R.I. Gov. Chafee signs first-in-nation 'homeless bill of rights'
Source: Providence Journal
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Governor Chafee has signed legislation providing Rhode Island with a first-in-the-nation "homeless bill of rights" to protect people who are homeless from discrimination in employment, emergency medical care, use of public spaces, voting and in dealings with state, city and private agencies.
Among things it spells out in law:
-- The right to seek and keep a job even if a person does not have permanent housing
-- The right to use public spaces such as sidewalks, public parks, public transportation, public buildings
-- The right to emergency medical care free from discrimination
-- The right to vote and register to vote
Read more: http://news.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/2012/06/ri-gov-chafee-s-10.html
sakabatou
(42,082 posts)siligut
(12,272 posts)But it is extra important, at this point in time, that the right to register and vote is enforced.
alittlelark
(18,886 posts)I know he was R awhile ago...
Just looked it up - he's been Independent since 2007.
Very nice move Chaffee!
Fearless
(18,421 posts)MannyGoldstein
(34,589 posts)New England Republicans are pretty far to the left of Democrats in almost any other region these days. Even Romney ran as a lefty, did a 180 halfway through his term.
Arkana
(24,347 posts)He was the only Republican to vote against the Iraq war resolution when he was still in the Senate. He's pro-choice, pro-environment, and pro-a lot of other things that Republicans hate.
I'd argue Chafee's more liberal and has more of a conscience than a lot of Democrats.
Mz Pip
(27,403 posts)THey did exist a long time ago in a galaxy far far away.
MannyGoldstein
(34,589 posts)A bastion of sanity and decency.
Congratulations to the people of Rhode Island.
emilyg
(22,742 posts)SunSeeker
(51,367 posts)Posteritatis
(18,807 posts)pacalo
(24,721 posts)We need more governors like Gov. Chafee!
Phlem
(6,323 posts)-p
truthisfreedom
(23,113 posts)Freaking amazing.
Scootaloo
(25,699 posts)4th law of robotics
(6,801 posts)like by creating job programs for those who can work and providing mental help for the rest.
But I suppose guaranteeing someone the right to sleep on the sidewalk is a step up.
warrprayer
(4,734 posts)The problem isn't getting better, it's getting worse. About time someone took positive action.
Response to Fearless (Original post)
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