Since the 1930’s State Public Affairs Committees (SPAC), a Public Affairs Committees (PAC) and Legislative Issues Committees (LIC) were developed to influence public policy on specific issues within a particular geographic area such as a state, a county or a city. Many of our nation’s state laws originated from ideas proposed by SPAC, PAC and LIC committees of the Junior League.
SPAC uses the voice of League members to influence legislation by educating and taking action on public policy issues relevant to the League’s mission.
North Carolina continues to make impressive progress to combat human trafficking by passing important legislation, thus resulting in our state improving its Report Card rating from Shared Hope, International from D to B in just four years.
As JLC Advocacy efforts continues to focus on sustaining the Healthy Child Initiative: including dental, mental, and physical health of children and their families, the SPAC committee wishes to proposal a JLC Public Stand supporting the following legislation. The goal is to educate members on these laws to help make an informed decision prior to the March General Membership Meeting. The intent of the general membership vote is to publicly state that our organization supports the bills.
Public Stand for approval at the March 2015 General Membership Meeting (GMM):
The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. stands behind North Carolina Senate Bill 262; Senate Bill 178; House Bill 576 and House Bill 181.
The proposed bills align with our Healthy Family Initiative and advocacy efforts to address human trafficking and homelessness in the state of North Carolina.
- 262 Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act (RHYTPA)
Provide safe shelter and services, extends stay and quality of services
- R. 576 Homeless Children and Youth Act of 2015 R
Redefines the criteria for homeless youth
- R.181 Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015
Amendments to provide grants for training and services for child human trafficking
- 178 Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015
(Identical to H.R. 181)
Each JLC members is encouraged to review the legislation to be fully informed before the March GMM vote. Details on the bills are on the JLC State Public Affairs Committee webpage here or Congress.gov.
~By TaLeayah Johnson
