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OCTOBER 2023 ISSUE



our STORIES AND FEATURES





Debunking Myths the Gun Lobby Perpetuates Following Mass Shootings


By Allison Jordan


The gun lobby, led by the National Rifle Association (NRA), routinely deploys a series of common myths—designed to undermine legitimate arguments for commonsense gun reform—in the aftermath of high-profile mass shootings. These myths range from scapegoating mental health to “door control” in public spaces such as schools and are united by a set of dangerous and misleading arguments intended to increase gun ownership and decrease industry accountability. The myths play on fear and perpetuate misinformation to such a degree that they are drilled into the public consciousness as fact and can lead to reactionary policies that do little to deter gun violence. - CLICK STORY TO READ MORE


5 Facts To Know About Medicare Drug Price Negotiation


By Nicole Rapfogel


For far too long, pharmaceutical companies have set astronomically high prescription drug prices in the United States, resulting in millions of Americans being unable to access the medications they need. In 2023, more than 80 percent U.S. adults believe the cost of prescription drugs is unreasonable, with roughly 1 in 3 American adults reporting that they cannot afford to take their medications as prescribed.* The Inflation Reduction Act empowered the secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), for the first time, to directly negotiate prices for select Medicare drugs. On August 29, 2023, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the first 10 Medicare Part D drugs that will be subject to price negotiation, with negotiated prices to take effect in 2026. -- CLICK STORY TO READ MORE


5 Major Renewable Infrastructure Projects Show Value of NEPA Permitting Process


By Auburn Bell


The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), enacted by Congress in 1970, functions as a critical climate action and environmental justice tool, requiring agencies to consider the environmental and public health impacts of proposed federal actions. NEPA provisions provide guidance on how federal agencies must conduct their environmental reviews and require open comment periods to members of the public who would be affected by the proposed federal action. NEPA is the bedrock of community empowerment within federal decision-making, providing a vital pathway through which local residents are able to make their voices heard during the project planning and development process. When done right, NEPA creates opportunities to address conflicts that could otherwise stymie projects, helping identify improvements that benefit all sides.-- CLICK STORY TO READ MORE


Disarm Hate: A Summary of Key Challenges and Solutions


By Allison Jordan


On August 26, 2023, an individual who authorities have described as hate motivated drove to a Dollar General store in a predominantly Black neighborhood in Jacksonville, Florida, to target Black people. Armed with an AR-15-style rifle emblazoned with swastikas, a Glock handgun, and wearing a bulletproof tactical vest, the individual fatally shot three Black people while shouting racial slurs. Manifestos the shooter left behind have led the Department of Justice to investigate the shooting as a hate crime and prompted the Jacksonville sheriff to say, “Plainly put, this shooting was racially motivated and he hated Black people.” Horrific acts of violence such as this have become all too common, as weak gun laws and easily accessible firearms allow hate-motivated individuals to terrorize entire communities, resulting in some of the deadliest mass shootings in the nation’s history.-- CLICK STORY TO READ MORE


AAPI Victory Alliance Statement on Biden G20 visit to India, Stop in Vietnam



September 13, 2023, WASHINGTON — In light of President Biden’s G20 visit to Vietnam and India last weekend, AAPI Victory Alliance issued a statement to honor this alliance between Asian American communities abroad and at home.


AAPI Victory Alliance Executive Director Varun Nikore issued the following statement: “President Biden wrapped up the G20 summit over the weekend by making a historic stop in Vietnam, as our strategic relationship continues to evolve in positive ways. I am happy to see the emphasis the President placed on improving vital partnerships with Vietnam as well as India. The G20 summit is a critical meeting between leaders of the world’s largest economies, and this new level of partnership and investment is significant because of global challenges like climate change."-- CLICK STORY TO READ MORE


OCA Denounces Shooting in Jacksonville and Demands Gun Reform


Washington, D.C. — OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates strongly denounces the racially motivated shooting that killed three Black individuals and injured two others in Jacksonville, Florida. The gunman allegedly held racist views and included symbols of hate on his weapon. As we commemorate the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, we are faced with the stark contrast between the vision of Martin Luther King Jr. and the reality of gun violence and racism in our country. The rise of anti-Black rhetoric and racism have only added fuel to a nation that is grappling with a gun violence epidemic.


“We are outraged and heartbroken by this horrific act of violence that took the lives of three innocent Black individuals and wounded two others,” said OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates Executive Director Thu Nguyen. ​-- CLICK STORY TO READ MORE


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