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As Millions Face Eviction, New York Lawmakers Extend Eviction Moratorium
The Supreme Court ended the federal eviction moratorium issued by the CDC and now there are over 2.1 million renters living in areas with no state or local protections who are at risk of being evicted in the coming weeks. 13 states and Washington, D.C., have eviction moratoriums that protect at least some renters, according to this Covid-19 U.S. State Policy database. New York legislators convened a special session to extend the state’s eviction moratorium through January 15th, 2022, and strengthen rental assistance programs.
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Illinois Lawmakers Respond to Mental Health Concerns
The stress and isolation of the pandemic have brought mental health concerns to the forefront, and Illinois lawmakers are taking action. New legislation signed into law in Illinois would expand coverage of mental health services, ensure coordination of mental health services in emergency response systems, and allow students to take up to five mental health days off from school.
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New Jersey Passes Renewable Energy Infrastructure Legislation
Hurricane Ida brought deadly flooding and winds to parts of the country last week, showing the urgent need for action on climate change. Just a few weeks prior to the devastating flooding in the state, New Jersey legislators enacted the Garden State Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Program to invest in water conservation, stormwater management, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and flood and hurricane mitigation.
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Transportation Equity Moves Forward in Illinois
The governor of Illinois signed a bill to develop a statewide multimodal transportation improvement program that includes reducing emissions, increasing resilience to climate change, and reducing transportation system disparities for racially marginalized communities, low-income consumers, and other disadvantaged groups. Check out SiX’s resource for state legislators on transportation equity.
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More Stimulus Checks on the Way in Some, But Not Enough, States
Federal unemployment benefits ended this week, although states can use stimulus funding to extend their own programs. Some residents of California and Maryland can count on stimulus checks authorized by state lawmakers. In Florida and Texas, some teachers can expect bonuses at the start of the school year. Other states that have provided some cash assistance to residents include Colorado, New Mexico, and Vermont.
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Meet the Black Women Driving New Ag Policy
Across the country, Black women legislators are driving an equity-focused approach to state agricultural policy. Meet some of the lawmakers that are fighting to provide support to marginalized farmers, restore soil health, and combat food insecurity in their states.
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Conservative State Lawmakers Continue Attacks on Native American Voters
In states with significant Native populations, conservative lawmakers have aimed attacks specifically at Native American voters. While a federal standard for voting rights continues to stall in Congress, lawmakers in states like Arizona and Montana have already made it more difficult for Native Americans to vote. Questions about how to protect the right to vote in your state? Reach out to the SiX Democracy Team with any questions or concerns.
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Make Your Voice Heard to Protect Abortion Rights
The Supreme Court just allowed Texas's six-week abortion ban to take effect and they're scheduled to hear oral arguments on Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health (a case directly challenging Roe v. Wade) later this year. SiX is working with a law firm and the litigators at the Center for Reproductive Rights to file a state legislator brief sharing the perspective of hundreds of state legislators that the Supreme Court must maintain 50 years of precedent and uphold the central tenet of Roe v. Wade. State legislators' voices must be heard in this case. Legislators, sign on and share with your colleagues by September 15.
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