Dear John,

State budget season is upon us! At SiX, we know that budgets are not just an expression of our collective values—they are also a way to build power in our communities.

Federal funds account for over 40% of state spending, and with the influx of federal funds flowing to states in recent years, state legislators are uniquely positioned to wield their power to fund the health care, access to food and housing, and public education that our communities deserve.

We just released our new report, “State Government for the People: SiX Principles for State Management of Federal Funds” to support state legislators in managing and maximizing federal funds from a values-based approach.

This resource provides a primer on federal grants to the states, the role of state legislatures in managing these funds, and a blueprint for a new approach where public budgets reflect a vision for the future where all of us can thrive. 

Using a values-based framework, this publication provides examples of how state legislators can build a new process to fund our future alongside community members and partners. Check out the new resource here!
 

Another example of federal funds for states to manage could come from the Justice for Black Farmers Act, introduced by US Senator Cory Booker. This bill provides funding for HBCU's to create/expand courses focused on agricultural careers; increases appropriations for a program to resolve issues relating to ownership and succession on farmland; and expands credit assistance for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

Join us on Tuesday, February 28, at 1pm PT / 4pm ET for a webinar on

The Justice for Black Farmers Act: Where Are We Now? 

Thanks for all you do,

Jessie & Neha