As we commemorate the two-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) today, August 16, there is much to celebrate about this historic legislation. The IRA represents the largest-ever climate investment in our country’s history, creating unprecedented opportunities for clean energy savings.
However, we at L4GG are acutely aware that historically marginalized communities often lack the resources to access the IRA’s historic funding opportunities. In response, we have intensified our efforts over the past two years to ensure that the benefits of the IRA reach those who need them most. See what we’ve been up to!
Not enough people are talking about the water crisis in Jackson, MS. On Tuesday, the Mississippi governor declared a state of emergency for Jackson’s water system, the city’s largest treatment plant. Most of the city’s 150,000 residents are without running water, having to rely on bottled water for drinking, showering, brushing their teeth, and cooking.
Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), the nation’s largest community of attorneys committed to human rights and equal justice for all, and New Georgia Project, a nonpartisan, nonprofit voting rights and civic engagement organization in Georgia, today released a report on ‘ballot selfies’, or the practice of taking photos of oneself at the ballot box and/or with their ballots.
A ballot selfie is when a person takes a photo of themselves holding their marked ballot and usually uploads the photo to a social media account to show friends that they voted, and for whom they voted. Ballot selfies are a great way to promote voting and engage with one’s community, yet many states have laws that prohibit them. Advocacy organizations are concerned that laws prohibiting ballot selfies are tools of voter suppression, and another way to criminalize ordinary behavior.
Click here to download “Selfie-Defense Training: Understanding and Reforming Laws that Ban Photographing and Sharing Your Ballot”
The report found that ballot selfies are completely legal in 28 states, and illegal in 13 states. Five states have laws prohibiting ballot selfies at polling locations, but not when casting a mail-in or absentee ballot. Six states have laws governing ballot selfies that are unclear. The report calls for states to update their laws to explicitly allow voters the right to take a ballot selfie, and prevent voter fraud and bribery without curtailing free speech.
At Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), we are privileged to highlight volunteers who are strong in their dedication to advancing justice. This month, we recognize Lindsay Polega for her exceptional work in reproductive rights advocacy. Through her involvement with the League of Women Voters (LWV), the Jane Network, and pro bono cases protecting access to reproductive health clinics, Lindsay has become a vital force in Florida’s fight for reproductive justice.
The 2024 election marked a pivotal moment in the fight for reproductive rights in the United States. Lawyers for Good Government’s webinar, featuring Khadijah Silver (Supervising Attorney for Civil Rights) and Alyssa Morrison (Reproductive Justice Staff Attorney), provided a deep dive into the outcomes of abortion-related ballot measures across ten states, as well as the challenges faced and lessons learned. The discussion highlighted key victories, such as the passage of measures in Missouri and Montana, setbacks in states like Florida and South Dakota, and the ongoing battle to enshrine abortion rights in state constitutions amidst legislative and judicial opposition.
Through detailed state-by-state analysis, Khadijah and Alyssa unpacked the legal and political landscape shaping the future of reproductive healthcare, emphasizing the urgent need to build on this year’s wins and strengthen state-level protections. They also explored the obstacles that advocates faced, from misleading ballot language to state-sponsored pushback, and the strategic importance of constitutional protections in safeguarding bodily autonomy against a hostile federal landscape.
If you missed the live webinar, you can access the recording, slides, and summary document below to better understand the state of abortion rights post-election and how we can mobilize for the fight ahead.
At Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), we are privileged to highlight volunteers who are strong in their dedication to advancing justice. This month, we recognize Lindsay Polega for her exceptional work in reproductive rights advocacy. Through her involvement with the League of Women Voters (LWV), the Jane Network, and pro bono cases protecting access to reproductive health clinics, Lindsay has become a vital force in Florida’s fight for reproductive justice.
This past Thursday, Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) hosted a Post-Election Organizing Call, bringing together over 350 lawyers and advocates committed to defending civil rights, reproductive freedom, and environmental justice. The energy, ideas, and determination shared during the call reminded us what’s possible when lawyers unite for justice. Click to read more about how you can join the fight.
Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) was born in the wake of the 2016 election, uniting a network of lawyers and advocates determined to uphold the Rule of Law, protect the rights and dignity of vulnerable communities, and strengthen our democracy. Today, given that the United States will soon usher in a new Administration that has threatened mass deportations, attacks on basic civil and human rights, and eradication of environmental protections, we find ourselves called to action once again. L4GG has been here before, and we are prepared to continue our fight for justice with the support of tens of thousands of attorneys across the country.
At Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), we are fortunate to work alongside passionate volunteers dedicated to making a meaningful difference. This month, we’re proud to feature Hailey Tahk, our Volunteer of the Month, whose pro bono work focuses on researching and advocating for reproductive rights.
What Inspires Hailey
When asked what inspired her to volunteer with L4GG, Hailey pointed to the significance of current events.
“I remember reading the opinion when I should have been studying for the Bar exam, but it’s such an important decision that impacts the country. I knew I wanted to be a part of the change,” Hailey said.
Memorable Moments and Accomplishments
Hailey’s most memorable moments with L4GG stem from her work researching reproductive rights. She takes pride in helping provide accurate, up-to-date information, which she believes is essential in today’s evolving legal landscape.
“I’ve learned so much about the legislative process and how challenging it can be for progressive legislation to pass. It’s given me a newfound appreciation for the hard work that goes into making change happen,” she said.
The Rewarding Aspects of Volunteering
For Hailey, the most rewarding aspect of volunteering is staying engaged with the issues she’s passionate about and contributing to the community in a meaningful way.
“Being involved in this work has enriched my life by helping me feel more connected to the community. It’s not just individual work I’m doing; I’m part of something larger,” Hailey reflected.
Advice for Future Volunteers
Hailey encourages attorneys and anyone considering volunteering with L4GG to embrace the opportunity.
“Providing daily updates or research might sound like a lot, but it’s a privilege to be part of a community that trusts your work and opinions. There’s nothing to lose, only to gain,” she advised.
Join Us in Celebrating Hailey’s Impact
If you’re inspired by Hailey’s story and would like to get involved, we encourage you to explore L4GG’s current volunteer opportunities. Together, we can continue making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
If you know of another incredible pro bono volunteer, nominate them for our Pro Bono Volunteer of the Month award here!
If you’re interested, consider how you might also make a difference through your skills and passions!
In recognition of this year’s National Celebration of Pro Bono (October 20-26, 2024), Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), a leading nonprofit organization that mobilizes pro bono legal support for human rights programs, is pleased to announce Yale Law School’s Immigrant Justice Project as a recipient of its 2024 Outstanding Pro Bono Partner Award. This award recognizes their exceptional contributions to L4GG’s Project Corazon, supporting asylum seekers and immigrants at the U.S.-Mexico border and throughout the United States.
In recognition of this year’s National Celebration of Pro Bono (October 20-26, 2024), Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG), a leading nonprofit organization that mobilizes pro bono legal support for human rights programs, is pleased to announce Nelson Mullins as a recipient of its 2024 Outstanding Pro Bono Partner Award. The award acknowledges Nelson Mullins' extensive contributions to L4GG's mission, with significant involvement across a diverse range of issue areas, including racial justice, climate change, healthcare access, and immigrant rights.
