What’s Next: Marching into a new month! 🍀 Here’s the latest at NGP
March 11, 2024
It’s hard to believe March is already upon us! Currently, the NextGen team has been enjoying the warmer weather and the bright, sunny days of early March! As far as our team’s advocacy work, we have quite a bit to update you on: plenty of new resources to share and lots of opportunities to make a meaningful difference. This issue of What’s Next includes a final request to share your personal experience with California’s rising cost of health care; information about the upcoming meeting of California’s Racial Equity Commission (we encourage you to attend virtually); news about the recent op-ed featured in the Orange County Register highlighting the dangers of solitary confinement and why AB 280 (Holden) is the solution; and plenty more that you don’t want to miss!
Without further ado, here is What’s Next at NextGen Policy:
★ It’s Not Too Late to Share Your Health Care Story: It’s no secret that health care costs way too much in California! The more we can learn about your experiences with California’s health care system, the more we can work together to reform it and create better access to quality, affordable, and reliable health care for all! Today is the final day to share your health care story with the Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA)! Share your story today with the OHCA to help bring down the cost of health care for all Californians.
★ Upcoming Racial Equity Commission Meeting: Mark your calendar! California’s Racial Equity Commission will be meeting on Thursday, March 21 in Delano. There will be an option to participate in a virtual format as well! NextGen played a pivotal role in championing the creation of the Commission through the Executive Order Governor Newsom issued in 2022. We encourage anyone interested in attending to share their experiences and questions in order to help the Commission address the effects of structural and systemic racism in government policies, programs, and initiatives. Check out more information about the Racial Equity Commission’s upcoming March 21st meeting, including how to register to attend.
★ California Mandela Act in the News: Limiting the use of solitary confinement in California jails, prisons, and detention centers as proposed by AB 280 (Holden), The California Mandela Act, is the first, critical step necessary in the policy process to end this torturous practice. A recent op-ed by Psychiatrist Terry Kupers in the Orange County Register explains the massive psychological and physical damage solitary confinement causes. It also emphasizes how the passage of AB 280 will make a positive difference in the lives of incarcerated individuals by setting comprehensive limits on the use of solitary confinement in California. Stay tuned for more on how you can help us get this bill signed by the Governor this year.
Attention college students! 🎓📣 Institutional debt is money owed directly to colleges and universities! Left unpaid, it can prevent students from:
❌ Enrolling in classes
❌ Receiving diplomas
❌ Receiving tax benefits
Sound familiar? Share your story with us today!
★ Did You Know? March is Women’s History Month! Keep your eyes on NextGen’s Twitter (X) page, where all month long we’ll be honoring the amazing women leaders who make a difference and positively impact our state, communities, and lives each day. We’d also like to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate all of the amazing women-identifying individuals from the NextGen team in honor of Women’s History Month – thank you for your dedication to building a more equitable, just, and progressive California for all!
★ Member Spotlight: With the Primary Election behind us, we’d like to shine a spotlight on Senator Monique Limón, a champion for inclusive democracy in California! NextGen is proud to support her bill SB 299, which will bring Secure Automatic Voter Registration (SAVR) to California with the goal of increasing voter turnout and achieving a more representative democracy. Keep up with her work by following her on Twitter (X)!
★ Legislative Deadlines and Insights: Budget subcommittee hearings are currently underway in the State Legislature. These important Senate and Assembly subcommittees will continue to meet during the next few months to review the Governor’s proposed budget and begin to craft their version of California’s annual spending plan. The state budget is an expression of values and budget subcommittees are open to the public and a great way to learn more about what programs California’s elected officials are prioritizing for funding!
★ Our Mission: NextGen Policy fights for progressive policy change to address environmental, social, racial, gender, and economic inequities through justice-centered legislative advocacy, grassroots partnerships, and democratic civic engagement.
Thank you for being a part of our journey to create a more equitable and prosperous California. As we continue to push for progressive policy change, we invite you to make a difference by donating to support our organization. Your contribution will directly impact our efforts to address environmental, social, and economic inequities throughout our state.