The 2020 Political Agenda Lead By the California Legislative Black Caucus
By Betti Halsell
Real change comes from your vote, real support comes from strengthening the representation we have on Capitol Hill. Let’s normalize talking about politics, its clear in this day and age that it needs to be discussed. No more avoiding it at parties or at the dinner table, everyone should be able to voice their opinions or at least educate others about important facts. Those within our government that publicly vocalized they do not see systemic racism probably avoided those conversations. And, now they do not see the issues that are being projected within society.
Looking at the California legislative agenda, there are bills cultivated by the 10 members of the Legislative Black Caucus. The change that everyone is protesting for is on the ballot, it is imperative to stay informed and mindful when it comes to these measurements. Here is a summarized view of what is on the 2020 Legislative Agenda, lead by the CLBC:
ACA 5 “ California Act for Economic Prosperity” or “Opportunity for all,” would remove Article l, Section 31 from the California Constitution; prohibiting the state to carry out any act of discrimination in the setting of public employment, public education, or public contracting agreements. There will be no tolerance for “preferential treatment” or blocked opportunity based off race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin.
ACA 6 “ Free to Vote” restores voting rights to people serving parole, this would affect a massive amount of Black Americans in California that are incarcerated and play a critical role in reimagining the justice system that weighs heavily with in African American communities.
AB 3121 “Reparations Task Force” will create a body around the study and development of Reparation Proposals for Black Americans. The bill is set to provide an “in depth examination” of the impact of slavery within the state, in order to capture a sense of guidance on how to address the pockets of systemic racism within California.
Moving into the Supported Bills; these measurements include proposals for improved health and safety. SBB 144 would end the collection of administrative fees applied against people in the criminal justice system. This will dramatically reduce court ordered debt, the bill was created as a buffer against a part of the court system relying on the wealth “stripped” from underserved and low-income communities.
AB 1460 “Ethnic Studies” would provide opportunity for all California State Universities to have a required ethnic studies class to graduate.
AB 1835 “Local Control Funding Formula” identifies unspent capital resources within local educational agencies. By “annually reconciling the estimated amounts,” educational firms will have the opportunity to add that amount inclusive with the Local Control Accountability Plan and state funding appropriated to them.
AB 1950 modifies the state’s Penal Code, as the measurement of “Probation Reform,” misdemeanors will be reduced to a maximum of one year, and two years for a felony case.
AB 1994 and AB 2019 focuses on Juvenile wellbeing after their time has been served, they would have uninterrupted health service and full access of Medi-Cal eligibility (1994). Additionally, youth within alternative and Juvenile court schools will have access to College and Career Pathway programs. (2019)
AB 2054 “C.R.I.S.E.S. Act” develops a community response to local emergencies, the pilot program “seeks to fill a void” within the current system that responds to community concern within vulnerable populations.
Everyone has to become political to see the policies change. This is how the protest continues, and the social reform stays on track. Lets make a difference where it counts, and it starts with your vote.
Cover image via Pionline
