Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduces her “A Just Society” legislation stating:
“A just society (the government through the U.S. tax payer) provides a living wage, safe working conditions, and healthcare. A just society (the government) acknowledges the value of immigrants to our communities. A just society ( the government through the U.S. tax payer) guarantees safe, comfortable, and affordable housing. By strengthening our social and economic foundations, we are preparing ourselves to embark on the journey to save our planet by rebuilding our economy and cultivate a just society.” ~ Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.
A Just Society legislation aims to combat the greatest threats to our country, our democracy, and our planet: economic inequality and climate change.
That “Just Society” proposals are made up of five different pieces of legislation that deal with issues including housing, welfare, poverty and human rights.
The Recognizing Poverty Act directs the Department of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with the Bureau of Census and Bureau of Labor Statistics, to adjust the federal poverty line to account for geographic cost variation, costs related to health insurance, work expenses for the family, child care needs, and new necessities, like internet access.
“The Place to Prosper Act” would prevent year-over-year rent increases of more than three percent.
“The Embrace Act” would allow illegal immigrants to claim the same welfare benefits as U.S. citizens and those who immigrated here legally.
The Mercy In Re-entry Act will disallow the granting of public benefits based on whether a person was convicted of a criminal offense.
The Uplift Workers Act directs the Department of Labor, in collaboration with the office of Management and Budget, to create a “worker-friendly score” for federal contracts. This score would consider factors such as paid-family leave, scheduling predictability, a $15 minimum wage or otherwise prevailing wage, and union membership to ensure that all federal agencies prioritize contractors that are “worker-friendly” when deciding what entities deserve public funds.
Guarantees the Economic, Social and Cultural Rights for All would urge the U.S. to ratify the U.N.’s Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
