#Mental Health Billing Services in CA

[eondatamatics]

Top Mental Health Billing Services and Solutions in California (CA) - EON Datamatics Free Billing Software to Revenue Cycle Management.

Mental Health Billing Services in California (CA)can be viewed as a convoluted service with its technical advancements and continuous developing nature leading to a demanding medical billing process. To achieve a few portions of consistency in charging and coding for the clinics and individual professionals, the experts for Mental Health in California (CA) have concocted new billing processes.

Mental Health Billing Services in California:

At Eon Datamatic, our 24/7 Medical Billing Services can assist you to expand your income with the decrease in the quantity of denied and neglected claims. Our billers present in every one of the significant urban areas likeNew York, Georgia, Ohio, Michigan, New Mexico, making it very feasible for you to get the job done in no time. Our professional team can furnish you with least paperwork and more precise medical claims to help you concentrate more on your practice.

The challenges faced by Mental Health Medical Billing providers:

Mental health billing serviceshas one of the really difficult and oppressive processes that billing providers need to explore. The subtleties that are there in each step can be a real pain for associations all over. Each mental health patient offers a different blend of signs and requires a different treatment plan, including the continuation of treatment. What’s more, the proposed treatment varies depending upon the age and ability of the patient, area of the patient, and their previous medical records.

Fill Free To Contact Us Regarding Chiropractic Billing Solutions:https://eondatamatics.com/contact-us/

Our around the clock Medical Billing Services assist every practitioners in improving your Mental Health Billing Revenue:

With years of experience inmedical billing services, our team is equipped with the right expertise to deal with all kinds of medical billing jobs for any medical practitioner in need.

Our experts will cater to your Medical Billing necessities. They’ll comprehend the nitty-gritty of mental health billing and help claims for:

Both initial visits & specified visits

Even if the patient is present or not family treatment

Matrimony counselling

Group therapy

Medication management

Our expertise in any medical billing service is hands-down the best in the market with our 27/7 services and maintaining the customer relation with our high quality delivery.

Furthermore, our billers have a record of working with mental health organisations with their approvals and references and partaking in Federal medical care and Medicaid commercial insurance payers.

As the bestMedical Billing Experts in California (CA), we will assist you by taking special care of all paperwork and electronic billing, with the most recent fees structure and instalment measures of medical care and Medicaid, and all business insurance. Our experts in California (CA) are the best choice for all your medical services needs according to the state government rules & regulations.

Our team’s insight and experience have been created by long stretches of endeavours in idealising medical billing work making us the best option to assist your practice while covering more profit for you. This is leading to more demands for experts like us in the medical health care industry. But have you really found what you are looking for? With us the answer is always yes as we have the right kind of experience and expertise needed to ensure that your billing process runs as smoothly as you can hope for. Our specialists give best billing services by filling in as a specific functional expansion. Trust us with all your billing needs and give more time to your practice.

Contact Us:

Eon Datamatics

contact@eondatamaics.com

+14402184090

845 Third Avenue,

Manhattan, NY, 10022

[spnscripthunt-inactive]

In Their Own Words: What is the most difficult sacrifice you’ve made to pay down your medical debt?“

“Had to move into rental place from home and not able to buy a house. Cut in some household or good food for kids.” -35 year old woman with $5,000-$10,000 in medical debt, Texas

“Quality of life. We’ve never been able to ‘get ahead’ because we have a 35 year old disabled daughter. We’ve had medical debt for 35 years varying from 30k down to $500.” -60 year old woman with $2,500-$5,000 in medical debt, Tennessee

“Not paying bills on time, creating larger bills due to late fees. Depleted savings.” -38 year old man with $2,500-$5,000 in medical debt, North Carolina

“Cutting out any expenses/services I can. No job, fixed income and chemo. Even with insurance, no one can afford cancer.” -67 year old woman with more than $25,000 in medical debt, Nebraska

“Limiting birthday/Christmas gifts for children and grandchildren.” -83 year old woman with $1,000-$2,500 in medical debt, New Jersey

“Getting a second job. I’m exhausted and I don’t see a way out.” -44 year old woman with $1,000-$2,500 in medical debt, Ohio

“I can’t do anything; I literally stay at home. Never taken my kids on vacation. I’m a single mother and all my money supports the household. So, there are not a lot of extras in my house.” -55 year old woman, with $2,500-$5,000 in medical debt, Missouri

“Strain on relationship with [my] father due to asking for help to pay medical expenses; negative impact on mental health issues (e.g., significant increase in anxiety symptoms).” -35 year old woman with $10,000-$25,000 in medical debt, New York

“This was medical debt for my (now deceased) husband — my credit cards are maxed-out, savings is gone, I will need to relocate to afford rent and pay down bills.” -67 year old woman with $10,000-$25,000 in medical debt, Illinois

Source: Lopes L, Kearney A, Montero A, Hamel L, Brodie M. Health care debt in the U.S.: the broad consequences of medical and dental bills [Internet]. San Francisco (CA): Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation; 2022 Jun 16 [cited 2023 Oct 11]. Available from: https://www.kff.org/report-section/kff-health-care-debt-survey-main-findings/

—

So far we've raised $3,196.20 [2:11 PM Eastern; Sun Oct 15] for RIP Medical Debt toward our $5,000 goal.

With what we've raised so far RIP can wipe out over $300,000 in medical debt (nationwide).

Our goal is to wipe out $500,000 in medical debt (nationwide) and, as an incentive for donating $10+ we're doing an (optional) raffle of the last of our server (group) purchased scripts.

Key raffle scripts:

$1000 - signed Walker & Gotham Knights pilots

$2000 - Wayward Sisters (by Kim, Briana, Kathryn)

$3000 - The Winchesters (signed by so many)

$4000 - Stranger in a Strange Land (Jensen & Danneel)

$5000 - Lebanon (JDM, Sam Smith, J2, Misha)

Our fundraising page:

[800-dick-pics]

I have food poisoning!!!

Things have been rough for my partner and I. I currently have food poisoning along with some new medical issues im dealing with, my partner has been getting harassed wrt cfunding on twitter which is affecting their mental health. I still have no phone service which is affecting potential money making opportunities for me rn.

I just need to pay my phone bill, get some food and electrolytes and anti nausea meds. I just need to get over this asap!

$0/$125

CA: $sleepyhen or $grumblybear

VN: wildwotko or XochiRose

[brightlotusmoon]

Bipartisan congressional lawmakers have reintroduced a bill to set a federal marijuana research agenda and create a designation of “Centers of Excellence in Cannabis Research” for universities to carry out cannabis studies with federal grant money.

The legislation filed by Reps. Scott Peters (D-CA) and Dave Joyce (R-OH) on Friday is nearly identical to the version they filed last session—except that its title was revised to exclude a marijuana-related punny acronym, omitting the phrase “Developing and Nationalizing Key,” or DANK, from the “Cannabis Research Act.”

In any case, the measure would require the National Institutes on Health (NIH) to collaborate with other agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to develop “a national cannabis research agenda that addresses key questions and gaps in evidence.”

That agenda must include six primary research objectives.

[meditech-insights]

Global Digital Behavioral/Mental Health Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 25% by 2026

In recent years, the healthcare industry has observed the foray of several providers that offer software for behavioral and mental health practices: EHR, teletherapy, scheduling, client engagement, billing, and digital therapeutics to prevent, manage and treat medical disorders.

The Global Digital Behavioral/Mental Health Market is set to witness an exponential growth rate of 25% in the next 5 years. Some of the key factors influencing the global digital behavioral/mental health market include Covid-19, the rising burden of mental disorders worldwide, the penetration of personal digital devices, a favorable funding environment, and growing healthcare IT infrastructure in developed and developing. However, concerns related to patient privacy and the shortage of HCIT professionals are likely to hamper the growth of the market.

Demand for Digital Behavioral/Mental Health Market Solutions Surge Amid Covid-19

With lockdowns implemented, social distancing mandated, and widespread apprehension; as a result, Covid-19 dramatically increased the burden of managed healthcare, particularly for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric diseases.

The widespread use of personal digital devices like smartphones, fitness trackers, tablets, and the launch of digital solutions ensured that the digital mental health tools were accessed more frequently and by a wider demographic of patients. Benefits such as therapeutic approaches to support positive behavioral change on a large scale, anywhere, anytime accessibility, on-demand help without waiting lines, convenience, and ease of use were the key factors that fueled its demand.

Digital Behavioral/Mental Health Tools for Children and Teens Set to Open New Growth Avenues

The mental well-being of children and teenagers has been an area of concern given there are few pediatric mental health specialists in both developed and developing economies Long wait times for care and an increasing number of children being sent to the emergency room during mental health crisis situations has been a long-standing issue. Several digital health companies have entered the market to address these worries.

For instance,

In March 2022, Brightline, a leader in virtual behavioral health care for children, adolescents, and families, secured a $105M Series C funding. Brightline offers a digital on-demand platform, Connect, along with its coaching programs and clinical services including behavioral therapy, evaluation, medication support, and speech therapy

“A limited number of paediatric mental health specialists has been a persistent issue in the United States. Virtual health care exploded during the Covid-19 pandemic and this further exacerbated the mental health crisis situation among the children and youth. As a result, several companies are now targeting the behavioral health needs of children and teenagers.”- Senior Director, Virtual Behavioral Health Care Provider, United States

Explore Premium Report on Digital Behavioral/Mental Health Market @ https://meditechinsights.com/digital-behavioral-mental-health-market/

Organic and Inorganic Growth Strategies Adopted by Players to Establish Their Foothold in Digital Behavioral/Mental Health Market

The global digital behavioral/mental health market is a developing but competitive market marked by the presence of both established and new players. Players operating in the market adopt both organic and inorganic growth strategies such as new product launches, and acquisitions to garner market share.

For instance,

In April 2022, Talkspace, the leading provider of virtual behavioral health services, launched new product suite - Talkspace Self-Guided, a suite of offerings for employers designed to help executives, managers, and teams prioritize and build emotional intelligence (EQ) and mental wellness in and out of the workplace

In Jan 2022, CloudMD Software & Services Inc. acquired MindBeacon Holdings Inc., one of North America’s leading providers of digital mental health care.

The digital behavioral/mental health market is a booming market that is anticipated to gain further momentum in the coming years due to the growing occurrence & awareness levels of mental health disorders, conducive funding environment, improving healthcare IT infrastructure, and aggressive organic and inorganic growth strategies followed by players.

Competitive Landscape Analysis of Digital Behavioral/Mental Health Market

The global digital behavioral/mental health market is marked by the presence of key players such as Akili, Pear Therapeutics, Advanced Data Systems, AdvancedMD, Credible, Lyra Health, Spring Health, Brightline, Little Otter, among others.

For More Detailed Insights, Contact Us @ https://meditechinsights.com/contact-us/

About Medi-Tech Insights

Medi-Tech Insights is a healthcare-focused business research & insights firm. Our clients include Fortune 500 companies, blue-chip investors & hyper-growth start-ups. We have completed 100+ projects in Digital Health, Healthcare IT, Medical Technology, Medical Devices & Pharma Services.

Contact:

Ruta Halde

Associate, Medi-Tech Insights

+32 498 86 80 79

info@meditechinsights.com 

[mystlnewsonline]

California Takes Action to Tackle Homelessness

California announces $179.7 million in Homekey grants to create 710 homes in seven counties, for a total of 13,710 units created by Homekey. The state expected to make the first purchase of small homes by the end of the month and, with the support of local partners, begin construction by the end of the year in an unprecedented effort to build new, free housing for homeless Californians. California Governor Newsom signs new bills into law to further combat homelessness. SACRAMENTO, CA (STL.News) Tuesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced multiple new efforts to address homelessness and provided an update on the state’s work to deliver 1,200 small homes to communities throughout California. Today’s announcements advance the Administration’s multipronged and multi-billion dollar approach, using every tool available to address the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness, including moving people in need of assistance off the streets and into housing. What Governor Newsom said: “The state’s homelessness crisis has been decades in the making.  While there’s more work to be done, we are challenging the status quo with new, innovative solutions to get Californians off the streets and into housing. Administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), this latest $179.7 million in grants for Homekey will create 710 units through nine developments in Fresno, Los Angeles, Modesto, Sacramento, San Buenaventura, San Diego, and Visalia. This announcement builds upon a $736 million investment to address homelessness statewide through the acquisition and construction of interim and permanent homeless housing.  With this additional round of funding, total Homekey units have expanded to 13,710 homes throughout the state.  For more information on Homekey grants, click HERE. Additionally, the largest delivery of small homes in state history continues to gain momentum.  Since an announcement earlier this year by Governor Newsom to purchase 1,200 small homes, the Administration has made significant progress in working with local governments to deliver these units throughout the state. The state and our local partners have moved quickly to select site locations, request bids, sign contracts, and pass trailer bill legislation to advance these projects by giving the California Department of General Services contracting and streamlining flexibility.  In July, Governor Newsom signed a trailer bill cutting red tape on procurement and construction for these small homes.  And just this month, the Newsom Administration is finalizing a contract for the state and locals to purchase these small homes – a contract available for these 1,200 units but also available as a template for any other local government in California that wants to use their own funds to buy these housing solutions. “Here in San Jose, we’re doing our part to end the era of encampments, but our bold action at the city level would not be possible without support from the Governor, who is making a historic investment in what is, without doubt, the largest, most inhumane crisis we face today.  We are on track and moving full-speed ahead.” San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan “Gov. Newsom’s office has been working closely with the city and county of Sacramento to build a tiny home village on Stockton Boulevard that will be a model for the rest of the state.  Residents will be embedded in a community wellness campus specializing in substance abuse disorder treatment and mental health care.  This combination of housing and assertive treatment is the recipe for helping our unhoused neighbors and providing relief to our neighborhoods.” Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg Small Homes Progress: - In July, the Legislature approved, and the Governor signed into law trailer bill legislation allowing more flexibility by the state to streamline this effort and get units on the ground faster. - Sacramento continues to move forward with the selection of two locations: Cal Expo in Sacramento and the newly announced Wellspace on Stockton Blvd. - San Jose has selected and approved a location in partnership with the Santa Clara Valley Transit Authority to provide land for all 200 of their small homes. - The state has advanced a procurement process for both the state and local jurisdictions that saves time and cuts red tape to speed up a process that is often time-consuming and costly. - The state has moved quickly to complete contracts to execute the purchase of small homes.  Purchases could begin as early as the end of October. With the support of our local partners, the state anticipates the first groundbreaking to take place before the end of the year. The Governor also signed the following legislative measures to help address homelessness: AB 42 by Assemblymember James Ramos (D-San Bernardino) prohibits a local agency from imposing or enforcing any requirement to install fire sprinklers for temporary dwelling units with a total floor area of less than 250 square feet, meeting specific criteria. AB 785 by Assemblymember Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles) provides CEQA exemptions for certain activities undertaken by the City and County of Los Angeles and other eligible public agencies related to affordable housing, low barrier navigation centers, supportive housing, and transitional housing for youth and young adults. AB 1285 by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) requires continuums of care that share geographic boundaries with a city or county using state funding allocated pursuant to round five of the Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) program or the Encampment Resolution Program (ERP) funding to additionally include in their regionally coordinated homelessness action plans evidence and an explanation of their collaboration with the city or county that specifies how people served through encampment resolution have or will be included in prioritization for permanent housing within coordinated entry systems. AB 1377 by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Los Angeles) requires applications or planning materials for state funding through the Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) program appropriated on or after July 1, 2024, to include data and a narrative summary of quantifiable steps that the applicant has taken to improve the delivery of housing and services to people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness on transit facilities owned and operated by a transit agency. AB 1469 by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D- Santa Clara) authorizes the Santa Clara Valley Water District to assist unsheltered people living along streams, in riparian corridors, or otherwise within the district’s jurisdiction, in consultation with a city or the County of Santa Clara, to provide solutions or improve outcomes for the unsheltered individuals. AB 1607 by Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles) allows the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency to transfer a portion of the revenue raised by a tax measure to the County of Los Angeles for programs that provide support and services to prevent and combat homelessness. AB 1679 by Assemblymember Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles) authorizes Los Angeles County to impose a transaction and use tax that exceeds the 2% statutory limitation and requires all revenue from the tax to be dedicated to addressing and preventing homelessness. SB 91 by Senator Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana) eliminates January 1, 2025, sunset date on a provision of state law that exempts certain projects from CEQA that convert a motel, hotel, residential hotel, or hostel to supportive or transitional housing.  SB 91 also extends CEQA streamlining provisions for “environmental leadership transit projects” located within the County of Los Angeles that meet certain specified requirements. SOURCE: California Governor Read the full article

[saintmeghanmarkle]

Doria was NEVER a licensed social worker--so much confusion by u/lifetimeodyssey

Doria was NEVER a licensed social worker--so much confusion Many people have not been understanding the distinction on this forum for years now. It does not help that the media continually calls Doria a "licensed therapist" or "clinical social worker". She was NEVER A LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER!! She got an ASW, an Associate Clinical Social Worker license in July 2015, after getting her MSW in 2011( yes, 4 years later!!). This is LIKE AN INTERN. She needed to be under supervision at all times to practice. She still needed to take a clinical exam and an ethics exam, have 2 years of supervision and take yearly continuing education to get the LCSW designation. She did not do all or some of this as she NEVER obtained the LCSW status. Here is a quick reference:Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW) – At this level of licensure you can:Work under the supervision of a mental health professional to gain qualifying supervised experienceWork in private practiceEngage in social work activities only at your place of employPerform mental health and related services only as an employee or volunteerCannot work independentlyCannot bill clients directlyhttps://https://ift.tt/1ichOMU here is a CA brochure explaining every last thing you could want to know about ASW vs LCSW.https://ift.tt/5OneVhj here on Radaris is what purports to be Doria's resume. There is a bogus job listed as "medical social worker" between 2012 and 2015. The company listed is a SOFTWARE COMPANY in INDIA!! Now closed. Note: There is a mistake as she wet to Antioch in LA, not New England.https://ift.tt/wfnBDms post link: https://ift.tt/fYklC5y author: lifetimeodyssey submitted: June 16, 2023 at 09:17PM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit

[eowyntheavenger]

What have the protests accomplished?

5/26 4 officers fired for murdering George Floyd 5/27 Charges dropped for Kenneth Walker (Breonna Taylor’s boyfriend, who police accused of killing her) 5/28 University of Minnesota cancels contract with police 5/28 3rd precinct police station neutralized by protesters 5/28 Minneapolis transit union refuses to bring police officers to protests or transport arrested protesters 5/29 Activists commandeer Minneapolis hotel to provide shelter to homeless 5/29 Former officer Chauvin arrested and charged with murder 5/29 Louisville Mayor suspends “no-knock” warrants 5/30 US Embassies across Africa condemn police murder of George Floyd 5/30 Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison takes over prosecution of the murdering officer 5/30 Transport Workers Union refuses to help NYPD transport arrests protesters 5/30 Maryland lawmakers forming work group on police reform, accountability 5/31 2 abusive officers fired for pulling a couple out of their car and tasing them - Atlanta, GA 6/1 Minneapolis public schools end contract with police 6/1 Confederate monument removed after being toppled by protesters - Birmingham, AL 6/1 CA prosecutors launch campaign to stop DAs from accepting police union money 6/1 Tulsa Mayor agrees to not renew Live PD contract 6/1 Louisville police chief fired after shooting of David Mcatee 6/1 Congress begins bipartisan push to cut off police access to military gear 6/1 Atlanta announces plans to create a task force and public database to track police brutality in metro Atlanta area 6/2 Minneapolis AFL-CIO calls for resignation of police union president Bob Kroll, a vocal white supremest 6/2 Pittsburgh transit union announces refusal to transport police officers or arrest protesters 6/2 Racist ex-mayor Frank Rizzo statue removed in Philadelphia 6/2 6 abusive officers charged for violence against residents and protesters - Atlanta, GA 6/2 Civil rights investigation of Minneapolis Police Dept launched 6/2 San Francisco resolution to prevent law enforcement from hiring officers with history of misconduct 6/2 Survey indicates that 64% of those polled are sympathetic to protesters, 47% disapprove of police handling of the protests, and 54% think the burning down of the Minneapolis police precinct was fully or partially justified 6/2 Trenton NJ announces policing reforms 6/2 Minneapolis City Council members consider disbanding the police 6/2 Confederate statue removed from Alexandria, VA 6/3 Officer fired for tweets promoting violence against protesters - Denver, CO 6/3 Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Institute of Art cut ties with the MPD 6/3 Chauvin charges upgraded to second degree murder, remaining 3 officers also charged and taken into custody 6/3 Richmond VA Mayor Stoney announces RPD reform measures: establish "Marcus" alert for folks experiencing mental health crises, establish independent Citizen Review Board, an ordinance to remove Confederate monuments, and implement racial equity study 6/3 County commissioners deny proposal for $23 million expansion of Fulton County jail 6/3 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board unanimously votes to sever ties with MPD 6/3 Seattle withdraws request to end federal oversight/consent decree of police department 6/3 Breonna Taylor’s case reopened 6/3 Louisville police department (Breonna Taylor’s murderers) will now be under review from an outside agency, which will include review on training, bias-free policing and accountability 6/3 Colorado lawmakers introduce a police reform bill that includes body cam laws, repealing the “fleeing felon” statute, and banning chokeholds 6/3 Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announces plans to reduce funding to police department by $150M and instead invest in minority communities 6/4 Virginia governor announces plans to remove Robert E. Lee statue from Richmond 6/4 Portland schools superintendent discontinues presence of armed police officers in schools 6/4 MBTA (Metro Boston) board orders that buses wont transport police to protests, or protesters to police 6/4 King County Labor Federation issues ultimatum to police unions: admit to and address racism in Seattle PD, or be removed 6/5 City of Minneapolis bans all chokeholds by police 6/5 Racist ex-mayor Hubbard statue removed - Dearborn, MI 6/5 NFL condemns racism and admits it should have listened to players’ protests 6/5 California Governor Gavin Newsom calls for statewide use-of-force standard made along with community leaders and ban on carotid holds 6/5 2 Buffalo officers suspended within a day of pushing 75 year old protester to the ground, and lying about it 6/5 2 NYPD officers suspended after videos of violence to protesters 6/5 The US Marines bans display of the Confederate flag 6/5 Dallas adopts a "duty to intervene" rule that requires officers to stop other cops who are engaging in excessive use of force 6/5 Dallas City Manager T.C. Broadnax releases an 11-point action plan for immediate police reforms 6/6 Statue of Confederate general Williams Carter Wickham torn down - Richmond, VA 6/6 2 Buffalo officers charged with second-degree assault for shoving elderly man 6/6 San Francisco Mayor London Breed announces effort to defund police and redirect funds to Black community 6/7 Frank Rizzo mural removed, to be replaced with new artwork - Philadelphia, PA 6/7 Minneapolis City Council members announce intent to disband the police department, invest in proven community-led public safety 6/7 Protesters in Bristol topple statue of slave trader Edward Colston, throw it in the river 6/7 NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio vows for the first time to cut funding for NYPD, redirect to social services 6/7 A Virginia police officer faces charges after using a stun gun on a black man 6/8 NY State Assembly passes the Eric Garner Anti-Chokehold Act 6/8 Democrats in Congress unveil a bill to rein in bias and excessive force in policing 6/8 Black lawmakers block a legislative session in Pennsylvania to demand action on police reform 6/8 France bans police use of chokeholds 6/8 Seattle council members join calls to defund police department 6/8 Boston reevaluates how it funds police department 6/8 Honolulu Police Commission nominees voice support for more transparency, reforms 6/8 Rights groups and Floyd’s family call for a UN inquiry into American policing and help with systemic police reform

No, it’s not enough, but this is only the beginning. Keep fighting!!!

(This list comes from Mara Ahmed’s blog post and was compiled by Fahd Ahmed; I added sources and new entries. Please reblog with further additions.)

[allthecanadianpolitics]

George Floyd’s name became a hashtag as soon as his brutal killing by police was caught on tape for the world to see. In the past two weeks, a new hashtag demanding justice for Floyd and all the other Black men and women killed by police has emerged. As a result, the #DefundThePolice movement has gone from a whisper to a thunderous roar, with influencers who usually post about matcha lattes and workout routines stumping for dismantling an institution that disproportionately kills Black people. And celebrities are signing petitions. Of course, Black activists have been yelling about defunding the police for decades (Angela Davis has been pushing for abolishing the police altogether since the ’60s) but now, the world is finally listening.

Activist Sandy Hudson founded Black Lives Matter Toronto and is the vice-chair of the Black Legal Action Centre and a UCLA law student. Last week, Hudson tweeted about being cut from a segment for CBC's The Current, after she brought up defunding the police in a pre-interview with a producer. This week, she's Canada's go-to expert on the subject. Hudson’s recent op-ed in The Huffington Post, titled “Defunding The Police Will Save Black and Indigenous Lives In Canada,” went viral. In it, she wrote, “defunding the police can free up funding that we can reinvest in services that provide real safety.”

Cities are already addressing public pressures to reexamine police funding. In Toronto, where Black people are 20 times more likely to be shot by police, city councillors announced a proposal to reduce the police budget by 10%. Right now, the biggest portion of Torontonians’ property tax bills go to police services. In most North American cities, the police get more money than education and childcare, and across Canada, mental health checks result in the deaths of Black people like D’Andre Campbell and Regis Korchinski-Paquet, and Indigenous women like Chantel Moore. “We need to say that Black lives are worth it. I don't think this goes far enough at all,” says Hudson of the 10% proposed cut. Small reductions like this one, she notes, are not defunding the police. 

There’s been confusion about what defunding looks like, and why it’s so important. Here, Hudson shares what defunding the police actually means, why it’s been met with such resistance, and why the proposed cuts to the Toronto Police don't go far enough.

Let’s start with the basics. What does “defund the police” mean? 

It means that we think the services that police provide can be better provided elsewhere. For example, there's no reason why the police should be the only emergency option to call when someone is having a mental health crisis. The police often show up with lethal force, and use that lethal force. If someone really needs medical assistance, social assistance, and de-escalation, the police have consistently shown that they are both unwilling and unable to provide that service appropriately. I don't know why we wouldn't create something new.

Continue Reading.

Tagging: @politicsofcanada @abpoli @torontopoli @onpoli

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Replace the police

"Abolish the police" doesn't mean abandoning public safety: it's about replacing armed police officers with public services that perform the same safety roles. Writing in the The Appeal, Alex Vitale sets out 10 ways we can (and should) replace the police.

https://theappeal.org/10-ways-to-reduce-our-reliance-on-policing-and-make-our-communities-safer-for-everyone/

I. Mental health/social workers respond to crises  

Don't send cops to deal with people having mental health crises. 25% of lethal cop encounters are with people experiencing mental health crises. Not to put to fine a point on it, but this is nuts.

https://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/overlooked-in-the-undercounted2/

II. Violence interrupters to reduce gun violence

Violence is an epidemiological crisis. The overwhelming evidence is that contact tracing and other public health intervention reduces gun violence (cops do not).

https://johnjayrec.nyc/2017/10/02/cvinsobronxeastny/

III. Unarmed traffic patrols

Cops pull brown people over as a pretext for racist interrogations and searches that often turn violent, even lethal. You don't need a gun to tell someone to fix their tail-light or to get a wreck out of traffic.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/09/us/berkeley-ca-police-department-reform.html

IV. Civilian control of crime lab

Junk science = junk policing. Bad crime-labs are at the center of so many wrongful convictions, and the evidence supports this. Forensics should be a neutral fact-finding exercise, not cover-your-ass science-washing.

https://www.prisonlegalnews.org/news/2010/oct/15/crime-labs-in-crisis-shoddy-forensics-used-to-secure-convictions/

V. Fund better and safer transit service

Starved and failing transit systems are not improved by diverting hundreds of millions from service to policing. And (no surprise) the majority of violent police encounters on transit target people of color.

https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-metro-transit-police-20170223-story.html

VI. School wellness centers

Your kid's school doesn't need armed cops, it needs specialists in "mental health, restorative justice, de-escalation, and building positive relationships with their students." They work. Cops don't.

https://www.minnpost.com/education/2020/06/no-police-in-schools-this-minnesota-district-committed-to-an-alternative-four-years-ago/

VII. Dispute resolution experts for neighborhood/domestic disputes

In some places HALF of policing is domestic/neighborhood. Back-fence shouting matches don't need armed cops, they need crisis response units, which are cheaper AND more effective.

https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2020/06/theres-already-an-alternative-to-calling-the-police/

VIII. Support, not police, for people experiencing homelessness

Armed cops don't fix homelessness. Homes do. In PDX, half of arrests are for homelessness! Send medics and social workers, and spend the rest of the money on homes.

https://portlandstreetresponse.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Portland-Street-Response-%C2%A9-Street-Roots.pdf

IX. Integrated crisis centers

Don't send cops to drag people in mental crisis to ERs. Open "integrated crisis centers" instead, trained to address addiction and mental health issues.

https://riinternational.com/latest-posts/crisis-care-now-delaware-leads-with-recovery-response-center-grand-opening/

10. Trained civilians for property offenses

George Floyd was accused of passing a bad $20 bill. You don't need armed cop for that - or to fill in a report for a stolen bike or a broken window. These are administrative matters, not war-zones.

https://www.nola.com/news/crime_police/article_47cc16f9-0f96-576e-9972-7e9c4ba54d3f.html

The thing about these measures is that they're not just "alternatives to policing" - they are CHEAPER, MORE EFFECTIVE alternatives. Policing advocates say they care about public safety? Fine. Do this.

Vitale runs Brooklyn College's Policing and Social Justice Project. He's got a whole book on this stuff, the pithily titled "The End of Policing."

https://www.versobooks.com/books/2426-the-end-of-policing

[msclaritea]

“There have been prosecutors that refused to seat Black jurors, refused to prosecute lynching, disproportionately condemned young Black men to death row and looked the other way in the face of police brutality,”  Politico reported.

“It matters who is in those rooms. I knew I had to be in those rooms. We have to be in those rooms even when there aren’t many like us there.” Kamala Harris makes history

What Kamala Harris Did In Those Rooms: Or 50 Criminal Justice Reforms & Accomplishments (link includes corresponding articles) 

1. Deputy DA- Kamala Harris Opposed Prop 21 (passed with 62%) which increased criminal penalties for crimes committed by youth and incorporated many youth offenders into the adult criminal justice system.

2. Deputy DA- Kamala Harris co-founded the Coalition to End the Exploitation of Kids, to provide legal and health services to sexually exploited children, including teenage “prostitutes”

3. As member of the board of trustees of SF MOMA, Kamala Harris created the 1st of its kind in the US “Matches” program, which pairs at-risk youth with mentors to expose them to art and broaden their horizons.

4.DA- Kamala Harris created Back on Track program to help drug offenders re-enter society. Provided vocational training, counseling, parenting services, etc. Substantially reduced recidivism for participants

5.DA- Kamala Harris refused to seek the death penalty even when pressured by members of her own party due to racial disparities in how it is applied 6.DA- Created LGBT Hate Crime Unit

7.DA- Kamala Harris worked to get the first safe house in San Francisco for girls who wanted out of the sex trade 8.DA- Changed underage women/men from being treated as prostitutes to being treated as victims

9.DA/AG- Kamala Harris helped found the Center for Youth Wellness which works to improve the health of children exposed to childhood trauma

10.AG- Kamala Harris created the Bureau of Children’s Justice (BCJ) to streamline enforcement of laws that uphold children’s rights & pursue policies that improve the lives of children Unroll available on Thread Reader

11.AG- BCJ partnered w/USC to link data from the DOJ & Social Services’ case mgmt systems to enable researchers for the 1st time to better determine the overlap b/w CA’s child welfare &juvenile justice populations

12.AG- Kamala Harris’ BCJ worked to diagnose challenges in California’s juvenile justice data systems, in partnership with the Governance Lab at New York University

13.AG- BCJ worked to deliver previously unavailable juvenile justice data (from the Juvenile Court Probation Statistical Sys) to researchers at the Public Policy Institute of CA, Harvard U of Chicago,& UC Berkeley 14.AG-BCJ collaborate with the Judicial Council to develop dashboards for judges to make better decisions about adjudicated juveniles. 15.AG-Awarded Second Chance Grant to expand Back on Track to LA as AG

16.AG- As Attorney General CREATED the Division of Recidivism Reduction and Re-Entry (DR3) to reduce the number of repeat offenders

17.AG- DR3 partnered on the Court of College (C2C). The program is designed to divert young offenders from future criminal behavior through cognitive behavioral intervention & exposure to higher education

18.AG- Kamala Harris’ DR3 partnered on the Career Pathways program. It’s an out-of-custody, recidivism-reduction program that provides resources to a probation-supervised population.

19.AG- Kamala Harris’ CA DOJ was accepted into the natl Defending Childhood State Policy Initiative; a cross-sector team of state leaders to develop shared priorities to prevent/address children’s exposure to violence.

20.AG- Created the Truancy Intervention Panel to implement best practices for truancy prevention.

21.AG- BCJ in partnership w/the Ad Council & CA Endowment, conducted a study/designed a public education toolkit to help educators/community leaders communicate w/parents on the importance of kids being in school

22.AG- Created SmartJustice, a new database and analytical tool to track repeat offenders and offense trends to provide counties with more effective options in developing anti-recidivism initiatives.

23.AG- Kamala Harris issued guidance to CA law enforcement agencies outlining new responsibilities to track/report citizen complaints against peace officers, including complaints alleging racial/identity profiling

24.AG- Supported AB71 (which became law) requiring all CA law enforcement agencies to collect data on shootings & use of force by a civilian/police against the other that result in serious bodily injury or death.

25.AG- Created the first Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (“POST”) certified law enforcement training on both procedural justice and implicit bias, the first of its kind in the country.

26.AG- Instituted a body camera policy for all DOJ special agent personnel conducting field operations.

27.AG- Convened community members, incl. roundtables w/HS students from South/East LA. The topics were experiences with police and ideas on how to improve the relationship between youth & law enforcement.

28.AG-Created the 21st Century Policing Working Group to foster discussion regarding implicit bias and building community trust.

29.AG- Kamala Harris created OpenJustice, a 1st of-its-kind criminal justice open data initiative providing unprecedented data. Provides key criminal justice indicators and transparency Unroll available on Thread Reader

30.AG- Kamala Harris opened a civil pattern or practice investigations into the Kern County Sheriff’s Office 31.AG-Kamala Harris opened a civil pattern or practice investigations into Bakersfield Police Department

32.AG-Kamala Harris Created the Racial Profiling Advisory Board Unroll available on Thread Reader

33.AG- Kamala Harris issued guidance outlining the law enforcement agencies responsibilities to assist immigrant crime victims in applying for U-visas.

34.AG- Kamala Harris enlisted major law firms to provide pro-bono legal services to for unaccompanied children entering the US. She supported legislation to provide $3M to qualified CA nonprofits to provide legal aid.

35.AG-Kamala Harris sponsored Bill that allows human trafficking victims to petition court to set aside a conviction of solicitation/prostitution.

36.AG- Kamala Harris eliminated longstanding rape kit backlog of over 1,300 untested kits and significantly reduced processing times. Received the US DOJ’s Award for Professional Innovation in Victim Services

37.AG- Kamala Harris sponsored AB1644 to establish 4yr pilot to assist elementary schools in providing mental health services to students, prioritizing schools in communities with high levels of childhood trauma/ adversity

50 Times #Kamala Accomplished/Advocated for #CriminalJusticeReform 38.AG- #KamalaHarris supported Senate Bill 1143 to significantly limit the practice of isolating juveniles in room confinement. The bill was signed into law and took effect in 2018.

39.AG- Kamala Harris supported AB 1840 to require that state agencies give preference to homeless youth and formerly incarcerated youth when hiring interns and student assistants

40.AG- Kamala Harris supported AB2390 to provide a legislative fix to 2010 legislation that inadvertently removed a mechanism for juvenile offenders with good records on supervised probation to obtain honorable discharge status

41.AG- Kamala Harris supported AB1843 to ensure that juvenile records are protected from unfair and undue inquiry during employer background checks.

42.SEN- Kamala Harris reintroduced (along with colleagues) the National Criminal Justice Commission Act. Creates a National Criminal Justice Commission to review & propose reforms to address the most pressing issues facing the Criminal Justice system.

43.SEN- Kamala Harris sponsored bill that would legalize marijuana; expunge prior convictions, require re-sentencing hearings for those still under supervision;& invest money in communities adversely impacted by the War on Drugs

44.SEN- Kamala Harris sponsored the Pretrial Integrity and Safety Act of 2017 — to encourage states to reform or replace the practice of money bail.

45.SEN- Kamala Harris sponsored legislation to increase funding for public defenders, reduce their workload, and provide pay parity between prosecutors and public defenders

46.SEN- Kamala Harris introduced legislation to limit the use of solitary confinement. Also pressed Bureau of Prisons to take measures to address the significant increase in the use of restricted housing.

47.SEN- Kamala Harris sponsored legislation to end discrimination in public housing for offenders released from prison

48.SEN- Kamala Harris sponsored legislation to reform the treatment of incarcerated women in order to reduce the negative impact incarceration has on the family of women behind bars, especially their children

49.SEN-Kamala Harris sponsored legislation to establish the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men & Boys. The Commission will investigate/provide recommendations to improve the disparities Black men experience.

50.SEN- Kamala Harris worked with civil rights groups (like the NAACP LDF) to strengthen the First Step. 

MY QUESTION TO HER CRITICS: CAN YOU DO BETTER?

[shealynn88]

TWENTY-FOUR CREAM OF THE CROP BDSM FICS!!

There are three main categories:

BDSM Alternate Universe (3): Au trope where everyone is born a dom or a sub.

Safe, Sane and Consensual (10): Mostly AUs where they have some experience in the scene and try to work through things in a healthy way.  It’s not, always, because they’re them and messy and human.  But these are typically on the more realistic side of things (at least the negotiation/agreement side).

Don’t Try This At Home (11) - dark, a lot of pain and bloodplay, characters handling themselves or each other in ways you probably shouldn’t put into practice..but reading them is HOT (for some of us, anyhow).

BDSM Alternate Universe: everyone is born a Dom or a Sub

all the other things by @reallyelegantsharkfish (Destiel) - Words: 8,439

Castiel is a dom at a service for unattached subs.  Dean never knew being a sub didn’t have to hurt.

This is such an incredible story of kindness and healing.  I can’t recommend it enough.  It’s just gorgeous and sweet.

The Meaning On My Skin by @saltnhalo (Destiel) - Words: 82,787

Castiel despises everything about being a dom.  Then he meets Dean, and begins to see there might be another way.

I love the way this weaves in the ‘born a dom’ au, insecure Cas, tattoo artist Dean, a lot of personal growth and some blazing hot, gentle BDSM.

Closer to Bound, Closer to Free by bendingsignpost  (Destiel) - Words: 5,867

Sam is going far, and the country needs his leadership.  So Dean holds off on what he wants to be sure nothing gets complicated.  Even when he meets Cas.

This is an incredible take on the characters - the way Sam serves the greater good, the way Dean serves him.  It’s an incredible take on the BDSM AU - the culture of it, the assumptions, the dynamics...it’s an incredible world built in very few words.  

Safe, Sane, Consensual: trying to do their best in an imperfect world

riptides by @reallyelegantsharkfish (Destiel) - Words: 138,635

“I’m going to kiss you now.”

This is one of the most gorgeous things I’ve read in my existence.  Truly.  It is heartfelt, it is sweet, it is filthy, it gets into a vast number of kinks, the ups and downs of BDSM, delves into some dark and difficult character exploration, and ends up...transcendent.  Read the tags, but then read the fic.  You will not regret it.  

Four Letter Word For Intercourse by @bendingsignpost (Destiel) - Words: 194,739

As a grease monkey turned college freshman, Dean's constantly three seconds away from being stressed out of his mind. It hardly helps that he's finally figuring out his sexuality in his thirties.

What might help with that stress is a little phone number (and a big credit card bill). If he can't figure out how to be bisexual in person, he can at least give it a go over the phone, right?

This is another one that is just...incredible.  It is sweet, it is heartfelt, it is hot, it is a story of self discovery and mistaken identity and bravery, and it is a really great representation of something healthy growing out of a lot of angst and doubt.

Unsolicited by @dangerousnotbroken -  (Destiel) Words: 56,348

Dean get a dick pic from a wrong number...and he cannot believe who it’s from.

Porn star Cas.  Mechanic Dean.  Hotness, sweetness, and a whole lotta fantastic sexy times ensue.  This is just 100% fun and lovely.

Love, light me on fire by ThePornFairy (Destiel) - Words: 3,841

He took a deep breath, wanting nothing more than to turn around and forget this, forget what he was about to do, just go back to never having to deal with it ever again. Instead, he threw the heavy object in his hand on the table before crossing his arms and all but glaring at his husband, whose smile disappeared as his eyes narrowed.

Incredible character exploration and seeing Dean as a masochist with self esteem issues is so true and the way Cas takes care of him is so lovely.  It’s hurt/comfort, S/M style.

Kinetics by kittenbot (Destiel) - Words: 106,440

Set in the modern world without the supernatural, Dean is a sculptor and Castiel is a photographer. Castiel is also a Dom and Bakushi—an expert that ties people up in the traditional Japanese way; his specialty is suspension ties. Cas wants to show Dean how wonderful submission can be and he’s absolutely dying to tie Dean up and suspend him. Dean wants to let him. 

A long, plotty, character exploration and BDSM scene exploration sort of fic.  It will break your heart and heal you.  I love this one so much.

Aesthetics in Autoerotica by @relucant (Destiel) - Words: 8,260(+)  

Cas is a photography student doing an erotic shoot, Dean is a student who needs money and does some modeling on the side.  It ends up being more than either of them expected.

This is incredibly hot and steamy and lovely - it has many of your kinky needs, and the BDSM starts slowly but there are gorgeous rope scenes and soft Dom!Cas is just delicious.

I Wanna Get Outside (Of Me) by emwebb17  (Destiel) - Words: 142,717

Castiel is a diagnosed OCD suffering from PTSD and agoraphobia, mysophobia, and dystychiphobia.  The only outlet that’s been helpful is for him to have control over a sub. Dean is the novice submissive who may be his last hope.

This is lovely.  It deals with some hard things, so read the tags and be ready for some emotional times, but it is beautifully handled, the character development is fantastic and the hotness is off the scales.   

Cloud Nine by Ltleflrt (Destiel) - Words: 2,254

Alpha Cas is a sub, and his Omega is happy to take him apart when he needs it.

Some gorgeous role reversal A/B/O fic.  

Send Me Thorns by nhpw  (Destiel) - Words: 34,297

Castiel is an experienced masochist submissive whose first meeting with Dean doesn’t go well.  But when they end up working together, Cas is forced to consider that there’s more to Dean than he’d realized.

An animal shelter, a masochist, an idiot with a dash of romance and insecurity - this is so lovely in so many ways.  It’s sweet and hot and plotty and wonderful.

Russian to the Altar by @malmuses​ (Destiel) - Words: 144258

It turned out that Castiel was a Russian erotic novelist in need of a ticket to America, and Dean… well, Dean was a last resort.

Picture, if you will, Cas with a Russian accent, Dean baking cooking and cakes, the two of them married and having not a damn clue what to do with each other, except maybe crush from afar.  Until they start having a D/s relationships as friends, which of COURSE isn’t how either of them feel.  Slow burn, but with lots of sex, funny jokes, hot hot hot D/s scenes, a lot of desire to bash them both over the head, and then an ending that makes it all worth it.  So good.

Don’t Try This At Home: it may not be healthy but it’s hot

Countin' One Two Three by Minxchester (ComeAlongPond14)  (Dean/Cas/Sam/Gabriel+) -  Words: 7,963

AU in which Sam and Dean Winchester are not relatively moral hunters who travel around saving people, but are instead road-tripping, bank-robbing, diner-dining rogues with nothing but their car, a slightly-too-intimate sibling relationship, and a passion for double-teaming cute waiters.

This is basically just a smutfest.  If you’re looking for Wincest, it takes a very long time to get there, but it does happen. if you’re looking for WinCasWin, there’s plenty of that to soothe you before you get to any real brotherly sexy times.  This is unabashed porn, and it is on FIRE.

Blind Date by @hazeldomain (Wincest) - Words: 1,489

Sam finds out Dean has a kink for anonymous gang bangs, and takes advantage of that to feed a kink of his own...

Some hot wincest pwp.  Nothing more to say, it’s just smokin’.  Non-con, officially, but ultimately desired.

All Inclusive K!ink by Amazonia_8 (WinCasWin) - Words: 29,552

Castiel has never been in a BDSM relationship, but he’s ready to fully submerge himself in the lifestyle.  Dean has been a dom for a long time, but Cas is something entirely new and irresistable.

The second story in this series is my favorite, but this entire thing is just out of control hotness.  Sub slave Cas, experienced Doms Dean and Sam.  I love this take on the brothers, and on Cas, and the way it shows them working through their insecurities and unwillingness to communicate in order to help them develop a healthier relationship.  Sam is brilliant and insightful and dark.  Dean is sweet and thoughtful and a well meaning mess.  Cas is inexperienced and stubborn, but he knows what he wants.  This is definitely a go-to for me!

SextersAnon.com by @unforth​ (Destiel) - Words: 16,739

SextersAnon.com, is a site that helps like-minded individuals find each other for anonymous sexting.  Dean and Cas have no idea what they’re getting themselves into when they match up!

This and it’s sequel Offline are just incredible.  It is incredibly emotional and goes into a lot of difficult trauma and backstory.  But it is absolutely incredible.  Dean is a sadist, Cas is a masochist and they are a PERFECT match...if only they can get through all the baggage, history and fears that keep them apart.  Grab a tissue box and have a friend available for comfort, and then go read this fic!!!   (Happy ending, just a rough time getting there.)

Dirty Laundry by vipjuly (Destiel) - Words: 28,566

Dr. Castiel Novak is a leading name in the mental health community. When Dean Winchester, self-proclaimed Golden Gardens killer, lies down on his couch for the first time, Castiel feels it.  Dean is exactly who he says he is.

Aw, yeah.  That’s some quality murder husband fic, right there.  This is supremely written dark destiel, and I am HERE FOR IT.  The push/pull of it is very Hannibal-esque...it’s just lovely, dark and deep and stunning in the best ways.

Ancient Cultivars by @wingstocarryon (Sastiel) - Words: 7063

Castiel cries for the first time, and Sam doesn’t know what to do.  He just does what he can.

This is such a deep and heartbreaking and beautiful exploration of Sam and Cas, on the same and opposite sides of the same trauma. It’s panic attacks and feeling at home and using pain to find a way back...it’s stunning and I can’t say enough about it.

Orpheus by sysrae (Destiel) - Words: 84,007

Dean keeps going back because he thinks he deserves what they give him.  But when Castiel picks him up, it’s different.  And it’s just the beginning.

Long, plotty, thought provoking AU exploration of Alistair and Dean and the aftermath of that.  how Cas comes in not understanding any of it, but treating Dean kindly because that’s the way he is, and it’s hard and also needed so deeply.  This is another one that’s just stunning and hard but so worth while.

Willing by @chiisana-sukima (Wincest) - Words: 13,466

After expelling Gadreel, Sam kills himself to close the Gates of Hell. Dean copes poorly alone, and then they cope poorly together.

The atmosphere of this fic is incredible - gritty, noir desaturated feeling to it.  It’s subtle and thought provoking and you see Dean serve in a way he really doesn’t in canon, but the growth of it, the way he gets there, is utterly believable and perfect.  This is absolutely one of my favorites of all time.  

hurt me because you love me by blamethemusk (Sastiel) - Words: 4,374

Sam is a masochist.  Castiel is not a sadist, but he can adapt.

Castiel serving the Winchesters in difficult ways is probably one of my favorite things.  Here, Castiel gives Sam the pain he needs because no one else can.  This is so dark and painful and so full of love.  I can’t explain it.  If you like some loving S/M, I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Rise Above It by @silver9mm (Destiel, Wincestiel) - Words: 10,692

Cas wants to show Dean that, despite what he did in Hell, he’s not a monster.  Dean disagrees.

This is the darkest, hardest fic I’ve ever loved.  Definitely heed the tags.  BUT, it’s also gorgeous and full of an incredibly selfless love, and it has such strong characterization and exploration of motives and mindsets...truly a masterpiece. 

Dollars & Cents by ekbe_vile (Destiel) - Words: 4,602

 Dean has a taste for causing pain, and Cas takes it.

Heartbreaking, this one.  But again, so much exploration of character in the giving and receiving of pain.  There are threads of repentance and horror and challenges of self acceptance.  So much packed into so few words.

Been Down So Long by BlindSwandive (Wincest) -  Words: 14,404

Sam’s addicted to demon blood and Dean is willing to do absolutely anything to get him over it.

Dark, dark, dark.  Non-con all the way.  Sam needs demon blood and it’s making Dean crazy.  This is so well done - you can see the downward spiral for them both. Sam is an unreliable narrator while experiencing withdrawal; Dean is coming unraveled trying to take care of an unwilling Sam.  Chilling but gorgeous.  If you like bloodplay/blood-drinking, this is the fic for you.

[khale20ahsgov]

STATE AND LEGISLATIVE ACTION

1. 

a. Rebecca Bauer Kahan supports expanding state public housing programs, however, she believes take local control cannot be away from the cities and counties that know best how to tackle our housing crisis, while not overburdening our schools, emergency services, roads and other infrastructure. She agrees with it, but has not taken action and has a lack of support for affordable housing, she believes other issues are rather more important. 

b. I do not agree with her position because although she agrees with affordable housing, she believes it is a more local issue than what the government can do. Although I believe the local has a big part in it, I think the government could be very productive in the issue and and could point the national issue in the right direction. 

c. She has a lack of support for affordable housing bills, but she did support CA AB298 requiring a report to include a recommendation as to which state department is best suited to administer the program, an estimation of the amount of funding that would be necessary to conduct the program, and recommendations for qualifications for participation in the program.

a.  Steve organized campaigns that provided billions of dollars for homeless shelters and affordable housing, as well as residences for abused women and foster children. He believes one of the most valuable parts of the old redevelopment funding was the money it provided for housing. That option should be part of any new redevelopment proposal.

b. I agree with his position because I believe several implements of programs to provide funding for affordable housing as well as for a solution to help decrease the rates of homelessness is one of the biggest things. There shouldn’t just be new development of affordable housing but taking old developments and making them safe and up to code while still being affordable is equally important. 

c. Glazer supported SB 621. Expedited CEQA Review – This bill would expedite the judicial process for lawsuits challenging affordable housing projects under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) by requiring courts to adjudicate such lawsuits within 270 days. He is also in support of SB 33 Homeless Coordinating and Financing Council. This bill would implement a statewide strategic plan for addressing homelessness. The bill would require the council to assist Housing and Urban Development recommended activities and meeting Housing and Urban Development requirements.

2. 

a. AB-1745 Shelter crisis: emergency bridge housing community: City of San Jose

b. The bill was introduced on February 2, 2019. 

c. The bill was chaptered (became law) by the Secretary of State on September 26, 2019.

d. I agree with this bill because it suspends typical regulations that would normally not allow a shelter crisis to exist in that specific city. It allows the set up for housing communities for homeless, subject to different regulations than complying with the typical ones. I think its a step in the right direction to finding one of several solutions to providing affordable housing for the homeless or people who need assistance in the bay area. 

3. 

a. Congressman Desaulnier believes that there is a need for more affordable housing options especially in the San Francisco Bay Area. Several commute hours to get from home to their jobs and the housing crisis presents a serious threat to our region’s quality of life. He believes homelessness and housing are directly related and can be worked on together. 

b. Mark sponsors several bills to provide more affordable housing for middle- and low-income Americans, including the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act (H.R. 1661), a bill that would incentivize the building of affordable housing. With his support, this bill’s provisions recently became law. He also supports Ending Homelessness Act (H.R. 2076). Yes, I support them because they deal with the urgent issue of rising costs especially in California and how to bring in more affordable housing to help end homelessness. 

a. Kamala Harris’ perspective on affordable housing is that it is urgent and needs to be addressed. Amid the rising costs of housing especially in California she understands the need and decided to take leadership in introducing a bold proposal. She believes the best way to combat it is to help and give relief to lower income residents. 

b. Harris introduced the Rent Relief Act which would create a new, refundable tax credit to put more money in the pocket of families at a time when renters’ wages have remained stagnant and housing costs have increased rapidly. She says herself, “the bill would ensure no family is priced out of the basic security of a place to live”. Not only would it keep a roof over peoples heads, it would it would provide better opportunities and it can help struggling families put food on the table as well as people can take care of their health since they do not have to decide between basic needs. I support this because it provides affordable housing and helps prevent and combat homelessness.

a. Feinstein supports affordable housing and the crisis of homelessness. She believes it is a problem and it is a problem that the federal government could have a productive role in helping address the issue. She believes getting a wrap around the issue would include housing paired with wraparound services that help address the problems that made someone homeless in the first place. She recognizes the issue in California and especially in the Bay Area. 

b. Diane Feinstein introduced along with other senators and representatives the  Fighting Homelessness Through Services and Housing Act (S. 923). It is a bill to increase federal resources to battle homelessness. Specifically, the bill authorizes $750 million in grants annually for the next five years for local governments to combat homelessness. Federal funds would be conditioned on a grant recipient’s ability to provide not only housing but also comprehensive services like mental health care, substance abuse treatment and job training. Grant recipients would be required to provide 25 percent of project funds and report on measures of success, including whether individuals remain housed. I am in support of this bill. I think that providing funding is extremely important and I agree with what she is doing. I think that placing checks on the people and making sure what they are providing is being used for good measure is a good thing to do to ensure people are using the opportunity to their advantage and staying out of past troubles. 

4. 

a. There are 9 bills that pertain to my issue between affordable housing and homelessness. 

b. It is Senate Bill S. 787.

c. The bill addresses America’s housing affordability crisis. It helps both renters and homebuyers by creating a larger stock of housing, lowering the cost of new housing developments, requiring financial institutions to extend credit to low and moderate income households and addressing the legacies of discriminatory federal housing policies are all needed to fix this problem. It would spend an average of $50 billion a year in federal funding to build 3.2 million new rental units around the country, provide assistance to people who’ve been hurt by federal housing policy failures through two new targeted programs.

d. It impacts renters and homebuyers as well as low and middle class income households. Those who have been disadvantaged by federal housing policy or who were negatively influenced by the housing crisis will be helped with this bill. The bill also encourages anti-discrimination laws and fair housing so everyone will receive the same opportunity. 

e. Although the funding comes from taxation, I do believe that it is money well spent. It helps give equal opportunity to those otherwise disadvantaged, and provides for everyone to pursue the opportunities they are given and to restart from the troubles previously faced.

f. The bill originated in the Senate. The bill was introduced on March 12th, 2019. The senate committee that has reviewed it is the Committee of Finance, but the Senate has not voted yet so it is currently still there. 

[the-final-straw-blog]

The Old Law and The New: Jason Goudlock in Ohio

This week we have two segments. 

Jason Goudlock and the Old Law in OH

First, we'll hear from Jason Goudlock, a prisoner under the so-called “Old Law” in Ohio serving his 26th year of a 6-25 year sentence. Jason talks about the situation in Ohio between the “Old Law” and the “New Law”, for instance if he had been convicted of the same robbery and battery crimes three years later he might have served half of the time. Jason also speaks about the whims of the the Ohio Parole Board, some corroborated in public statements by former OPB member, Shirley Smith (linked in the show notes, and mentioning the situation of Marc Houc for instance).

Jason is the subject of a documentary, “Invisible Chess: The Jason Goudlock Story”, which can be found for free at FreeJasonGoudlock.org. Education packs for teachers can be found on the site for the film, InvisibleChess.com. The film will be shown on Wednesday, January 22nd, 2020 from 1:30-3pm alongside a discussion at Bard College led by the filmmaker, Samuel Crow, along with prison reformer Bill Nichols. It can be viewed it at the Bertelsmann Weis Cinema on the Bard College campus. You can find Jason’s website and blog up at his website. There is a gofundme run to raise funds for Jason’s legal defense and raising awareness of his case and those of other Old Law prisoners.

Jason also suggests FairTreatmentReformAndReentry.org to learn more about the struggle and check out recent legislation put forth in Ohio to affect the Old Law/New Law sentencing disparities (and in particular, Beverley A. Seymore, author of the Parole Reform Bill).

Near the end I ask Jason about recent hunger strikes by Mark Hinkston and David Easley, two other Ohio prisoners held for a bit at Toledo CI, who we’ve interviewed before on the show. The hunger strike was a protest against the use of solitary confinement specifically to torture prisoners suffering from mental health crises. More on that below. Jason also mentions the recent sexual abuse of prisoners at Toledo CI by mental health staff member Maggie Jedlinsky.

Finally, Jason shouts out the cases of the Lucasville Uprising. Check our show notes for links to our interviews with Hasan over the years and with Bomani Shakur, aka Keith Lamar, on his book Condemned and Greg Curry from the case. We also spoke with an attorney (Niki Schwartz) and another prisoner present on the 25th anniversary of the uprising.

Comrade Easley Faces Inter-State Transfer

We’ll be hearing briefly from David Easley about some updates in his situation, including the hunger strike that he and Mark “Mustafa” Hinkston just got off of in protest of the torture of prisoners suffering mental health distress by stuffing them in segregation at Toledo CI and the legal shenanigans by administration at Toledo CI in an attempt to get them on an out-of-state transfer. You can keep up on Mark and David’s activity on their supporters twitters. There is a request that folks email and call the Ohio Interstate Compact Administrators to demand David and Mark not get transferred far from their family, loved ones and supporters and to emphasize that they are being threatened with transfer for legitimate free speech. You can contact:

Suzanne Brooks (Deputy Compact Administrator): ohio.compact@odrc.state.oh.us or suzanne.brooks@odrc.state.oh.us or call at +1614 752 0829 or fax at +1614 752 1822

Sara Andrews (Director & Commissioner/Compact Administrator): ohio.compact@odrc.state.oh.us or sara.andrews@sc.ohio.govor call at +16145121794

Announcements

Prison Violence at Parchman, Mississippi

From Oakland IWOC, comes a call for a phone Zap starting on Monday, January 6th on behalf of prisoners at Parchman. Articles on the violence are linked at the Oakland IWOC page (see above):

Call and email these targets Monday

Governor-elect Tate Reeves (601)359-3200 Ltgov@senate.ms.gov

MDOC Director Pelicia Hall (601) 359-5900 Peliciahall@mdoc.state.ms.us

Sample script: “Hello. I am calling as a concerned citizen about the ongoing crisis at Parchman. The Board of Directors must ensure that the superintendent find an amicable and peaceful solution, as well as, address the prisoners needs. They need to ensure that the prisoners have sanitary and safe housing conditions. We, as a community, along with the prisoners have these demands: 1. Immediate separation of all rival groups to halt the violence. 2. Restore full food service and immediate emergency medical care. 3. Removal of the corrupt guards who instigated violence. Remember, the world is watching. Thank you.”

Health Update on Dr. Shakur

Dr Mutulu Shakur, a Black Liberation activist and Accupuncturist has been imprisoned for 33 years and this year was found to have bone marrow cancer. There is an article up on SFBayView.com linked in the show notes. Supporters are requesting letters of support and love to Dr Mutulu at:

Dr. Mutulu Shakur 83205-012 USP Victorville, P.O. Box 3900, Adelanto, CA 92301

They are also asking for donations for his medical, legal, commissary and more with details in the article and up at mutulushakur.com and the associated donate button. At Dr. Shakur’s request there is, at this time, no public campaign for his release.

Twin Trouble Interview

Incarcerated hactivist and anarchist, Jeremy Hammond and his twin brother, Jason (who served some time for participating in the anti-fascist action at Tinley Park, IL in May of 2012) have started releasing a new media project. The show self-describes as:

“Twin Trouble – the podcast about fighting the system and staying rebellious while being incarcerated. The show takes the form of a recorded phone call between Jason in Chicago, and his twin brother Jeremy, locked up in Alexandria, VA, just outside D.C. “

More on the podcast can be found up at twintrouble.home.blog and you can also hear it on soundcloud.

Eric King Updates

There is an update on Eric King’s support page, supportericking.org, giving details on materials he can receive and what he cannot. Eric could use some love. And please be aware also that each letter he receives is read by a guard.

. ... . ..

Playlist

Check out this episode!

[pgoeltz]

@blueshieldca  been begging for over a yr to get somtreatment for my back and health, its a nightmare, while CEO makes 42 million, i fight for hard worked benifits.  told to go to er???    my pain doctor told me yesterday he will buy the book of my death by bs of ca, as they dont care >>>>> 

all the notes they want me to go to a place that does not understand billing and i will be out of a 8 week program in 7 days

 paul goeltz 0aaaaa663 is social, and out of state, so special CS, heck they try, but i think i spend to much money and cutting cost to pay the ceo seem to be of more importance then helping ppl16 JAN 2019, 07:57btw i’m half dead from lack of case management, ur doctors that deny my back the right ops, meds, now i guess my pain meds is a no no so retire have to pay 30 its all profit so that fat white man can make 35 million dont worry the world will see it all, you all should be ashamed at your corupt industry money over health16 JAN 2019, 10:55Thank you for supplying your info, Paul. One of our Specialists will reach out shortly to assist. – SR18 JAN 2019, 07:10and thank for calling, but we had to hang up as i was waiting forBS of ca to call, she said she would call back yesterday was here all day, will be back here today, after pt so after10.30am MTand no call so maybe u can let them know here latter today..18 JAN 2019, 10:03I apologize for missing our call yesterday. I’ll call you after 10:30 today. – KristaTHURS 22:10well here we are 6 months later almost dead still zero@BlueShieldCA thanks claiming to #care #fastservice #CustomerService &blah blah blah, i have been trying 2get treetment 4almost a yr, ur #contractor doing #casemanagement has no clue, ur #phone reps dont call back, i dont think BS cares if i live or die its all #money and #F me.ask Esperanza Ramos RN she can explain how sick ur case mangement is and how mr goelts is stuck in the middle of hell and getting nothingwell i can start going to the er every 2 days that will cost about 100k real quickas ur call center says all the help is at the er they will help[ you and call us to figure out what to do with you, thats from ur call centerFRI 08:09anotherday waiting while BS and records and doctors try to figure out why or how paul can use benifits in both medical and mental, oh no, if we?BS keep hold off and FOOLING HIM WE WILL NOT HAVE TO PSAY AND CEO MAKES MILLIONS AND GETS GRT MEDICAL CARE, WELL STILL WAITINGI SHOULD BE TAKING PICTURES OF ME WITHERING AWAY 40 LBS ALREADY….FRI 09:58We’re sorry for your frustration. A Specialist will reach out to you shortly. – JessicaHi Paul. I’ve reviewed your policy and see that you’re trying to receive inpatient detox care. I also see that your case manager Esperanza is currently out of the office, which is why she hasn’t reached out to you. In some of your case notes I see that you stated the appeal filed on your behalf is incorrect. Can you please clarify if this is true? The appeal was assigned to a coordinator this morning, so if I need to remove the appeal I can. Also, if you could clarify exactly what you are wanting, I can work with your case manager to get you the required treatment. Please let me know as soon as possible. – Cortneymore than that if you want to talk call plsi dont have a case managerthey were fired as no brains4066423052FRI 11:45fyi Esperanza is not my case managedr she is trying to help after seeing the messing your case management co got me in, i have no case manager, and i need one to work both side of this medical and mental, So shortly is that longer than 3 hrs? yes the appeal that was filed is all wrong, meanwhile that much closer to death, hope everyone is getting a good laughno you dont need to remove tghe appeal it should have been filed a month ago as i called to file and the lady did nothing not even contact esEsperanza , and the grievence filed is wrong, i dont have time for this i needed help almost a yr ago when does this stopper doc kemple i need a level 4 detox or better, and admit in to a pain program such as siera tuscon, hohn hopkins miami jewish health this all are for pain ppeole not drug addicts, while i explain this for the 300th time why dont you ask sherly jones who screwed it all up and that case management cohello anyone calling so i can blab for 302 times to see if i can get helpFRI 16:33Hi Paul. Your case has been escalated to upper management. You should be receiving an answer from them by Tuesday. We have our very best working on your case. – Cortneyon Wed, May 1, 2019 at 10:00 AM paul goeltz <pgoeltz@gmail.com> wrote:Attn: Carmen G.”/  Cortney W.So the grievance is all wrong, those are not my words. the program if opened1 per doc kemple i need a medical detox 4 or higher and inpatient pain rehab or best might end up back on a pump, reeading mjh, not sure they do detox and what levels?there is many pain clinics that are hooked to hospital, for ppl like me with medical conditions.the couple i gave was my research.i also want to complain about the company you hired to do case management, they did nothing and left this in a mess.that said i need case management or help with this.  are you saying in one week if  the codes are not right i will be in the first week of a 5-8 week in patient stay, as the detox is part one learning to try to live with out pain meds are reducing them takes learning, so i might as well shoot myself now, it took a year of begging to get this and now it being forced down my throat, i have talked to no one about any of these places!! Sheryl and that company was to help me decide and make a wise choice but what happened?  so ur saying the hell with Paul  after one week, it gives the hospital no faith in blue shield and they probably will not give me the care i need seeing BS want to still play games.Another part is why no case manager/ i don’t know how when I’m out of it both detoxing and with out pain meds, you can get me out and who will fight for me,  you tell ppl don’t should NOT! make decision when on opiates, well over 20 yrs so your asking me to make a life decision even though it bad a dangerous//??  why is this all messed up you ask us to make the bad decision even though you know your to help??if this is what there is, your blue shield doctors don’t talk, how do you sign them up, this is real said, messing with ppl life’s here, no case, you figure it out goeltz, i have been but now its all wrong, well the best is after a week when they boot me, i;ll go er to er.  so what about the case manager telling me to go to drug and booze detox, for 2 months she had me calling those places and listing to there lies you’ll be fine with the serenity bed etc, and Sheryl just said yes to everything, like she had to help another person with one place, does it not take 3-5 place to make an informed decision??  i wanted kemples medical necessity letter and records sent to 5 to make the right choice for me and bs so you get value.  you should be a part that what Sheryl was do do not just chicken out.miamijewishhealth.org/healthcare-services-programs/rosomoff-center/  maybe not best fit, but maybe lowball for you and no one has even compared them, does BS not want whats best??https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/psychiatry/specialty_areas/pain/patient_information/inpatient.htmlhttps://www.sierratucson.com/programs/pain-management-recovery/https://lasvegasrecovery.com/pain/so it appears all the help for a week in a long program, is just insane? is the bottom line the only thing BS of ca cares about.DO I JUST NEED DETOX?It’s important to know that detox alone will not solve a drug use problem. Some individuals find that once they have successfully completed detox, they still need to enroll in a program to help them rebuild their life after prescription pain killers. Freedom Model Retreats offers a Cognitive Behavioral Learning program that uses self assessment and self change to teach guest to reevaluate their choices and decisions and to make choices that are more productive. Guests learn the importance of forming habits and behaviors that are positive and more purposeful and they realize that they have the power to take back control of their life and to have a life that is permanently free from substance use. see most detox is for abuser, they get to learn to cope and so do i it takes tiome 5-8 weeks to tryiong out different meds, drips, etc, we dont get this right i will be back, i will take this to the highest court.  the boozes and dopers dont have any issues but paul goeltz who omnly takes what is giving noting lost stolen etc, i been told your not hooked so no detox and you can go to any detox and blue shiled will get with the place to decide?? ok what is the plan after detox? is there detox what level, can i pay for higher like 5/anyway please dont leave me after one week if you want me to go to miami jewish is a program, they are layughing at BS all ready, your showing your card, they know you dont want to pay.  i can say if i dont get into a good programthis just seems like here toss paul a bone and we dont even know if this is right placepgso i spoke with a couple doctors< they all came to the same conclusion, BS could care less, and this will make a great best seller, why paul died while trying to get help/   kemple told me he spoke with higher ups there, and going into a program that is 5-8 weeks with just a week approved is a death sentence!  people detoxing from drugs or booze don’t have to deal with this?It sounds like MJH does not understand the codes and billing, which would mean me suffering, and having to appeal a program??  Not even sure if MJH does detox, i was told they do from that case management company you hired and relieved??    Did we get all of there case notes??What happened to https://lasvegasrecovery.com/pain/ orsierratucson.com/programs/pain-management-recovery/https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/psychiatry/specialty_areas/pain/patient_information/inpatient.htmlmiamijewishhealth.org/healthcare-services-programs/rosomoff-center/http://med.stanford.edu/pain.html how can BS pay for drinkers at these places but not a rehab pain patient??also why cant that company that you hired to do case management help? yes they got tossed off, but that is there job i have the sheet in front of me, it does no say i can have case manger if just using medical or mental, as i had them with just medical, so i demand there help. and a nurse that will help me make informed thoughts ideas etc, this also is in the job description.  there number is 1 866 567 6195, i called them again week ago asking for help and was told they will be in touch this seems to be very common at BS, were laddies say oh we will call back or i will file a grievance and have not … i called 3 times about grievance and the last one went but not my words, 2 ladies did nothing, same with that company, they claim an inability to help.yes @blueshieldca is paying the ceo over 42 million, meanwhile my pain doctor is trying to get spinal rehab 5-8 weeks inpatient, yes it will cost, but no BS wants to pay there #nonprofits brass billions, and us the workers we get #Death sort of like living in #gaza @scvwdANONdaisypgöeltz added,Sauk River Review@OldSaukRiverReplying to @OldSaukRiver @pgoeltz and 10 othersHow can Uaccept it’s ok4 some 2die while others can live? This is the kind of choice Nazis offered -what our pol system in DC -overrun by insur & pharma interests turns them in2 w/this fully unacceptable form of bargaining.…WERLL HOPE YOU CAN SEE THE ISSUEShare this:

[nextusbillingsolutions]

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