summary
Introduced
09/26/2024
09/26/2024
In Committee
09/26/2024
09/26/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This resolution declares racism a public health crisis in the State of New Jersey. It is widely understood that systemic racism is a driver of health inequity and is manifested in differential access by race to opportunities, resources, conditions, and power within the medical and public health systems. Black people contend with disproportionately high death rates for chronic health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer, and these racial health disparities have myriad causes such as lack of health insurance, failures of the medical system, and inadequate access to health care. Physical or verbal violence between law enforcement officers and the public is a communal violence, particularly among black and brown communities where these incidents are more prevalent and pervasive, that significantly drives unnecessary and costly injury and death. The trauma of violence in a person's life course is also associated with chronic stress, higher rates of comorbidities and lower life expectancy, all of which bear extensive care and economic burden on healthcare systems while sapping the strength of affected families and communities. Studies have shown that implicit biases and internalized racism has led to black and brown people having less access to health care, preventive care, and quality education, and suffering from higher incarceration and increased mortality rates throughout this country and State. The foregoing findings demonstrate the prevalence of systemic racism, racism's role as a driver of health inequity, and the detrimental effects that racism has on the citizens of the State of New Jersey and this country.
AI Summary
This resolution declares racism a public health crisis in New Jersey, highlighting the systemic and historical disadvantages faced by racial and ethnic groups that significantly impact health outcomes. The resolution presents extensive evidence demonstrating how racism creates widespread health inequities, including disproportionately high death rates for Black people from chronic conditions like heart disease, higher maternal mortality rates, and increased likelihood of police violence. It notes that Black individuals experience less access to healthcare, preventive care, and quality education, and suffer from higher stress levels, chronic health conditions, and lower life expectancy due to systemic racism. Specifically for New Jersey, the resolution points out stark disparities such as a massive wealth gap (median white family net worth at $352,000 compared to $6,100 for Black families), racial disparities in police interactions, and extreme youth incarceration rates where Black children are 21 times more likely to be sentenced to prison than white children. The resolution is supported by several major medical associations that have formally recognized racism as a public health issue, and it aims to officially acknowledge the detrimental effects of systemic racism on the state's citizens by declaring it a public health crisis.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee (on 09/26/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/AR160 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/AR/160_I1.HTM |
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