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January jobs report: Unemployment rate falls to 4%, wages rise more than forecast; Trump signs order imposing sanctions on International Criminal Court over investigations of Israel; Ten Commandments in public schools debate reaches South Dakota; Virginia ranks among worst states for wage theft; Mexican long-nosed bat makes appearance in Arizona.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi strikes a Trump tone at the Justice Department, federal workers get more time to consider buyouts, and an unclassified email request from the White House worries CIA vets.

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During Black History Month, a new book shares how a unique partnership built 5,000 schools for Black students, anti-hunger advocates say ag communities would benefit from an expanded SNAP program, and Americans have $90 billion in unpaid medical bills.

New Coalition Urges Commonwealth to Prioritize Vaccine Equity

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Friday, February 19, 2021   

BOSTON - This week, a new coalition of civil-rights, immigrant-justice and public-health groups has laid out a path toward more equitable vaccine distribution in the Commonwealth.

More than 20% of Massachusetts' population is Black and Latino - including nearly a quarter of healthcare workers. But so far, white residents have received 12 times more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine than Black residents, and 16 times more than Latino residents.

State Rep. Liz Miranda - D-Boston - said these disparities are not new, but now is an opportunity for the state to change course.

"There's no equitable recovery in any sector without prioritizing the communities that have been most vulnerable," said Miranda. "And this can't be just a 'moment.' This has to be the new normal."

Gov. Charlie Baker has announced a targeted outreach initiative in 20 cities and towns affected most by COVID-19, as well as $1 million toward vaccinating historically underserved populations. But the Vaccine Equity Now! Coalition contends that doesn't go far enough.

The group's demands include $10 million to trusted community organizations for outreach and engagement, a "vaccine czar" to take charge on addressing inequities, and 20% additional doses for the communities most impacted.

The coalition also hopes to see greater language access and cultural competence in vaccine administration, along with clear equity goals and transparency in reporting.

Miranda said over time, discrimination in the healthcare system has led to barriers between people of color and health institutions.

"The blame is put on communities of color," said Miranda, "for, 'Hey, you don't want to take this vaccination.' But no, that can't be the scapegoat. We know that the mistrust exists. We know that there's been decades and decades of environmental pollution and medical racism."

The Vaccine Equity Act, which Miranda helped introduce in the General Assembly, would bring the state closer to these goals. It would not only take a grassroots approach to outreach and vaccine administration, but "go mobile" in places where people might not be able to access transportation or take time off work.


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