality of President Biden's student loan forgiveness plan, which proposes to forgive up to $10,000 in student debt per borrower. Advocates are exploring alternative paths if the plan is struck down, but the law is clear that the program is lawful. However, the Court's Republican majority may not be persuaded by the legality of the plan.

via Vox.com|

#advocates #biden #legal-battle

politics2 years ago•7 min saved

Massachusetts Governor Healey Recommends Pardons for 7 Convicted Individuals

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is recommending pardons for seven people, including a Boston firefighter and a retiree, who have been convicted of crimes that are preventing them from moving forward in their lives. All seven received unanimous recommendations for pardons from the state's Parole Board. Healey's administration is also working to revise Massachusetts' policy on clemency, including by working with advocates in the justice system.

via NBC10 Boston|

#advocates #clemency-reform #justice-system

finance2 years ago•3 min saved

Senate overturns Biden's student loan program amidst debt ceiling debate.

Student loan borrower advocates are urging President Biden to veto a bill that would reverse months of forbearance and potentially cancel debt forgiveness that some borrowers have already received. The bill, which passed the Senate this week, would repeal Biden’s most recent extension of the student loan payment pause and prevent the implementation of his up to $20,000 cancellation of student debt. Advocates worry that if the bill is not vetoed, 40 million student loan borrowers could face backpay for those paused payments and have new interest charges added to their debt. They also fear that debt cancellation borrowers recently received would be reversed.

via Yahoo Finance|

#advocates #biden #debt-forgiveness

healthcare2 years ago•3 min saved

Neurologist Robert Lisak named 2023 Giant of Multiple Sclerosis.

Neurologist Robert Lisak has been named a 2023 Giant of Multiple Sclerosis for his work in understanding the mechanisms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and improving care for people with the condition. The award recognizes his continuous engagement with the MS community to keep patients and their families up to date on the most recent advances in MS research and providing them the best care. The Giants of Multiple Sclerosis award seeks to distinguish and celebrate MS healthcare professionals and advocates who have improved the lives of those affected by MS.

via Multiple Sclerosis News Today|

#advocates #award #healthcare

politics2 years ago

Governor of Oklahoma vetoes multiple bills protecting tribal regalia rights.

Lawmakers, tribal leaders, and advocates are criticizing the governor's veto of a bill that would have allowed Native American tribal members to wear traditional regalia at graduation ceremonies. The veto was seen as a disregard for tribal sovereignty and cultural identity, with many calling for the governor to reconsider his decision.

via KOKH FOX25|

#advocates #lawmakers #politics