Business
Hair braiding bill represents ‘new narrative’ at legislature
MINNESOTA SPOKESMAN-RECORDER — Minnesota’s record ethnic diversity at the State Capitol — including African American, Somali American, Asian American and Hispanic or Latino representation — has given legislators of color a boost when it comes to creating new perspectives on policy change.
Minnesota’s record ethnic diversity at the State Capitol — including African American, Somali American, Asian American and Hispanic or Latino representation — has given legislators of color a boost when it comes to creating new perspectives on policy change.
Local leaders like Rep. Rena Moran (DFL-Minneapolis) have hit the ground running, with 19 people of color in the House, in ensuring issues related to people of color are not only heard, but are addressed via legislation.
“When we are able to bring in our expertise and our experience to these conversations,” said Moran, “we begin to see policies that create different practices than what we have seen in the past.”
In February, she teamed with Sen. Jeff Hayden to introduce the African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act (HF142) to help keep Black youth from being displaced from their homes due to racial bias.
“The number of our [African American] kids who have been removed from their homes and from their parents and not being placed with relatives and put in homes with strangers is alarming,” Moran told the MSR. “They are away from their communities, their schools, sometimes even their siblings. This has a huge impact on not only our community, but it has an impact on how our children are developing.
“They are not feeling connected to their community or loved,” continued Moran, “so they go into these new homes and it shows up in the school. And now they are being diagnosed or placed in special ed, getting medication, or are being funneled into the youth detention centers. We’re not recognizing their trauma. We’re not recognizing and valuing the family preservation — the foundation for us as Black people.”
She authored another bill (HF554) that was approved in April to help parents directly seek to re-establish parental rights and reduce barriers for parents who lost rights for non-egregious harm. “Kids should not be lingering in foster care, and the State should never be in the business of trying to raise our kids.”
Black hair economics
Now she’s taking on Black hair and entrepreneurship via a bill (HF140) to repeal cosmetology registration requirements for braiders. Hair braiding, an art that goes back thousands of years, has been a hot-button topic across the country. While most cosmetology programs don’t teach the skill, many states require a cosmetology license to legally practice it.
Those licensure requirements include upwards of 2,000 hours of education and thousands of dollars in fees to acquire. Women have been fined tens of thousands of dollars and even jailed for braiding without it. This has led to 26 states, North Dakota most recently, ending licensing requirements for hair braiders, according to the Institute for Justice.
While Minnesota has one of the more lenient requirements — 30 hours of service — Moran hopes to repeal yet another barrier for Black women to become entrepreneurs. “It’s not like Louisiana that requires 500 hours, but we want to make sure that we are not creating mandates that are getting in the way of Black women being business owners,” said Moran.
“And, we know that in the state of Minnesota, we have less women who are business owners. We also know Black women are making somewhere near 65 cents to the dollar, as compared to a White woman making 80 cents to the dollar of their White male counterpart, who is making the whole dollar.”
Braiding, Moran said, should be “a job creator for Black women.” Instead, “Having a policy in place that states you have to have so many hours of specialty licensing for hair braiders is just a job killer.”
“There is an extreme amount of fees,” she said, to obtain licensure. “It really is a barrier to women opening up a business. The more licensing, the more training hours that a state demands, the fewer braiders that we have.”
When asked about sanitation and health risks associated with hair styling, Moran said education shouldn’t be a prohibitive factor for licensure, noting it should be common practice. “It’s just a healthy thing to do to wash a comb before you use it on another person’s head or take note of a scalp issue. But that’s more of an educational piece that needs to take place,” she added. “There are ways to work with the [MN] Department of Health to get those basic type of safety criteria in place.”
She added that the biggest opposition, which she said has been minimal, has been centered on hair loss. “I have heard some women are losing the hair at the ends of their hair — around their edges. We know that does happen based on just the braiding, the texture of your hair, and how tight the braids can be,” Moran said. “But, is that something that needs to be regulated? I would say no.”
Amplifying POCI voices
Courtesy of WikipediaConversations around hair may not seem crucial to mainstream populations that aren’t faced with everyday policing of their hair. The racial disparities are prevalent — from workplace policies against hairstyles to school mandates that get both students and parents locked out of school doors.
Moran is enthused to not only talk about this and other issues related to people of color, but also to have support from within to push through such legislation.
“It’s really important for me and the People of Color Indigenous (POCI) Caucus here to bring the voices of our community into this body so that we are creating and educating our colleagues through a race-conscious lens around social, racial, economic and environmental justice issues,” said Moran.
“We don’t need [non-POCI] to talk to us about our community. We have enough [POCI] here that we can do that, too, and have you just support and help lead on it. So this is one of those bills. This is just one of many that we are trying to move through this body.”
She credits the community for helping get her AAFP act into committee hearings. “The community has just shown up in really good numbers, and they have lent their voices and their stories that have been so impactful. In the House of Representatives, they gave 134 legislators a new narrative to look at when they look at our families and what is happening and how disproportionately our kids are being really put down a more punitive track while White families are getting the support that they need to get their kids connected to their families.”
Moran said she looks forward to similar support via email and letters when the braid repeal comes forth. The bill, which has received bipartisan support, is currently waiting to go into conference committee. She explained that the bill was part of a larger bill that was vetoed last year, but she is confident it will pass this session.
“It’s so important that we are leading the narrative about what is important for our community. We want to be on the front end. We want to be about planning and navigating [our stories].”
This article originally appeared in the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.
Business
Councilman Johnson calls for Action to Keep Mavericks in Dallas – Garland Journal
TEXAS METRO NEWS — The Mavericks recently announced plans to pursue a new arena and entertainment district at the former Valley View Mall site in North Dallas. While city leaders continue discussions about the team’s future, Johnson believes Southern Dallas residents should not be overlooked in the process. “It promotes racial divide,” Johnson said. “It says to the Mavericks, ‘Come on up here. Don’t worry about them.’ And that’s a problem for me. That’s a problem for Southern Dallas.”
By Kamira LaNay, Correspondent | Texas Metro News
As discussions continue surrounding the Dallas Mavericks’ plans for a new arena in North Dallas, Dallas City Councilman Maxie Johnson says the conversation is about more than basketball; it’s about equity, community investment, and the future of Southern Dallas.
In a recent one-on-one, Johnson expressed concern that the proposed move could worsen longstanding economic and racial divides within the city.
“Moving Dallas north continues the historical racial divide that we have experienced,” Johnson said. “For one of my colleagues to say on social media, ‘Welcome to Fort North Dallas,’ it’s a slap in Southern Dallas’ face.”
The Mavericks recently announced plans to pursue a new arena and entertainment district at the former Valley View Mall site in North Dallas. While city leaders continue discussions about the team’s future, Johnson believes Southern Dallas residents should not be overlooked in the process. “It promotes racial divide,” Johnson said. “It says to the Mavericks, ‘Come on up here. Don’t worry about them.’ And that’s a problem for me. That’s a problem for Southern Dallas.”
Johnson emphasized the longstanding relationship between Southern Dallas and the Mavericks organization, noting that residents have consistently supported the team over the years.
“When we needed the Mavericks, they were here for us. When the Mavericks needed us, we were here for them,” he said. “We helped get that vote across. Southern Dallas always shows up.”
As uncertainty remains about the team’s future, Johnson said community leaders are continuing to advocate for the Mavericks to remain connected to Dallas. “We’re saying, don’t abandon us,” he said. “We know it’s been ugly, but the people who have made it ugly are not Southern Dallas.”
Johnson also pointed to support from fellow council members and Southern Dallas leaders who have publicly expressed their desire to keep the Mavericks in the city. “We’re saying we want you here,” Johnson said.
When asked what concrete steps city leaders are taking to keep the Mavericks in Dallas, Johnson acknowledged that the City Council still needs to make decisions about downtown development and the team’s long-term home. “The council has to make a decision,” Johnson said. “We have to take care of business. I understand where they’re at. They’re saying they don’t know where they’re going to be in downtown.”
For now, Johnson said city leaders are continuing conversations with the organization while urging the team to remain committed to Dallas. “Don’t leave us,” he said. “We love you. We want you here.”
As negotiations and planning discussions continue, residents and city leaders alike are watching closely to see what decisions will be made and what they could mean for the future economic landscape of Dallas. Kamira LaNay is a 2026 Journalism and Communications graduate of Morgan State University. She will spend the next year as a Texas Metro News Fellow.
Kamira LaNaye is a 2026 Journalism and Communications graduate of Morgan State University. She will spend the next year as a Texas Metro News Fellow.
Business
What the insurance industry sees when it looks at your home
Find out what criteria the insurance industry uses when looking at your home. Learn insider tips and how to ensure your home is fully covered.
What the insurance industry sees when it looks at your home is why its replacement cost matters more than its market value, and that home upgrades can improve protection or increase coverage needs. Your property’s location also affects more than just your premium; insurers consider how well you maintain your home, too.
The Pew Research Center reports that 71% of American homeowners say their home insurance costs have gone up. Increasing costs can be a huge financial burden, so finding ways to reduce them can provide much-needed relief.
The insurance industry is huge, and they’ve got experience handling property insurance evaluation processes. As a homeowner, you may feel hopeless at times when fighting these giants.
What Does the Insurance Industry See When It Looks at Your Home?
When assessing home insurance, keep in mind that insurers want to protect their bottom line. These are the insurance coverage factors they weigh.
Why Your Home’s Replacement Cost Matters More Than Its Market Value
When homeowners get home insurance, they assume their policy should match what their house could sell for, but insurers evaluate something entirely different: replacement cost. This is the estimated cost to rebuild the home after a total loss, using today’s labor rates and material prices.
Construction costs can rise rapidly due to:
- Inflation
- Local labor shortages
- Changes in building codes
Insurers also consider the property’s size, layout, roofing materials, custom features, and overall complexity.
Home Upgrades Can Improve Protection or Increase Coverage Needs
Not every renovation affects insurance in the same way. Some upgrades reduce risk, but others increase the home’s rebuilding cost or create additional liabilities.
These installations may lower the chances of future claims:
- New electrical system
- Impact-resistant roof
- Modern plumbing
These can increase the amount of insurance needed:
- Luxury finishes
- Custom cabinetry
- Solar panels
- Detached workshop
Even seemingly minor projects can change your house’s insured value, so keep records of permits, contractor invoices, and before-and-after photos whenever you make home improvements. Sharing these documents with your insurer allows coverage limits to be updated before a loss happens.
Your Property’s Location Influences More Than Just Your Premium
Insurance companies examine more than just your house; they also assess where it’s located. These factors all influence how they evaluate a property:
- Local weather patterns
- Wildfire exposure
- Hail frequency
- Hurricane risk
- Crime statistics
- Proximity of fire departments
Homeowners obviously can’t change their location, but they can often reduce risk through proactive measures, such as:
- Trimming trees away from the house
- Installing storm shutters where appropriate
- Improving exterior lighting
- Reinforcing vulnerable entry points
You should also understand the environmental risks specific to your area. This can help you determine whether optional endorsements or separate policies are worthwhile.
Insurers Also Consider How Well You Maintain Your Home
Your home’s overall condition can influence both insurability and long-term coverage options. Insurers often look at the age and condition of major systems, such as:
- The roof
- HVAC equipment
- Plumbing
- Electrical components
Deferred maintenance can increase the risk of water intrusion and structural issues, and this is concerning for insurers. To mitigate this, have routine inspections, replace aging components before they fail, and keep maintenance records. It’s also wise to create a home inventory with photos or videos of valuable belongings and update it annually.
What Are Red Flags for Insurance Companies?
Insurance companies look for home risk factors that suggest a higher likelihood of future claims or increased repair costs. Common red flags include:
- A history of frequent insurance claims
- Lapses in coverage
- Unpermitted renovations
- Outdated building systems that have exceeded their expected service life
Visible structural issues, poor drainage, or safety hazards may also raise concerns during underwriting or policy renewal.
In addition, discrepancies between the information provided on an application and the property’s actual condition can lead to delays or additional review. You can avoid this by keeping accurate records of repairs, obtaining permits for major projects, addressing maintenance issues promptly, and notifying your insurer when you complete significant improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the 5 Cs of Insurance?
The five Cs of insurance explain the key principles that help homeowners choose and maintain the right coverage. Organizations define them slightly differently, but they are generally:
- Coverage: Types of losses your policy protects against, such as fire, wind, or theft
- Cost: Includes premiums, deductibles, and any discounts you may qualify for
- Claims: Measures how efficiently an insurer handles damage reports and payouts
- Customer service: Reflects the company’s responsiveness and support throughout the policy period
- Credibility: Considers the insurer’s financial strength, licensing, and reputation for paying valid claims
Evaluating all five factors provides a more complete picture than simply choosing the lowest premium.
What Not To Tell Your Insurance Company?
When you’re filing a homeowners insurance claim, it’s important to provide truthful and accurate information without making assumptions or speculative statements. You should avoid guessing about the cause of damage if it hasn’t yet been determined, as investigations may reveal different findings.
Don’t exaggerate repair costs or claim damaged property that wasn’t actually affected, either. Inaccurate information can delay processing or even result in claim denial.
You should instead document the damage with photos and save receipts for emergency repairs. You should also answer questions based on facts you know firsthand.
What Is the Most Common Damage to Your Home That Insurance Does Not Cover?
One of the most common forms of home damage not covered by standard homeowners insurance is flood damage resulting from rising water outside the home. These things typically require a separate flood insurance policy:
- Heavy rainfall
- Overflowing rivers
- Storm surge
- Flash flooding
Other frequently excluded things are damage caused by:
- Gradual wear and tear
- Deferred maintenance
- Mold resulting from long-term leaks
- Pest infestations
- Foundation settling due to normal aging
This Is What the Insurance Industry Looks For
Getting home insurance can be daunting, especially if you have an older property. By knowing what the insurance industry looks for, though, you can address the red flags and up your chances of getting better coverage at lower prices.
Keep reading our site to see more informative articles.
Business
What the insurance industry sees when it looks at your home
Find out what criteria the insurance industry uses when looking at your home. Learn insider tips and how to ensure your home is fully covered.
What the insurance industry sees when it looks at your home is why its replacement cost matters more than its market value, and that home upgrades can improve protection or increase coverage needs. Your property’s location also affects more than just your premium; insurers consider how well you maintain your home, too.
The Pew Research Center reports that 71% of American homeowners say their home insurance costs have gone up. Increasing costs can be a huge financial burden, so finding ways to reduce them can provide much-needed relief.
The insurance industry is huge, and they’ve got experience handling property insurance evaluation processes. As a homeowner, you may feel hopeless at times when fighting these giants.
What Does the Insurance Industry See When It Looks at Your Home?
When assessing home insurance, keep in mind that insurers want to protect their bottom line. These are the insurance coverage factors they weigh.
Why Your Home’s Replacement Cost Matters More Than Its Market Value
When homeowners get home insurance, they assume their policy should match what their house could sell for, but insurers evaluate something entirely different: replacement cost. This is the estimated cost to rebuild the home after a total loss, using today’s labor rates and material prices.
Construction costs can rise rapidly due to:
- Inflation
- Local labor shortages
- Changes in building codes
Insurers also consider the property’s size, layout, roofing materials, custom features, and overall complexity.
Home Upgrades Can Improve Protection or Increase Coverage Needs
Not every renovation affects insurance in the same way. Some upgrades reduce risk, but others increase the home’s rebuilding cost or create additional liabilities.
These installations may lower the chances of future claims:
- New electrical system
- Impact-resistant roof
- Modern plumbing
These can increase the amount of insurance needed:
- Luxury finishes
- Custom cabinetry
- Solar panels
- Detached workshop
Even seemingly minor projects can change your house’s insured value, so keep records of permits, contractor invoices, and before-and-after photos whenever you make home improvements. Sharing these documents with your insurer allows coverage limits to be updated before a loss happens.
Your Property’s Location Influences More Than Just Your Premium
Insurance companies examine more than just your house; they also assess where it’s located. These factors all influence how they evaluate a property:
- Local weather patterns
- Wildfire exposure
- Hail frequency
- Hurricane risk
- Crime statistics
- Proximity of fire departments
Homeowners obviously can’t change their location, but they can often reduce risk through proactive measures, such as:
- Trimming trees away from the house
- Installing storm shutters where appropriate
- Improving exterior lighting
- Reinforcing vulnerable entry points
You should also understand the environmental risks specific to your area. This can help you determine whether optional endorsements or separate policies are worthwhile.
Insurers Also Consider How Well You Maintain Your Home
Your home’s overall condition can influence both insurability and long-term coverage options. Insurers often look at the age and condition of major systems, such as:
- The roof
- HVAC equipment
- Plumbing
- Electrical components
Deferred maintenance can increase the risk of water intrusion and structural issues, and this is concerning for insurers. To mitigate this, have routine inspections, replace aging components before they fail, and keep maintenance records. It’s also wise to create a home inventory with photos or videos of valuable belongings and update it annually.
What Are Red Flags for Insurance Companies?
Insurance companies look for home risk factors that suggest a higher likelihood of future claims or increased repair costs. Common red flags include:
- A history of frequent insurance claims
- Lapses in coverage
- Unpermitted renovations
- Outdated building systems that have exceeded their expected service life
Visible structural issues, poor drainage, or safety hazards may also raise concerns during underwriting or policy renewal.
In addition, discrepancies between the information provided on an application and the property’s actual condition can lead to delays or additional review. You can avoid this by keeping accurate records of repairs, obtaining permits for major projects, addressing maintenance issues promptly, and notifying your insurer when you complete significant improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the 5 Cs of Insurance?
The five Cs of insurance explain the key principles that help homeowners choose and maintain the right coverage. Organizations define them slightly differently, but they are generally:
- Coverage: Types of losses your policy protects against, such as fire, wind, or theft
- Cost: Includes premiums, deductibles, and any discounts you may qualify for
- Claims: Measures how efficiently an insurer handles damage reports and payouts
- Customer service: Reflects the company’s responsiveness and support throughout the policy period
- Credibility: Considers the insurer’s financial strength, licensing, and reputation for paying valid claims
Evaluating all five factors provides a more complete picture than simply choosing the lowest premium.
What Not To Tell Your Insurance Company?
When you’re filing a homeowners insurance claim, it’s important to provide truthful and accurate information without making assumptions or speculative statements. You should avoid guessing about the cause of damage if it hasn’t yet been determined, as investigations may reveal different findings.
Don’t exaggerate repair costs or claim damaged property that wasn’t actually affected, either. Inaccurate information can delay processing or even result in claim denial.
You should instead document the damage with photos and save receipts for emergency repairs. You should also answer questions based on facts you know firsthand.
What Is the Most Common Damage to Your Home That Insurance Does Not Cover?
One of the most common forms of home damage not covered by standard homeowners insurance is flood damage resulting from rising water outside the home. These things typically require a separate flood insurance policy:
- Heavy rainfall
- Overflowing rivers
- Storm surge
- Flash flooding
Other frequently excluded things are damage caused by:
- Gradual wear and tear
- Deferred maintenance
- Mold resulting from long-term leaks
- Pest infestations
- Foundation settling due to normal aging
This Is What the Insurance Industry Looks For
Getting home insurance can be daunting, especially if you have an older property. By knowing what the insurance industry looks for, though, you can address the red flags and up your chances of getting better coverage at lower prices.
Keep reading our site to see more informative articles.
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