This guide contains an overview of some of the leading organizations from around the country that are engaged in unearthing and combating the influence of money in the political process.
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This report card assesses the racial impacts of decisions made in the 2010 Washington legislative session, looking at a range of policy areas, from economic justice to health to civil rights and more. A collaborative effort of many racial justice organizations, the report collectively and individually grades Washington’s legislators on their votes that either promoted or obstructed racial justice.
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Washingtonians concerned with social justice are keeping a watchful eye on their elected officials.
Washington CAN! and the Northwest Federation of Community Organizations partnered to release Facing Race: 2009 Legislative Report Card on Racial Equity, the first ever report card to collectively and individually grade Washington’s state legislators and governor on their votes that either promoted or obstructed racial justice. Continue reading
This report reflects a unique collaboration between the Portland Police Bureau, Oregon Action, Northwest Federation of Community Organizations, the Center for Intercultural Organizing and the Northwest Constitutional Rights Center, who came together to create an opportunity for dialogue between community members and Portland police on the issue of racial profiling.
A study conducted by the Montana People’s Action (MPA) reveals problems within the police department that lead to distrust and fear among residents of lower-income neighborhoods of the city. The report offers recommendations for truly serving and protecting the whole community.
In October 2003, Idaho Power filed a rate increase application with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Idaho Power’s request, as the PUC staff determined, is a gross overestimate of its actual needs – over $70 million more than Idaho Power could justify! Idaho families are struggling to make ends meet and pay power bills today. Idaho Power’s rate proposal would leave even more low-income families out in the cold.
Economic conditions in Idaho are squeezing low-income families from every direction. Unemployment continues to rise and many of Idaho’s families live in poverty. The rates of personal bankruptcy and lack of health insurance are also increasing. Skyrocketing energy costs are an unbearable burden when added to these economic realities. Energy consumers who turn to the state for help find that the Low-Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) budget is woefully inadequate, and that consumer protections for low-income consumers are not strong enough.
Over the last decade, Oregon’s economy has exploded with the creation of new jobs and massive migration from California and other states. This economic boom has dramatically increased housing costs. Meanwhile, federal funding for affordable housing has declined. There are many proven strategies available to Oregon communities that can be used to alleviate the problem and secure affordable housing.
Quality, affordable housing has become severely limited over recent years. A National Housing Trust Fund will make it easier for low-income families to find a place to live.
Idaho’s low-income families with a disabled member receiving SSI cannot access welfare. This report explains why Idaho should work to bring families of disabled people out of poverty.
