Statement on Racism and Violence Against the AAPI Community
We at the California WIC Association are saddened and horrified by the escalating acts of hatred and racism against the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) community, as well as the senseless gun violence perpetrated in Colorado this week. We stand in solidarity against racist threats and the dangers our AAPI friends, families and community members are living with every day. Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are valuable and equal members of our communities and we all have a responsibility to fight longstanding systemic racism and lead with equity and inclusion. There is no justification for senseless gun violence striking down and terrorizing individuals going about their daily business. The future of young children is bright only when they can live in safe and accepting environments and diversity is celebrated. CWA is committed to use to the fullest, our opportunities as a state WIC association to be an example of inclusivity and also provide corrective recommendations to dismantling systemic racism and threats to families.
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American Rescue Plan Signed
On March 12th, Congress passed and President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan (ARP), the $1.9 trillion COVID-relief package. Besides the $1400 payments to eligible individuals, the ARP included $880 million for WIC, including $490 million to enhance WIC benefits for four months and $390 million in outreach, innovation, and program modernization funding.
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Trump Era Public Charge Rule Permanently Blocked |
On March 9, 2021 the Biden Administration decided to stop defending lawsuits challenging the Trump-era public charge regulations. Federal courts reacted immediately, dismissing the government’s appeals. This means that the public charge policy now in place is as it was prior to the Trump administration’s rule change, as outlined in the 1999 Interim Field Guidance. The Protecting Immigrant Families campaign has made an updated fact sheet available here.
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WIC Act Reintroduced in House and Senate
Sens. Bob Casey (D-PA) and Susan Collins (R-ME) and Reps. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR), Linda Sánchez (D-CA), Kim Schrier (D-WA), and Don Young (R-AK) reintroduced the Wise Investment in our Children Act (WIC Act) in both chambers of Congress. The bill would expand child eligibility to age six or the beginning of kindergarten, expand postpartum eligibility to two years, and extend infant certification periods to two years.
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2 Weeks Paid Sick Leave for CA
Millions of California workers will get up to two weeks of supplemental paid sick leave to deal with exposure or effects of COVID-19, under a bill signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in March. California workers lost their two weeks of supplemental sick leave at the end of 2020. The new bill, which was supported by the California Work and Family Coalition, of which CWA is a member, is retroactive to Jan. 1, meaning employers may have to pay workers for any time they took off unpaid for the reasons listed above.
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CWA Leadership Academy Applications Open!
CA WIC staff can now apply for our 2021 Leadership Academy. The program has been expanded to 8 required sessions and 3 optional sessions. Please take time to review the requirements and sessions overview since the time commitments have changed. applications due April 12!
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Resilience: Supporting WIC Families - CWA Annual Conference
CWA’s annual conference and trade show addresses front line care and also needed systems changes. If you plan to attend, come ready to share your ideas, feel energized and strong. The draft agenda is posted and registration is open. Scroll here for all the info. Questions? You can contact Meghan.
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Covid Antibodies From Vaccination Passed to Babies in Utero and Through Breastmilk |
Pregnant women who receive a COVID-19 vaccine not only acquire protective antibodies against the virus for themselves but also may pass along immunity to their babies, emerging research shows.
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Grocery Store Access for WIC Shoppers |
The research arm of USDA, Economic Research Service, recently released two studies looking at cost containment and access to grocery stores specific to WIC food access, in the greater Los Angeles area. Increased availability of grocery stores providing WIC allowed foods reduces family travel to shop, and creates competition among stores for cost containment.
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CA Women Hard Hit by Economic Impact of COVID |
More women lost jobs than men due to COVID. Building on the California Women’s Well-Being Index, a project of CA Budget & Policy Center, the data provides a look at the disproportionate impact on Latinx, Black and immigrant women for pandemic job losses, ability to pay expenses and anxiety or depression.
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Tired at the Office? Take a Quick Break! |
Recent research shows that people are more likely to take 'microbreaks' at work on days when they're tired - but that's not a bad thing. Microbreaks help tired employees engage with their work better over the course of the day. |
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Tax Credits and Tax Help
Throughout California, millions of people are working hard to make life better for themselves and their families. WIC Can Help by playing a critical role in informing participants about their eligibility for various tax credits.
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Support CWA online!
As a nonprofit membership organization, CWA relies on the contributions of many organizations and individuals to help us achieve our mission. There are many ways to give of your time, talents, or resources to help CWA promote healthy families, strong communities, and bright futures! We appreciate all forms of support and invite you to join us!
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California WIC Association www.calwic.org
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