Voting Rights Act Brought Major Economic Benefits
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June 26 (Bloomberg) -- The Supreme Court’s rejectionyesterday of a central element of the 1965 Voting Rights Acttook aim at a measure that not only broke down barriers topolitical participation in the South but also made significantcontributions to the economic wellbeing of black southerners andto the region as a whole.
Some of the economic benefits were apparent almostimmediately after enactment. Surveys reported more paved roadsand streetlights in black residential areas, better access tocity and county services, and increased black hiring in public-sector jobs, including police and fire departments.