PLI Bulletin

Crime Wave, Worker Power, Progressive Agenda and More

Posted on January 12, 2022

Social Services Review Act: Almost every jurisdiction would benefit from a thoughtful assessment of current social services provided by governments and nonprofits. The Social Services Review Act launches such a review, including an assessment of the long-term costs of inaction, and requires recommendations for how programs can be improved.

Stories about a “crime wave” are a lie: In recent months, the right-wing media has gone hog wild lying about the crime rate. Here’s the truth: U.S. crime rates for both violent and property offenses have declined substantially since the pandemic began in early 2020. In fact, crime rates are at the lowest levels in decades. For details, read the latest IdeaLog, our blog intended to raise eyebrows and engage minds.

How Healthy Is U.S. Democracy One Year After Jan. 6? Right after the insurrection at the Capitol, it looked like more responsible Republican leaders would break ties with Trump and MAGA. But that all evaporated. Where we are now is discussed by the FiveThirtyEight Politics podcast.

More worker power is the only sure path to safe work and pandemic recovery: Workplaces are becoming more dangerous. Weak labor protections, eroded worker power and economic inequality are behind that danger, reports the Economic Policy Institute. Worker power is the answer.

More Americans Can Use Food Stamps for Restaurants, Prepared Meals: The longstanding policy against using SNAP for prepared foods is giving way. As Pew Stateline explains, states are creating programs that include some inexpensive restaurant meals.

2022 Progressive Agenda for States & Localities is here: The latest edition of the Progressive Agenda highlights 50 model bills and hyperlinks to more than 200 models. You can download a PDF with hyperlinks built-in, or read it in HTML text. Or email us for printed copies.