State legislative sessions just started but our NALpistas are already flexing their political muscles and getting down to business. In the New York State Assembly, NAL alumna Catalina Cruz introduced and passed legislation that redefines the state’s rape laws to stand with survivors of assault. Meanwhile, in Michigan, our alumna and State Senator Stephanie Chang introduced a bill that would enact requirements for incorporating education on the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders into the K-12 curriculum. And, in Florida, State Representative Anna Eskamani, a member of our Elected Officials Advisory Council, was on CNN this week to express opposition to HB 1557, a bill that would make it illegal for teachers to discuss LGBTQ+ history, oppression, and gender identities.

We are grateful for their leadership!

On Wednesday, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer announced his retirement, giving President Biden the opportunity to fulfill his campaign promise of nominating the first Black woman to the Supreme Court. It’s about time that we make the Supreme Court look more like America: In the 232-year history of the Supreme Court, just three of the 115 justices have been Black or Latino (there have been zero Black women justices). This picture holds true in the lower courts, too. Black women make up about 7% of the U.S. population but represent just 4% of sitting federal judges and 1.6% of appellate judges. It’s time to change those numbers.

The Senate has the opportunity to deliver a pathway to citizenship in the Build Back Better reconciliation bill.

Help us reach out to your Senators and tell them that immigration must remain a priority in the Build Back Better reconciliation package. Let them know that you're counting on their leadership to keep their promise and deliver for immigrant communities this year!