Funding Formulas. Each year, formulas are used to allocate well over $200 billion of federal funds to state and local governments via more than 160 federal programs. The formulas are not static things. They move according to current politics and community pushback. Changing up funding formulas can be effective in increasing community funding. And after decades of anti urban policy that actively worked to strip communities of color (read as non supporters of Republicans) of resources, there are clear opportunities to revisit the formulas used to figure the funding.
The process is already underway as the most recent stimulus package increased the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) by eight percent and set higher “floors” and data tracking requirements for public education funding. For example, in order for states to be eligible they must commit to getting funding levels at or above fiscal year 2005-06 levels and agree to report per pupil/per school spending and other equity data. Some current fights in shaping formulas:
1. Special education funding – use the census or use the numbers of students identified with special needs? There are strong feelings on either side but there may be a third way that sets a strong floor for special education funding and then adds at least double per pupil spending for each special needs student identified.
2. Use more than the census and ACS to inform the numbers – when calculating SCHIP, affordable housing or estimating undocumented residents, more data sources can help provide fuller, more accurate basis for allocations. One approach is to fight for state and/or local contracting to good researchers to engage in safe surveys that produce additional population estimates that are included in formula allocations. Affordable housing standards based on median income within a city do not take into account regional pressures (who would live there if they could afford to) or other affordability factors.
3. Generally, we need to define the fundamental basics necessary for effective governance and quality of life. The underlying struggle regarding gentrification is that the main way people imagine cities functioning is with the power and resources of the affluent so every city works to attract them in order to stay afloat. What would it take for every community, no matter how low income, to be able to govern themselves? Are there basic rights to life and livelihood that these formulas can help realize? Consider higher minimum funding “floors” for key programs including education, health care access, housing, green space, public transit and more. This is especially critical if your community loss population over the last few years.
4. Establish clear benchmarks for tracking, evaluation and access to grants based on representation of community stakeholders and transparency.
Better Political Maps
This is shaping up to be a seminal census. Big shifts in community migrations due to Katrina, a foreclosure crisis that is affecting millions of which more than half are Black and Brown folk and even more migration as those laid off move in search for jobs mean we have to pay even closer to the political maps.
Step 1: Get Oriented to the Landscape
For BCBP groups, each site was given data (at the December meeting) for your state that shows county level population change data by race in excel. You can also get this data from www.census.gov down to the census tract. Identify potential areas of struggle and concern. Where is growth? Decline? In what communities? How might this change the power analysis? What has been the trend re: political boundaries? Has your county been annexing land or shifting census tracts or school boundaries to concentrate poverty or gentrifiers? Advancement Project is developing a great tool to help communities match a number of demographic data to district lines. It even helps you imagine new districts based on desired demographics. Check it out at http://www.healthycity.org/. Southern ECHO also has great tools and resources on census and redistricting. Find out more at http://southernecho.org/s/?page_id=256
And for a fun game that does a great job of breaking down the redistricting process, check out http://www.redistrictinggame.org/ from the Annenberg Center at USC. Remember, it is not just about congressional seats but other political boundaries as well.
Step 2: Make Sure You Know the Rules and the Timeline
States are supposed to publish timelines for the process. Be sure to keep track of when their plans are to be drafted, up for public comment and how they choose who gets input. The first fight, of course, is to ensure fair representation on the bodies charged with oversight. Several states have introduced legislation creating independent oversight bodies for redistricting. Find out if your state has such a body and the process for getting appointments. Assess the feasibility of getting certain kinds of community representation built into the statute or at least the process. Be sure to keep your power analysis in the frame as you develop your strategy.
Step 3: Develop Your Vision and Plan
Working with resources like FairVote, Advancement Project, Southern ECHO or perhaps in kind or other demographic support through academic partnerships or other sources, plot your ideal map and process. FairVote has model redistricting policies at http://fairvote.org/?page=1429 that may be useful. Of course, you are the expert when it comes to identifying power goals and needs. Start with your own community vision, build with other state allies and imagine the effort it will take to move the work.
Hopefully, this informal memo will be helpful in thinking through strategy, concept papers and the like. Of course, feel free to contact me should you need additional info: mthemba@thepraxisproject.org
