A look at the bills we're supporting
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Dear friends,
There is a lot at stake for 2022.
Across the country, legislative bodies are back in session.
Here are some of the policy and advocacy efforts that we are supporting to expand workers’ protections and access to public benefits, and end predatory fines and fees:
* End Predatory Court Fees Act. In her State of the State speech, New York Governor Kathy Hochul called for the elimination of parole supervision fees. This is a first step, but we know that more is required. With our #NoPriceOnJustice coalition partners, we are calling for the elimination of mandatory minimums, an end to incarceration on the basis of unpaid fines and fees, and an end to garnishment of commissary accounts. We are also working with grassroots partners in Buffalo to remove police from traffic enforcement.
* Clean Slate Act. This state bill seals criminal records after a period of time so that people aren’t discriminated against while applying for jobs or housing. We know that New York does better when everyone is granted a second chance and meaningful opportunity to thrive.
* Consumer and Small Business Protection Act. This bill bans unfair and abusive business conduct in New York and provides a powerful tool to help people fight environmental racism, abusive landlords, and predatory lending.
* Build Back Better Act. We are advocating that this federal infrastructure bill includes living wages for home healthcare workers. We are also advocating to make the Child Tax Credit permanent, a transformative shift that would significantly reduce child poverty over time. And, we are applauding New York legislators who are making a case for investments to NYCHA, which would benefit thousands of low-income New Yorkers.
* In the area of workers' rights, we are pushing for the expansion of unemployment insurance for all low-wage workers. And, we are joining national partners in calling for abolishing the sub-minimum wage for tipped workers and workers with disabilities. We are also continuing to push for the passage of the SWEAT Bill ([link removed]) , legislation that would allow workers to challenge employers who engage in wage theft in New York State.
* We are joining millions in calling the President to cancel student debt, an action that aims to reduce the wealth gap between Black and white communities.
I am also excited to share that Carmela Huang has joined the NCLEJ team as a Senior Attorney. Carmela previously worked in the Employment Law Unit of The Legal Aid Society and in the Workers' Rights Practice of the Community Development Project of the Urban Justice Center.
Please follow us on social media ([link removed]) for the latest updates on our strategic litigation and grassroots advocacy.
Thank you for being our partner in this work,
Dennis Parker
Executive Director
P.S. Thank you so much to everyone who generously gave during our End of Year Campaign and 2021 NCLEJ Catalyst Awards celebration. We are so very grateful.
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The National Center for Law and Economic Justice advances racial and economic justice through ground-breaking impact litigation, policy advocacy, and support for grassroots organizing. We have provided legal representation and support since 1965.
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