PLI Bulletin

Wage Theft, 911 Systems, Declining Arrests and More

Posted on February 23, 2022

Wage Theft Protection Act: There is a pandemic of wage theft across our country. The victims, who are low-wage workers, are the least able to enforce their rights. The Wage Theft Protection Act is a selection of model provisions which promote equity and the rule of law.

Frame the debate – or lose: On February 15, three members of the San Francisco School Board lost a recall election. Numerous pundits have said this means Democrats have gone too far to the left, or alternatively, they have become too “woke.” Neither of these are on point. For the real problem, read the latest IdeaLog, our blog intended to raise eyebrows and engage minds.

Transforming the 911 system: 911 systems have saved countless lives but they routinely deploy police even in situations when other first responders might be more effective. New approaches are discussed on the GovLove podcast.

Arrests and imprisonment declined dramatically over 10 years: Since 2009, arrests declined substantially for property crime (-38%), DUI (-29%), assault (-22%) and violent crime (-15%), but at the same time, arrests for drug possession stayed the same, according to a Pew report.

Disconnect between Americans’ personal satisfaction and satisfaction with government or society: For the past ten years or so, people’s personal experience have had almost no impact on how they view America, according to the Gallup Poll.

Stop intimidation of election workers: Washington SB 5148, making it a felony to threaten physical harm of an election official for doing his/her duty, passed the Senate and will probably be enacted. Every jurisdiction should copy this. PLI’s model “Stop Intimidation” bill is here.