Bad politics in NY perpetuates inequality.
Updated: Mar 21
New York State is known for being the political and economic hub of the United States, with a diverse population and a rich history. However, recent political events have highlighted the negative impact that bad politics can have on the community, especially in terms of economic inequality, healthcare, and education. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most significant examples of bad politics in NYS and the effect they have had on the community.
One of the most significant issues facing NYS is economic inequality. According to the 2021 U.S. Census Bureau data, the poverty rate in NYS was 12.6%, and the median household income was $71,000. While these numbers might seem high, they mask significant disparities across racial and ethnic lines. For example, the poverty rate for Black and Hispanic households in NYS is more than twice as high as that of White households. This disparity is due, in part, to the bad politics that have plagued NYS, including gerrymandering and unequal access to education and job opportunities.
Gerrymandering is the practice of manipulating electoral district boundaries to favor one political party over another. In NYS, gerrymandering has been used to dilute the voting power of minority communities, making it harder for them to elect representatives who reflect their interests. This has led to policies that overwhelmingly favor one political party, rather than the needs of the entire community.
In addition to economic inequality, bad politics in NYS have also had a significant impact on healthcare. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, New York has one of the highest uninsured rates in the country, with 6.5% of the population lacking health insurance. This lack of access to healthcare has been exacerbated by bad politics, including the failure to expand Medicaid and to adequately fund public health programs. As a result, many people in NYS are unable to access the healthcare they need, leading to worse health outcomes and higher healthcare costs overall.
Finally, bad politics in NYS have also impacted education. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, only 36% of fourth graders in NYS are proficient in reading, and only 34% are proficient in math. These low levels of proficiency can be attributed, in part, to the politicalization of public schools and the lack of investment in early childhood education. These issues have been compounded by bad politics, including the defunding of police and the diversion of personal responsibility to victimhood.
Bad politics in NYS have had a significant impact on the community, including economic inequality, healthcare disparities, and educational shortcomings. To address these issues, it is essential to address the root causes of bad politics, including gerrymandering, lack of investment in effective public programs, and the politicalization of education and job opportunities. By working together to create more equitable policies and investing in the community, we can create a brighter future for everyone in NYS.
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