Sacramento County is following a national trend by initiating a pilot program for unrestricted financial aid to its most financially insecure residents. The program, approved by the Sacramento Board of Supervisors, will distribute $725 monthly to low-income Black and Native American families. The county is collaborating with United Way to fund this initiative. 

This program builds on Sacramento County’s past collaborations with United Way on similar basic-income programs. Previously, around 100 families received $300 each month for one year, starting in June 2021 and ending in May 2023.

With this new approved plan, families will get twice as much as previously, but with inflation we can’t keep but wonder, are the families getting more help now or will they cover the same costs as before?

Anti-DEI Law is already affecting latinos in higher education

The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) eliminated programs that support Latino students, such as the Multicultural Engagement Center (MEC) and Latinx Community Affairs. This follows a statewide anti-DEI law in Texas that restricts diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

These programs were crucial for Latino students’ academic and social success at UT Austin. Kelly Solis, a graduating senior, is one example. She found support from the MEC and Latinx Community Affairs during her freshman year, which helped her cope with isolation and loneliness.

The elimination of these programs disproportionately harms Latino students, who already have lower graduation rates than white students. Opponents of the anti-DEI law argue that it is racially motivated and hurts the state in the long run, as Latinos are a growing demographic in Texas.

Universities across the country are facing similar challenges due to anti-DEI laws. Some universities are renaming their DEI offices or eliminating DEI positions altogether.

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