Beatriz Palmer, MA’s Post

The advocacy for the Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act (BWPA) H.R. 6585 is a promising stride forward. This legislation could potentially extend Pell Grant eligibility to short-term workforce programs, offering transformative possibilities for over 8 million Californians, paving the way to high-quality, living-wage jobs. As we champion these reforms, let's prioritize the amazing individuals fueling this mission – students tirelessly working to better their lives and communities. Explore the challenges, proposed solutions, and compelling personal stories driving our collective mission. #CareerEducation #WorkforcePell #PellGrants #Vision2030 #EducationReform

📢 Join me in taking action for civil rights and racial justice with the YW Boston Advocacy Committee! 🌟 "YW Boston, is committed to eliminating racism and empowering women, and that means advocating for diverse and equitable leadership in our organizations and government. We stand against discriminatory practices that oppress people of color, women, and women of color in the Commonwealth. Our Advocacy Committee is dedicated to supporting legislation and working with coalitions to address systemic racism in our educational and judicial systems, particularly as it affects young girls and women of color. The intersectionality of gender and race is often overlooked in public policy, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened these disparities. Here are some of the key issues we're focusing on and the state-wide legislation we support: 📜 Civil Rights and Racial Justice: Public Bank Bill - An Act to Establish a Massachusetts Public Bank Campaign for Size Freedom - An Act prohibiting body size discrimination Baby Bonds - An Act Addressing the Racial Wealth Gap 🚺 Gender Equity: Wage Equity Now The I AM Bill - An Act to increase access to disposable menstrual products in prisons, homeless shelters, and public schools Protected at Work - An Act Relative to Employment Protections for Victims of Abusive Behavior 💼 Parity on Board: We're leading the Parity on Board coalition to promote equitable leadership in Massachusetts. Learn more about our campaign at www.parityonboard.org. You can make a difference by supporting any or all of these bills! Reach out to your state legislators and urge them to take action. Click below to find their contact information and join us in advocating for a more just and equitable future. Let's stand together for civil rights, racial justice, and gender equity! 💪 #TakeAction #SocialJustice #YWAdvocacy https://www.ywboston.org/

DHS Secretary Valerie Arkoosh, MD, MPH recently visited CADES- Children and Adult Disability and Educational Services, a provider serving Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A) in Delaware County, and discussed the need for historic investments in Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2024-25 proposed budget, which would increase the number of Pennsylvanians who can access ID/A services, and support the professionals who care for Pennsylvanians with ID/A. Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal, which has received bipartisan support, would invest $483 million in federal and state funding to provide more resources for home and community-based service providers so they have the ability to increase the average starting wage from approximately $15/hour to $17/hour; an increase in wages would both attract and retain the qualified staff who provide these essential services. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3VB2PJT

📊 New Report: US Child Care Workforce in Dire Straits The fourth edition of the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment, UC Berkeley's Early Childhood Workforce Index finds that child care workers in every state struggle with poverty-level wages, even as they nurture and educate our children in the most important years of development. The state-by-state analysis tracks state policies in essential areas like workforce qualifications, work environments, and early educator compensation. The 2024 report provides updated policy recommendations and spotlights states that are improving ECE workforce policies. Read the report: https://lnkd.in/gVcav9a7

#Wisconsin 📮 #voters soundly rejected two constitutional #amendments that sought to give lawmakers input on how some federal money is spent rather than leaving that solely up to the governor. Meanwhile, Rebecca #Cooke won a three-way #Dem primary to take on freshman U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Prairie du Chien, in the 3rd CD. And Tony Wied won a three-way GOP primary to face Dem Kristin #Lylerly in the open 8th CD. In legislative races, four #GOP incumbents lost in their primaries against other legislators. 🚫 Both amendments were rejected with more than 57% of voters casting “no” ballots. Dem Governor Tony Evers in a statement defended his decisions with federal 💰 funds, saying he is “incredibly proud” to have directed #COVID19 funding to “support farmers, working families, and #smallbusinesses, expand high-speed 📶 #internet, help prevent #childcare costs from getting any higher, improve #community safety, provide school-based #mentalhealth services for kids, and invest in #economicdevelopment projects that will benefit communities across our state for generations.” Read more at https://lnkd.in/gwc-fQrY

What Texas Governor must to alleviate pains and sufferings of 60% majority Texans To address the challenges faced by the 60% minority population in Texas, implementing targeted policies is crucial. Here are some key steps that could be taken: 1. **Economic Development and Job Creation** - Support Minority-Owned Businesses by expanding grants, loans, and support services. - Invest in Workforce Development through job training programs accessible to minorities. - Advocate for Living Wage Initiatives, especially in industries with a high concentration of minority workers. 2. **Education** - Increase Funding for Public Schools in districts with a high percentage of minority students. - Expand Access to Higher Education by increasing scholarships and financial aid opportunities. - Promote Culturally Responsive Curriculum to reflect the state's diverse population. 3. **Healthcare Access** - Expand Medicaid coverage for low-income individuals, many of whom are minorities. - Improve Access to Health Services by funding community health centers and mobile clinics. - Implement Health Disparities programs to reduce chronic conditions among minority populations. 4. **Criminal Justice Reform** - Reduce Racial Disparities in Policing and Sentencing through policy reforms. - Support Reentry Programs for formerly incarcerated individuals, focusing on minorities. - Promote Community Policing to build trust between law enforcement and minority communities. 5. **Voting Rights** - Protect and Expand Voting Rights for all eligible voters, including minorities. - Combat Voter Suppression by opposing laws that disproportionately affect minority voters. Addressing these key areas can help alleviate the challenges faced by minority populations and promote inclusivity and equality in Texas. #Texas #MinorityRights #DiversityandInclusion #SocialJustice

If you aren't familiar with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development's Drive for Five initiative, check it out. Yesterday Gov. Walz and DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek announced $20m in grants for organizations, schools, and institutions focusing efforts on preparing more Minnesotans for high-demand jobs in five occupational categories: technology, the trades, caring professions, manufacturing and education. "'Today is a big day for Minnesota workers and Minnesota employers. The grantees announced today will engage together in a holistic approach that will closely align training with sector skills needs – while targeting family-sustaining, high-demand, career-path employment,' said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek." Minnesota's investments in education, access, and workforce will pay dividends--not just for the state's economy, but directly for Minnesotans and their families. #workforcedevelopment #education #driveforfive #highdemand #familysustainingwage #minnesota

Happy New Year, LinkedIn Community! 🎉 Reflecting on the closing month of 2023, December brought significant policy updates in education and workforce development. Congressional Committees introduced two crucial bills to reauthorize key laws, setting the stage for impactful changes. Are you curious about NCLD's involvement in shaping these policies? Explore the insights to see how we contributed to the discussions. 🧐 And let's not forget to look ahead! Get a sneak peek into what's in store for 2024. Here's to a year of growth, collaboration, and positive impact! 🌟 https://ncld.co/3vtJ0e1 #PolicyUpdates #EducationReform #WorkforceDevelopment #NewYearNewOpportunities #NCLD #EducationPolicy #StandwithLD

As graduation quickly approaches, I am eager to reflect on the profound insights and experiences from our capstone project. This endeavor, in collaboration with the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), has greatly enhanced my understanding of the critical intersection between legislation, youth cognitive development, and the rehabilitative potential of the criminal justice system. Our capstone focused on the significant impact of California’s legislative reforms—SB 260, SB 261, and AB 1308—on youth parole. These laws mark a shift from a punitive system to one that is rehabilitative, offering young offenders a well-deserved second chance and paving the way for them to reintegrate into society successfully. Our research emphasized the broader societal benefits of these reforms, including reduced recidivism rates and strengthened community bonds. We delved into the essential role that youth cognitive development plays in legislative reform. By examining how these laws recognize the need to view young offenders as youth first, our findings underscored the necessity of more compassionate and effective policies. Working alongside dedicated teammates Leigh Conner, Isaiah Mendoza, Lareina Wang, Alex Yurcaba, and ARC's Associate Director of Public Policy & Advocacy, Celina Chapin, we proposed policy enhancements aimed at improving California's approach to youth justice and explored possibilities for national implementation. These recommendations are designed to address immediate rehabilitation needs and to foster long-term societal benefits. This capstone project has been instrumental in shaping my perspective on how interdisciplinary approaches can inform and enhance public policy and human services. As I transition into my professional career, I am enthusiastic about applying these valuable lessons across various fields, advocating for policies that are grounded in scientific understanding and aimed at comprehensive community welfare. I am deeply grateful for the support from my teammates, ARC, Professor Kalima Johnson, and NYU Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, all of whom have contributed significantly to this journey. The road ahead is filled with opportunities to integrate these critical insights into broader professional pursuits. #PublicService #YouthJustice #Advocacy #NYUWagner

As we continue our Voter Education Campaign, The Time is Right for Social Justice and Social Workers DO VOTE! As social workers, our advocacy extends beyond the workplace—it also includes our role as informed and engaged citizens. Here’s why your vote matters- Protecting Social Services: Local, state, and federal policies directly impact the availability of social services and the funding allocated to critical programs. Advocating for Change: Your vote can shape policies that affect social justice, healthcare, education, and other areas central to our profession. Amplifying Marginalized Voices: Many individuals who rely on social services often face obstacles that make it harder for them to vote. As advocates, we have the opportunity to ensure their concerns and needs are heard and represented in the democratic process. Voting is Social Work - https://lnkd.in/eApJn2yM