Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
STAND UP AMERICA: FLORIDA GOP PASSES PARTISAN GERRYMANDERING SCHEME
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- Stand Up America, an organization was born in 2016 as a digital-first grassroots community working to resist what they say is Donald Trump's corruption, racism and his threats to democracy, issued the following news release on April 29, 2026:
* * *
FLORIDA GOP PASSES PARTISAN GERRYMANDERING SCHEME
TALLAHASSEE, FL.-- Today, Republican lawmakers in Florida passed legislation redrawing the state's congressional districts to give their party four more seats in Congress, even though Florida's constitution explicitly bans partisan gerrymandering. The new maps are now headed to
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- Stand Up America, an organization was born in 2016 as a digital-first grassroots community working to resist what they say is Donald Trump's corruption, racism and his threats to democracy, issued the following news release on April 29, 2026:
* * *
FLORIDA GOP PASSES PARTISAN GERRYMANDERING SCHEME
TALLAHASSEE, FL.-- Today, Republican lawmakers in Florida passed legislation redrawing the state's congressional districts to give their party four more seats in Congress, even though Florida's constitution explicitly bans partisan gerrymandering. The new maps are now headed toGovernor DeSantis-who will undoubtedly approve them. For years, Governor DeSantis has faced accusations of voter suppression and gutting representation for Black Floridians.
Stand Up America's Managing Director of Policy & Political Affairs, Brett Edkins, issued the following statement:
"Today, Florida became the fifth Republican state after Texas, Ohio, North Carolina, and Missouri to pass new gerrymandered maps in a desperate attempt to rig the 2026 midterms and protect Donald Trump and his sycophants in Congress. Floridians face skyrocketing housing, insurance, gas, and utility costs, but Governor Ron DeSantis and Republican lawmakers' number one priority was to do Donald Trump's bidding and restrict Floridians' freedom to vote with a state SAVE Act and gerrymandered maps.
"In a democracy, voters should pick their leaders, not the other way around. While these new maps will make it harder to hold Trump and Congress accountable, in America, power rests with the people, and the people will not forget this assault on their freedom to vote in November."
* * *
About Stand Up America
Stand Up America is a progressive advocacy organization with 2.8 million community members across the country. Focused on grassroots advocacy to stand up to corruption and voter suppression and build a more representative democracy, Stand Up America has driven nearly 2 million calls to lawmakers, registered over 100,000 voters, mobilized over 100,000 protestors, and contacted tens of millions of voters.
* * *
Original text here: https://standupamerica.com/2026/04/florida-gop-passes-partisan-gerrymandering-scheme/
[Category: Political]
Michigan League for Public Policy Opposes Legislation That Proposes Drastic Property Tax Cuts That Would Strip Funding Away From Public Schools and Local Governments
LANSING, Michigan, May 1 -- The Michigan League for Public Policy issued the following statement on April 30, 2026:
* * *
League opposes legislation that proposes drastic property tax cuts that would strip funding away from public schools and local governments
The Michigan League for Public Policy issued the following statement on House Bills 5872-5878 and HJR T, which were considered by the Michigan House Government Operations Committee today. The legislation would eliminate the state education property tax, repeal the state real estate transfer tax, eliminate the personal property tax and
... Show Full Article
LANSING, Michigan, May 1 -- The Michigan League for Public Policy issued the following statement on April 30, 2026:
* * *
League opposes legislation that proposes drastic property tax cuts that would strip funding away from public schools and local governments
The Michigan League for Public Policy issued the following statement on House Bills 5872-5878 and HJR T, which were considered by the Michigan House Government Operations Committee today. The legislation would eliminate the state education property tax, repeal the state real estate transfer tax, eliminate the personal property tax andeliminate uncapping of taxable value for certain transfers of property. The statement can be attributed to Michigan League for Public Policy President and CEO Monique Stanton.
"These property tax cuts would strip away funding that our public schools and local governments rely upon in order to provide basic, essential services to Michiganders.
"What is being proposed would undo recent years of improved financial support for our state's K-12 educational system after decades of disinvestment, resulting in worse outcomes for students and a continuation of the concerning educational trends that we are seeing across multiple data sources. The Annie E. Casey Foundation's KIDS COUNT data, for example, continues to rank Michigan among the bottom 10 states in the country in terms of education. Pulling billions of dollars out of our public schools will only make matters worse, stifling efforts that have been made to improve literacy and math scores, provide adequate mental health and school safety services, and target investments to the students who need the most support.
"Local governments provide us all with vital services, from public safety to parks and recreation, trash and recycling, and safe roads to travel on each day. Pulling revenue from local governments would likely force municipalities to either cut services or turn to more regressive revenue streams like fines and fees to meet the needs of their communities. People need EMS when they are having a medical emergency. They want street lights that work. They want to be able to take their kid to soccer games at the local park. They want their trash and recycling to be picked up at the curb.
"In the wake of the so-called 'One Big, Beautiful Bill Act' and at a time when costs are on the rise, we should not be taking basic services away from Michiganders through irresponsible property tax cuts that will do nothing if not very little for families with low incomes. We urge the Michigan House of Representatives to vote no on this legislation."
* * *
The Michigan League for Public Policy, www.mlpp.org, is a nonprofit policy institute focused on opportunity for all. Its mission is to advance economic security, racial equity, health and well-being for all people in Michigan through policy change. It is the only state-level organization that addresses poverty in a comprehensive way.
* * *
Original text here: https://mlpp.org/league-opposes-legislation-that-proposes-drastic-property-tax-cuts-that-would-strip-funding-away-from-public-schools-and-local-governments/
[Category: Political]
League of Women Voters Condemns Supreme Court Ruling Dismantling the Bedrock of the Civil Rights Movement
WASHINGTON, May 1 [Category: Political] -- The League of Women Voters issued the following statement on April 29, 2026:
* * *
League of Women Voters Condemns Supreme Court Ruling Dismantling the Bedrock of the Civil Rights Movement
The League of Women Voters President Dianna Wynn and CEO Celina Stewart issued the following joint statement in response to the US Supreme Court's 6-3 decision in Louisiana v. Callais, a case concerning the constitutionality of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
"In recent months and years, we have watched this Court become less faithful to its constitutional
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 1 [Category: Political] -- The League of Women Voters issued the following statement on April 29, 2026:
* * *
League of Women Voters Condemns Supreme Court Ruling Dismantling the Bedrock of the Civil Rights Movement
The League of Women Voters President Dianna Wynn and CEO Celina Stewart issued the following joint statement in response to the US Supreme Court's 6-3 decision in Louisiana v. Callais, a case concerning the constitutionality of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
"In recent months and years, we have watched this Court become less faithful to its constitutionalmandate, but today, we have witnessed the final nail in the coffin of its legitimacy. By weakening Section 2 to the point of inoperability, the Court sends a clear message: racial discrimination in redistricting against Black voters and other voters of color is acceptable as long as you don't say it out loud. This will immediately open the door to racist redistricting; indeed, we have already seen it happening in anticipation of this decision.
"Section 2 was included in the Voting Rights Act of 1965 alongside Section 5 because Congress knew that racial discrimination in voting was nationwide and not limited to the Deep South. Congress has made clear that a Section 2 claim does not require proof of intent to discriminate because racial discrimination in voting can be accomplished through race-neutral means that conceal racist intent.
"The US Supreme Court has consistently upheld Section 2 to challenge racial discrimination in redistricting (most recently in Milligan in 2023), reassuring voters that despite its systematic dismantling of voting rights protections in Shelby, Brnovich, and others, the protections against discriminatory districting are here to stay. Today, the Court has abandoned its commitments to the Constitution and to the people it exists to serve.
"Today's decision will turn back decades of progress toward securing a multiracial democracy, and the League has a message to the people of this country: your vote matters, no matter what the majority of this Court says. Those in power try to silence you because your voice is powerful. But the people have the power to determine the direction of this democracy. And we will not let this decision, or any other that seeks to threaten the will of the American people, be the last word."
In its decision, the Court strikes down Louisiana's congressional map as an unconstitutional racial gerrymander under the Fourteenth Amendment to the US Constitution. Louisiana's legislature drew the congressional map with two majority-Black districts in response to a court order in a case brought by Black plaintiffs under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Louisiana now returns to a congressional map with only one majority-Black district in a state with more than one-third Black population.
The Court then effectively eliminates Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act by rewriting the rules of a Section 2 vote-dilution claim to ensure plaintiffs cannot succeed in future cases challenging racial discrimination in redistricting.
The League of Women Voters filed two amicus briefs in the case. To learn more, visit our case page on the Legal Center (https://www.lwv.org/legal-center/louisiana-v-callais).
* * *
Original text here: https://www.lwv.org/newsroom/press-releases/league-women-voters-condemns-supreme-court-ruling-dismantling-bedrock-civil
Human Rights First: Belfast Court Vindicates Springhill/Westrock Families' Struggle for Truth
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- Human Rights First issued the following news:
* * *
Belfast Court Vindicates Springhill/Westrock Families' Struggle for Truth
Belfast, Northern Ireland -- More than fifty years after the Springhill/Westrock killings in West Belfast, a coroner has concluded that the five people shot dead by British soldiers on 9 July 1972 should not have been killed. The victims were Father Noel Fitzpatrick, a local priest; Patrick Butler, a father of six; and three children - John Dougal (16), David McCafferty (15), and Margaret Gargan (13). Delivering his findings, Justice Scoffield also
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- Human Rights First issued the following news:
* * *
Belfast Court Vindicates Springhill/Westrock Families' Struggle for Truth
Belfast, Northern Ireland -- More than fifty years after the Springhill/Westrock killings in West Belfast, a coroner has concluded that the five people shot dead by British soldiers on 9 July 1972 should not have been killed. The victims were Father Noel Fitzpatrick, a local priest; Patrick Butler, a father of six; and three children - John Dougal (16), David McCafferty (15), and Margaret Gargan (13). Delivering his findings, Justice Scoffield alsofound that much of the military evidence presented to the inquest was false.
The inquest concluded in April 2024, just hours before the deadline imposed by the 2023 Legacy Act to end conflict-related inquests. After years of delay and sustained campaigning, the proceedings closed with families applauding, describing it as a moment of recognition after more than five decades of waiting to find out who was responsible.
"This is the moment the families have been waiting for," said Brian Dooley, Senior Advisor for Human Rights First, who was in court when the findings were delivered. "They have campaigned with extraordinary determination through decades of delay and obstruction to get to the truth about what happened to their loved ones. Today's findings are a vindication of that long fight."
Human Rights First has worked on Northern Ireland accountability issues since the 1980s, including monitoring attacks and threats against human rights lawyers. For several years, HRF has supported the Springhill/Westrock families in their search for the truth, attended court proceedings, and lobbied for their right to a full inquest. HRF continues to oppose legislative efforts to shut down conflict-related inquests like this one.
The Springhill/Westrock inquest shows the continued need for independent investigations into killings involving state forces and others, where families have fought for decades to get answers.
* * *
Original text here: https://humanrightsfirst.org/library/belfast-court-vindicates-springhill-westrock-families-struggle-for-truth/
[Category: Sociological]
FFRF Action Fund: 'Secularist' Wajahat Ali Confronts Extremist Pastor Doug Wilson
MADISON, Wisconsin, May 1 -- FFRF Action Fund, an organization that says it develops and advocates for legislation, regulations and government programs to preserve the constitutional principle of separation between state and church, posted the following news on April 30, 2026:
* * *
'Secularist' Wajahat Ali confronts extremist Pastor Doug Wilson
The FFRF Action Fund bestows its "Secularist of the Week" award to writer Wajahat Ali for his recent confrontation with extremist pastor Doug Wilson on a recent "Piers Morgan Uncensored" episode.
During an appearance on Morgan's show, Ali, a prominent
... Show Full Article
MADISON, Wisconsin, May 1 -- FFRF Action Fund, an organization that says it develops and advocates for legislation, regulations and government programs to preserve the constitutional principle of separation between state and church, posted the following news on April 30, 2026:
* * *
'Secularist' Wajahat Ali confronts extremist Pastor Doug Wilson
The FFRF Action Fund bestows its "Secularist of the Week" award to writer Wajahat Ali for his recent confrontation with extremist pastor Doug Wilson on a recent "Piers Morgan Uncensored" episode.
During an appearance on Morgan's show, Ali, a prominentwriter and podcast host, chastised Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's personal pastor. Wilson is notorious for his extreme misogynistic and racist beliefs, and, of course, for refuting the existence of the separation between state and church. While discussing the war in Iran, President Trump's jabs at Pope Leo XIV and an increasingly fractured Republican base, Ali turned his criticism toward Wilson and his spiritual guidance of Hegseth.
"Listen real quick, pastor," Ali said. "I have no problem attacking wolves in sheep's clothing. I have no problem attacking a man who wrote that American slavery was mutually harmonious between the slave master and the slave. That's you."
"I have no problem attacking a man who proudly says he wants to do away with the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote," he continued. "I have no problem attacking a man like yourself who sits here incoherently supporting an incoherent, unwinnable, illegal war in Iran. I have no problem attacking you, a man who is the religious leader of Pete Hegseth, a man who's a cosplay crusader who's leading some type of crusade."
"Probably you put him on as secretary of defense, getting Americans and innocent civilians killed. I wish you would be a better Christian. I wish you would open up the bible," Ali further stated.
Ali then turned to his own religious background, asserting, "I wish you would meet the Jesus that I met when I went to an all-boys Jesuit Catholic high school. The Jesus that took care of the sick, that took care of the poor, that welcomed the immigrant, that welcomed the marginalized, that helped them. But instead, you've used Jesus as a mascot for, I don't know, your white Christian supremacy, your cruelty, your misogyny."
"And I'm so glad that people are finally waking up to your cruelty," Ali concluded. "And to the idiocy of your star disciple, Pete Hegseth, who keeps messing up and literally does not read the bible and quotes 'Pulp Fiction.' Just sit with them. Maybe both of you can read the Constitution, read the bible, and just take a break, pastor."
Ali posted his confrontation with Wilson to X, adding the caption, "I had some words for Cosplay Crusader @PeteHegseth and his Pastor Doug Wilson, who doesn't believe in the 19th Amendment or the separation of Church and State. Thanks to my Jesuit High School for teaching me the Bible."
Listen to Ali's full remarks here (https://thelefthook.substack.com/p/its-time-to-drag-pete-hegseths-bigoted?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true).
Alongside a Substack venture titled "The Left Hook," Ali also co-hosts the podcast "democracy-ish" and has been a New York Times contributing op-ed writer and a columnist for The Daily Beast and The Progressive magazine.
FFRF Action Fund heartily thanks Ali for confronting Wilson. His references to his personal religious background will resonate with many religious Americans who are allies of the fundamental separation between state and church. All Americans must be made aware of Wilson's extremist, dangerous beliefs and his personal connections to the Trump administration through Hegseth.
* * *
FFRF Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) organization that develops and advocates for legislation, regulations and government programs to preserve the constitutional principle of separation between state and church. It also advocates for the rights and views of nonbelievers, endorses candidates for political office, and publicizes the views of elected officials concerning religious liberty issues.
* * *
Original text here: https://ffrfaction.org/secularist-wajahat-ali-confronts-extremist-pastor-doug-wilson/
[Category: Sociological]
CAIR Calls on Congress to Demand Release of Gaza Flotilla Activists - Including Americans - Kidnapped by Israel in International Waters
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on April 30, 2026:
* * *
CAIR Calls on Congress to Demand Release of Gaza Flotilla Activists - Including Americans - Kidnapped by Israel in International Waters
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on members of Congress to demand that Israel immediately release of a group of Gaza humanitarian flotilla activists, including American citizens, kidnapped in international waters in a "blatant" violation of international
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on April 30, 2026:
* * *
CAIR Calls on Congress to Demand Release of Gaza Flotilla Activists - Including Americans - Kidnapped by Israel in International Waters
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on members of Congress to demand that Israel immediately release of a group of Gaza humanitarian flotilla activists, including American citizens, kidnapped in international waters in a "blatant" violation of internationallaw.
Israeli naval forces launched a midnight raid on civilian vessels carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza near the coast of Crete on 30 April, seizing dozens of boats and abducting about 175 activists, according to statements by the Global Sumud Flotilla. The flotilla said at least 15 vessels were seized, while Israel's Foreign Ministry claimed around 175 activists from more than 20 boats were taken into custody. A separate account from the convoy stated that 21 vessels were captured and others forced to flee into Greek waters.
SEE: Apartheid without borders': Israel abducts dozens of Gaza flotilla activists in international waters (https://thecradle.co/articles-id/37419)
'Act of piracy': World reacts to Israeli interception of Gaza aid flotilla | Israel-Palestine conflict News | Al Jazeera (https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/4/30/act-of-piracy-world-reacts-to-israeli-interception-of-gaza-aid-flotilla)
Switzerland urges Israel to respect rights of aid flotilla participants, int'l law over Gaza flotilla interception (https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/switzerland-urges-israel-to-respect-rights-of-aid-flotilla-participants-intl-law-over-gaza-flotilla-interception/3923276)
In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
"Congress must demand that the Israeli apartheid government immediately release the American citizens and other humanitarian activists it kidnapped in international waters in a blatant violation of international law. Our nation would not tolerate, much less fund, the kidnapping of American citizens in international waters off the coast of Greece by any other state. It is long past time for the out-of-control Netanyahu regime to face consequences of its crimes, including American citizens."
* * *
Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-calls-on-congress-to-demand-release-of-gaza-flotilla-activists-including-americans-kidnapped-by-israel-in-international-waters/
[Category: Sociological]
CA CPUC Votes to Protect Ratepayers
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Food and Water Watch posted the following news release:
* * *
CA CPUC Votes to Protect Ratepayers
Food & Water Watch applauds CPUC for making the right call
*
Moments ago, the California Public Utilities Commission voted to stop SoCalGas from using ratepayers to recoup costs for their dangerous and unnecessary Angeles Link Project - the company's plans to build pipelines to move hydrogen across Los Angeles and other parts of Southern California.
Food & Water Watch Los Angeles Organizing Manager Andrea Vega released the following statement:
"Today the CPUC prioritized
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Food and Water Watch posted the following news release:
* * *
CA CPUC Votes to Protect Ratepayers
Food & Water Watch applauds CPUC for making the right call
*
Moments ago, the California Public Utilities Commission voted to stop SoCalGas from using ratepayers to recoup costs for their dangerous and unnecessary Angeles Link Project - the company's plans to build pipelines to move hydrogen across Los Angeles and other parts of Southern California.
Food & Water Watch Los Angeles Organizing Manager Andrea Vega released the following statement:
"Today the CPUC prioritizedratepayers over corporate profits and we applaud them for making the right move. Ratepayers should never be on the hook for any hydrogen project of any kind. This decision also underscores what Angelenos have been saying for years: the hydrogen farce needs to stop. We must stop this foray into industry boondoggles that only keep us reliant on fossil fuels and instead invest in truly renewable, clean and sustainable energy. Hydrogen has no place in California's energy future."
Hydrogen is too water intensive to be a viable climate solution, produces noxious pollutants at rates even higher than natural gas and ultimately is an industry scheme that will only entrench the fossil fuel industry and perpetuate the harm already being done to communities experiencing the brunt of the effects of climate change and pollution.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/2026/04/30/ca-cpuc-votes-to-protect-ratepayers/
[Category: Science]
