Today, the Social Work Policy Network offers a glimpse of their weekly e-update.
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REDISTRICTING
So, congressional districts and state districts are being redrawn. Who cares?
"You should! Changes to district maps can alter the balance of power in Congress and in the states. The new maps last for a decade. They can give one party an unfair advantage — in each state, and nationwide. This year, with an extremely slim Democratic margin in the House of Representatives, simply redrawing maps in a few key states could determine control of Congress in 2022."
Learn more about the redistricting process in YOUR state.
Next week's redistricting topic: Gerrymandering.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Public Service And Political Acton: How to be a Voice for Your Community with Rutgers School of Social Work
November 18, 2021 (4:30 - 5:30 PM EST) via Zoom. Free. Registration Required.
"MAP Alum Marla Blunt-Carter, MSW ‘03 talks about her experiences as a social worker practicing in political campaigns and senior advisory positions.
Marla Blunt-Carter is an Assistant Professor of Professional Practice at the SSW, and an MSW MAP alumnus. Her career has included numerous positions in politics and practice including projects manager in the Senate office of then U.S. Senator Joe Biden; a state director for the 2008 Obama/Biden presidential campaign; a senior agency liaison in the Executive Office in the Obama administration; and senior advisor for Delaware Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester."
One field hour credit for all applicable attendees.
LOCAL & REGIONAL UPDATES
What’s in NJ’s slice of the infrastructure bill - on-time trains, better roads?, NJ Spotlight: "New Jersey will be able to tap into $8 billion over five years to help advance the Hudson River tunnel project. Amtrak will get $24 billion for Northeast Corridor improvements. Moreover, NJ Transit can count on $4 billion to upgrade its aging rolling stock and refurbish old train stations.
The bill also includes millions to build electric-vehicle charging stations across the state; replace lead lines that contaminate drinking water; expand high-speed internet".
Bills to expand harm reduction programs and decriminalize syringes advance, NJ Monitor: "Two bills that would expand New Jerseyans’ access to safe-needle sites and decriminalize syringes advanced Monday in the Legislature, despite opposition from Republicans.".. Supporters said both bills are critical to protecting public health, because safe syringes are key to reducing the transmission of HIV, hepatitis C, and other bloodborne diseases".
NATIONAL UPDATES
States have the power to make or break the infrastructure law, Vox:
"In the coming months — and years — federal agencies will distribute billions of dollars for everything from bridge repairs to public transit expansions to bike paths. Most of this money will go directly to state governments, which will have significant discretion over which projects they’d like to fund... Because the bill doesn’t include enough funding to cover the entirety of the country’s infrastructure needs, states and other regional entities will have to decide which roads get repaired..".
Investing in Housing Vouchers Critical to Protecting Children From Hardship, Building More Equitable Future, CBPP: "The Build Back Better legislation that Congress is considering includes a significant step toward that goal - $24 billion for Housing Choice Vouchers...Rigorous research shows that receiving a voucher can have profound benefits for a child’s mental and physical health and educational success, and it can help keep families together by reducing placements in foster care. Due to the systemic barriers...renters of color living with children are even more likely to be behind on rent, particularly Black households with children.
PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Research Project Coordinator II, Center for American Women and Politics (New Brunswick, NJ)
Senior Research Associate, CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance (NYC)
Policy & Project Assistant, City of Philadelphia (Philadelphia, PA)
The Social Work Policy Network's e-newsletter is created by:
Brittany Libby, MSW Graduate Student, Network Research Assistant
Dr. Lenna Nepomnyaschy, RU Associate Professor, Network Founder
