Defending Local Democracy

With Powerful Language on the Nature of Discrimination, U.S. Appeals Court Revives Race Discrimination Case Against Alabama

August 3, 2018
Defending Local Democracy

In an exciting ruling, a federal appeals court held that a group of Birmingham, AL, residents could go ahead with their lawsuit claiming that a state law rolling back Birmingham’s minimum wage increase constituted race discrimination in violation of the Constitution.

Celebrating Victories, Energizing for the Road Ahead: Equality Federation Leadership Conference 2018

July 31, 2018
Defending Local Democracy, LGBTQ, State Laws, Uncategorized

One of the many high points at the conference was hearing about the incredible cross-movement work happening at the local level, even in the face of state interference.

Beware: Congress’s “WorkFlex” Bill is an Attack on Workers, Families, and Local Democracy

July 23, 2018
Defending Local Democracy, Fair & Flexible Work, LGBTQ, National Laws, Paid Family Leave, Paid Sick Time

Congress's “Workflex in the 21st Century” bill will undermine robust state and local paid sick leave and fair scheduling laws as well as efforts nationwide to ensure that workers can take time off to care for their loved ones.

Regressive State Laws Undermine Local Progress on LGBTQ Rights

May 8, 2018
Defending Local Democracy, LGBTQ

These license-to-discriminate laws allow businesses to refuse to serve individuals if doing so would be contrary to religious beliefs. While it is unfortunate that states are still working to undermine LGBTQ rights, ABB stands with those who are instead fighting for more inclusive and equitable laws.

Standing Up for Austin’s Paid Sick and Safe Time Law

May 7, 2018
Defending Local Democracy, Paid Sick Time

The challenge to Austin’s ordinance claims, among other things, that Texas’s minimum wage law limits the city’s authority to pass a paid sick and safe time law. Fortunately for Austin workers, the state’s minimum wage law—applying as it does to minimum wage, and not other employee benefits—does no such thing.

State Legislatures Are Blocking Equal Pay

April 10, 2018
Defending Local Democracy, Workplace Equality

Equal Pay Day is not a holiday. It is a day to recognize the many structural inequities, from sexism to racism to the maternal wage gap, that result in U.S. women earning 82 cents—and Black women earning 68 cents—for every dollar their white male counterparts make.

ABB Fights for Paid Sick Time Laws in Legislatures and in Courts

February 21, 2018
City Laws, Defending Local Democracy, Paid Sick Time

More and more cities and states, recognizing that paid sick time is an important tool to reduce the spread of infectious disease, are moving to require employers to provide paid sick days, and ABB is helping at every stage of the process.

Nashville, TN’s city council passed the Do Better Bill to encourage more transparency about conditions for workers and businesses

January 12, 2018
City Laws, Defending Local Democracy

Thanks to the leadership of our partners at the Central Labor Council and Stand Up Nashville, the Do Better bill will encourage more transparency about conditions for workers for businesses who receive tax breaks or grants from the City.

Fed Watch: The Supreme Court’s Huge Case on Voting Maps: What It Means for Progressive Advocates

October 5, 2017
Defending Local Democracy, LGBTQ, Paid Family Leave, Paid Sick Time

Partisan gerrymandering strikes to the heart of our political process, making it harder for progressive advocates to make their voices heard at all levels of government. In Gill v. Whitford, the Supreme Court has an opportunity to defend local democracy, we hope that they will seize it.

Supporting Immigrant Families Loud & Clear

August 31, 2017
Defending Local Democracy, National Laws

Immigrant families deserve the opportunity to live and work in their communities, without fear of arbitrary deportation decisions. That's why ABB is working to support and defend the rights of immigrant families.