Racial discrimination in public assistance programs is raising alarms in Sacramento, California.
A new cash welfare pilot initiative has emerged, but it only opens its doors to parents of black or indigenous children.
Critics are appalled by this clear exclusion of white, Asian, and Hispanic families, raising serious concerns about fairness and legality.
The program, known as the Family First Economic Support Pilot, offers $725 per month for a year to 200 selected low-income parents or guardians.
Eligibility is strictly determined by race, with those who do not claim black or indigenous heritage automatically disqualified from consideration.
State Senator Roger Niello, a Republican representing parts of Sacramento County, has voiced his strong objections.
Niello argues that the program unjustly eliminates opportunities for equally deserving families of different ethnic backgrounds who also face economic struggles.
“This budget is a zero-sum game,” Niello told The Center Square. “We’re eliminating similar opportunities for citizens, and that concerns me.”
The program is funded by state grants and aims to improve child welfare while reducing the likelihood of entering the foster care system.
However, many are questioning how this initiative aligns with the principles of justice and equity espoused by the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits the government from classifying individuals based on race.
Andrew Quinio, a legal expert with the Pacific Legal Foundation, pointed out the legal vulnerabilities of such race-based classifications.
“The program would be presumptively invalid unless it is remedying specific discriminatory acts by the government,” Quinio stated.
He emphasized that there is no clear evidence of such discriminatory policies in Sacramento that justify this exclusionary approach.
The initiative extends eligibility not just to citizens but also to families regardless of immigration status, further complicating the debate over its fairness.
This pilot program is part of a growing trend of race-based welfare systems that many conservatives view as a troubling shift away from merit-based assistance.
As Sacramento moves forward with this controversial program, voices advocating for equality and fairness in public assistance programs continue to grow louder, demanding that all families—regardless of race—be treated with respect and dignity when it comes to access to aid.
The implications of this pilot program extend beyond Sacramento, touching on national conversations about race, equity, and the role of government in welfare distribution.
Sources:
justthenews.comrumble.comthedupreereport.com