The impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act? The ADA, passed in 1990 under President George H.W. Bush, ensures equal opportunities and access for people with disabilities. It defines disability as an impairment that significantly limits a “major life activity,” such as breathing, walking, talking, hearing, seeing, sleeping, self-care, manual tasks, and working. Individuals qualify for […]
Understanding the Electoral College Debate
Background During American presidential elections, news coverage focuses on the “270 to win” count rather than the actual majority of individual votes that candidates receive. This is due to the fact that presidential elections are decided by a system called the Electoral College, in which a candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win the presidency. […]
Pros and Cons of TX SB1933
Introduction Since 2022, legislatures nationwide have been passing legislation to secure election processes. In 2023, eleven states passed voting laws that make voting more restrictive to ensure the integrity of the election process. One of these laws is Texas’s Senate Bill 1933. The 2023 bill allows the Secretary of State to control an election within […]
Understanding the Tobacco Advertising Debate
History and Background of Tobacco Advertising Tobacco companies have employed various advertising methods over the past 75 years. Advertising initially began in the 1940s when tobacco companies enlisted doctors and dentists to endorse their products with slogans like “Just What the Doctor Ordered” and “More Doctors Smoke Camels.” This evolved into celebrity endorsements in the […]
Voting Process: From Ballot to Inauguration
So, you figured out registering to vote, now HOW do you vote? With voting laws mainly being determined by state and local governments, understanding the voting process can be complicated. There are three main ways in which you may be asked to cast your vote: hand marked paper ballots, ballot marking devices, and direct recording […]
Local Government Roles
Overview: Local governments get their authority to rule only as it is granted by the state. They are the closest form of government to the people, therefore they have a deep understanding of their community’s unique challenges and priorities. They have the authority to enact laws, regulations, and policies tailored to the specific needs of […]
Pros and Cons of the Inflation Reduction Act
In its commitment to addressing climate change, the United States is focusing on transforming its existing energy systems to minimize carbon emissions and enhance the adoption of green energy. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which was signed into law by President Biden in August 2022, lays out a comprehensive strategy to achieve this transformation. This […]
US Response to the Recent Rise in Climate Refugees
Introduction As global temperatures rise, climate change is causing millions of people to be displaced from their homes each year. This phenomenon, known as “climate refugees,” is driven by flooding, fires, natural disasters, and resource scarcity. The increasing number of climate refugees is leading to intensified migration patterns across international borders, posing economic, social, and […]
Understanding the Access to Infertility & Care Act Debate
Background on Infertility & Fertility Preservation Infertility poses a significant public health challenge, affecting roughly one in six individuals worldwide, irrespective of income levels. In the United States, married women aged 15-49 face a notable prevalence, with approximately 19% experiencing difficulties conceiving. Furthermore, within this demographic, 26% of women who do conceive encounter challenges in […]
Pros and Cons of the New York City Rent Stabilization Act
Background The New York City Rent Stabilization Act, established in 1969, primarily involves two key stakeholder groups: landlords and tenants, with a particular focus on middle and low-income residents of New York City. This act institutes a rent stabilization system, which is a form of rent regulation designed to control the annual increases in rent […]