Tonight, Democrats Will Make Their Pitch To Black Voters "Essential To Victory" In South Carolina By Pushing An Agenda That Has Failed Their Community Time And Time Again

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The Facts:

TONIGHT, CANDIDATES WILL ATTEMPT TO WOO "CRUCIAL" BLACK VOTERS AS THEY SQUARE OFF IN THE FINAL DEBATE BEFORE THE SOUTH CAROLINA PRIMARY

Tonight's debate, hosted by CBS News and the Congressional Black Caucus , is the candidates final chance to woo " crucial " black voters before the South Carolina Primary.

Black voters, who make up nearly 30% of the state's population, are " essential to victory " in South Carolina.

THE DEMOCRAT CANDIDATES CAN TALK ALL THEY WANT, BUT IT'S PRESIDENT TRUMP WHO HAS WALKED THE WALK, IMPLEMENTING PROGRAMS TO ENSURE THE BLACK COMMUNITY REAPS THE REWARDS OF THE BOOMING TRUMP ECONOMY

The Trump economy is booming , drawing Americans off the sideline and back into the workforce and pushing the labor force participation rate to a 7-year high .

In order to ensure all communities take part in this economic success, the Trump Tax Cuts created thousands of Opportunity Zones, designed to spur investment and create jobs in disadvantaged communities.

The Black Community in South Carolina is already seeing how opportunity zones can work for them. This month BioEconomy Solutions announced that they will build a renewable diesel plant in a qualified opportunity zone in Georgetown, a community where African Americans make up more than 55% of the population.

The Trump Administration created a workforce development initiative that pledges on-the-job training for 6.5 million Americans who cannot afford to leave the workforce for skills and training they need to compete in today's economy.

As a result of these tireless efforts, the Black community has reaped the rewards of President Trump's economy, enjoying historically low unemployment rates that have consistently remained lower than under any other President on record.

WHILE PRESIDENT TRUMP IS IMPLEMENTING PROGRAMS TO GIVE BLACK AMERICANS A LEG UP, THE DEMOCRATS ON STAGE WILL PUSH FOR EDUCATION POLICIES BLACK VOTERS KNOW ARE HOLDING THEM BACK

Not a single candidate on stage tonight supports school-choice programs that give low-income students stuck in failing schools access to high quality education, emphasizing the need to direct federal funding to public schools.

Throwing more money at failing schools is not the answer, even the Obama Administration admitted that it's "biggest education initiative," a $7 billion school improvement grant was a " failure ."

An Obama Administration study found that the grant " had no significant impacts on math or reading test scores, high school graduation, or college enrollment ."

By contrast, Florida's "massive" expansion of school choice not only allowed students access to high-quality education but a recent study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that the program improved outcomes in public schools particularly for low-income students .

Instead of kowtowing to the Teachers Union, 2020 Democrats should listen to Black Americans whose children are disproportionately stuck in underperforming schools, nearly two-thirds of Black Americans support school vouchers.

DEMOCRAT CANDIDATES TALK A BIG GAME ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM BUT MANY OF THEM CONTRIBUTED TO THE LEGACY OF DISCRIMINATION IN OUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM THAT PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS WORKED TO REVERSE

Former Vice President Joe Biden once bragged about his role in authoring the 1994 crime bill that critics now say " helped lay the groundwork for the mass incarceration that has devastated America's Black communities ."

As Mayor of South Bend Pete Buttigieg fired his black police chief Darryl Boykins over allegations he taped phone calls of senior white officers who used racist language.

Boykins successfully sued the city of South Bend for racial discrimination over the firing and won $50,000 in 2013.

As Mayor of New York City Mike Bloomberg implemented policing policies he now admits were designed to target minority communities .

President Trump, however, passed the landmark First Step Act, a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill that eases sentencing for non-violent crimes and enables those sentenced under racially motivated mandatory minimums to have their sentences reduced .

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TONIGHT, CANDIDATES WILL ATTEMPT TO WOO "CRUCIAL" BLACK VOTERS AS THEY SQUARE OFF IN THE FINAL DEBATE BEFORE THE SOUTH CAROLINA PRIMARY

Tonight, Candidates Will Appear In The Final Debate Before The South Carolina Primary

Tonight, Candidates Will Take The Stage In South Carolina For The Final Debate Before The State's Primary Contest, The Debate Will Feature Former Vice President Joe Biden, Sens. Amy Klobuchar, Bernie Sanders And Elizabeth Warren, Former Mayors Mike Bloomberg And Pete Buttigieg And Tom Steyer. "Steyer qualified for the debate after hitting 18 percent in a CBS News/YouGov poll in South Carolina released on Sunday morning, just one day before the Democratic National Committee's deadline to set the stage. The debate will be hosted by CBS News and the Congressional Black Caucus Institute, in partnership with Twitter, on Tuesday in Charleston, S.C. It starts at 8 p.m. EST. He'll join six other candidates on the debate stage, all of whom participated in last week's debate: Joe Biden, Mike Bloomberg, Pete Buttigieg, Amy Klobuchar, Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren." ( Politico , 2/23/20)

The Debate Will Be Cohosted By CBS News And The Congressional Black Caucus. "Why it matters: The Feb. 25 debate in Charleston, South Carolina, is the final one before the South Carolina primary on Feb. 29 and Super Tuesday on March 3. The debate will run from 8-10 p.m. ET. It will air live on CBS, BET and Twitter, with the Congressional Black Caucus Institute joining CBS News as partners." ( Axios , 1/23/20)

Black Voters, Who Make Up Nearly 30% Of The State's Population Are "Essential To Victory" In South Carolina

African Americans Make Up Nearly 30% Of South Carolina's Population. ( United States Census Bureau , Accessed 2/24/20)

CBS News Headline: "Black Voters In South Carolina Are Crucial For Democratic Candidates." ( CBS News , 2/24/20)

The New York Times : Black Voters Are "Essential To Victory" In South Carolina. "The people being wooed most aggressively by Democratic candidates at the moment - Latino voters in Nevada and black voters in South Carolina - are essential to victory in both states, where white voters make up less than half of the Democratic electorate. The courtship includes mariachi bands and gospel choirs at campaign events, and an extensive debate stage discussion about the importance of 'black and brown' voters." ( The New York Times , 2/21/20)

THE DEMOCRAT CANDIDATES CAN TALK ALL THEY WANT, BUT IT'S PRESIDENT TRUMP WHO HAS WALKED THE WALK, IMPLEMENTING PROGRAMS TO ENSURE THE BLACK COMMUNITY REAPS THE REWARDS OF THE TRUMP ECONOMY

The Trump Economy Is Booming, Drawing Americans Off The Sideline And Back Into The Workforce

The U.S. Added 225,000 Jobs In January, Bringing The Total Jobs Created Under President Trump To More Than 7 Million . ( Bureau Of Labor Statistics , Accessed 10/7/20)

Chief U.S. Economist At S&P Global, Beth Ann Bovino: The Labor Department's Most Recent Report "Blew Estimates Out Of The Water," "It's Just A Really Nice Report." "'I can say that it pretty much blew estimates out of the water,' said Beth Ann Bovino, the Chief U.S. Economist at S&P Global. 'It's just a really nice report. I'd also say that the recession fears of last year seem to be a thing of the past when you look at this report.'" ( The Washington Post , 2/7/20)

The Labor Force Participation Is At A 7-Year High. "The share of Americans working or looking for jobs rose from 63.2% to 63.4%, the highest level since June 2013." ( USA Today , 2/7/20)

The Favorable Labor Market Continued To Draw More Americans Off The Sidelines "Including Those With Fewer Skills And Disabled People." "The favorable labor market has provided workers more leverage and bumped up their pay, drawing more Americans on the sidelines -- including those with fewer skills and disabled people -- into the job market. That's a positive for the economy but the surplus labor supply could be keeping wages from climbing more rapidly." ( USA Today , 2/7/20)

"The favorable labor market has provided workers more leverage and bumped up their pay, drawing more Americans on the sidelines -- including those with fewer skills and disabled people -- into the job market. That's a positive for the economy but the surplus labor supply could be keeping wages from climbing more rapidly." ( USA Today , 2/7/20) The Employment-To-Population Ratio Is At Its Highest Point In More Than A Decade . "However, the employment-to-population ratio in the household survey rose to 61.2%, its highest since November 2008 and 0.5 percentage points higher than a year ago." ( CNBC , 2/7/20)

As A Part Of His Signature Tax Cuts And Jobs Act, President Trump Created Opportunity Zones To Spur Investment And Create Jobs In Disadvantaged Communities Left behind Under President Obama

Economic Growth In The U.S. Has Been Uneven And Much Of The Country Has Been Left Behind, Opportunity Zones Give Investors An Incentive To Put That Money Into Distressed Communities. "Economic growth in the U.S. has been uneven. A handful of cities are booming, while much of the country -- from rural counties to aging Rust Belt towns -- get left behind. Giving investors an incentive to plow some of their $6 trillion in unrealized capital gains into these distressed communities could help jump-start growth, create jobs and lift incomes. Nearly all of the opportunity zones have poverty rates north of 20 percent or family incomes that are lower than 80 percent of the state or metro median." ( The Washington Post , 2/14/19)

Minorities Comprise A Majority Of Opportunity Zones Residents, 1.4 Million Minority Households Could See Their Wealth Improve As A Result Of Local Reinvestment. "Minorities comprise a majority of Opportunity Zones residents, and one third of black and Hispanic households are owner-occupied. This translates to 1.4 million minority households who could see their wealth improve as a result of local reinvestment." ( Economic Innovation Group , 12/18)

"Minorities comprise a majority of Opportunity Zones residents, and one third of black and Hispanic households are owner-occupied. This translates to 1.4 million minority households who could see their wealth improve as a result of local reinvestment." ( Economic Innovation Group , 12/18) Opportunity Zones Are "A Hidden Gem" Within The Tax Cuts And Jobs Act That Created Thousands Of Tax Havens In Distressed Census Tracts Across America That "Will Provide Potentially Huge Tax Savings For Investors While Creating Thousands Of Jobs." "Mention 'tax havens' and what often comes to mind are rich little countries with discreet, friendly bankers. But the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 created what amount to thousands of tax havens in the Tampa Bay area and the rest of the United States. They're called Opportunity Zones and they will provide potentially huge tax savings for investors while creating thousands of jobs. 'It's kind of a hidden gem in the tax act,' said Stephen Looney, an Orlando lawyer and expert in tax law. 'Not a lot of attention has been paid to it.'" ( The Tampa Bay Times , 4/5/19)

This Month, BioEconomy Solutions Announced That They Will Build A Renewable Diesel Plant In A Qualified Opportunity Zone Located In Georgetown, South Carolina, The Facility Is Expected To Create 300 Jobs. "BioEconomy Solutions has completed a 10-year agribusiness contract to produce renewable energy crops for the European biofuel market. The company's planned renewable diesel plant will be located within a Qualified Opportunity Zone located in Georgetown, South Carolina. The new facility will create 200 full-time jobs and is estimated to create another 100 supply chain support jobs. In addition to an 'off take' biofuel agreement with the UK, the company has created three vertical markets for its bio-friendly crops demonstrating significant growth potential." ( The Mountaineer , 2/19/20)

African Americans Make Up More Than 55% Of The Population In Georgetown, SC. ( United States Census Bureau , Accessed 2/24/20)

The Trump Administration Has Created An Initiative On Workforce Development That Pledges On-The-Job Training For 6.5 Million Americans Who Cannot Afford To Leave The Workforce For Skills And Training They Need To Compete With Their Peers

President Trump Signed An Executive Order On Workforce Development, Establishing The National Council For The American Worker Which Will Develop A "National Strategy To Train Americans For The Skills They Need To Fill Open Jobs Now And In The Future." "The executive order also establishes the National Council for the American Worker, which will consist of cabinet members and senior White House officials. They are charged with developing a national strategy to train Americans for the skills they need to fill open jobs now and in the future. The order also created the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board that will bring together governors with business executives and educators." ( CNN , 7/19/18)

More Than 200 Companies And Associations Have Signed The Administration's Pledge To America's Workers, Promising To Create More Than 6.5 Million Education, Training And Skill-Building Opportunities Over The Next Five Years. "The White House said 200 companies and associations have signed the administration's Pledge to America's Workers, promising to create more than 6.5 million education, training and skill-building opportunities over the next five years. 'The top priority for companies competing in the digital economy has to be investing in people,' said Barbara Humpton, the chief executive officer of Siemens USA, a member of the board." ( Bloomberg , 2/13/19)

"The White House said 200 companies and associations have signed the administration's Pledge to America's Workers, promising to create more than 6.5 million education, training and skill-building opportunities over the next five years. 'The top priority for companies competing in the digital economy has to be investing in people,' said Barbara Humpton, the chief executive officer of Siemens USA, a member of the board." ( Bloomberg , 2/13/19) Boeing Invested $100 Million Into Apprenticeships, Worker Training, Continuing Education And Other Programs At Its Business Operations In North Charleston And Nationwide As Part Of President Trump's Workforce Development Initiative. "Boeing Co. plans to spend $100 million on apprenticeships, worker training, continuing education and other programs at its business operations in North Charleston and nationwide as part of a workforce initiative unveiled this week by President Donald Trump." ( The Post And Courier , 7/20/18)

The Urban Institute: "Education And Training Programs Can Help Low-Income Parents Improve Their Skills And Move Up To Better-Paying Jobs" But Paying For These Programs In Addition To Childcare Can Often Be Challenging For Working Class Families. "Education and training programs can help low-income parents improve their skills and move up to better-paying jobs, but many families face significant challenges paying for school expenses, juggling work and school, and arranging child care. Knowing more about who these parents are can help shape public policies and programs that support families' work and education efforts." ( The Urban Institute , 10/10/14)

As A Result Of These Tireless Efforts, The African American Community Has Reaped The Rewards Of President Trump's Economy

In A Historic Achievement, The African American Unemployment Rate Has Remained Below 7% For Two Years; Prior To The Trump Administration, It Had Never Fallen Below That Mark. ( Bureau Of Labor Statistics , Accessed 2/11/20)

The African American Unemployment Is 6%, A Full Point Lower Than Under Any Other Administration On Record. ( Bureau Of Labor Statistics , Accessed 2/11/20)

Under President Trump, 1,421,000 New Jobs Have Been Created For African Americans. ( Bureau Of Labor Statistics , Accessed 2/11.20)

WHILE PRESIDENT TRUMP IS IMPLEMENTING PROGRAMS TO GIVE BLACK AMERICANS A LEG UP, THE DEMOCRATS ON STAGE WILL PUSH FOR EDUCATION POLICIES BLACK VOTERS KNOW ARE HOLDING THEM BACK

Democrat Candidates Oppose School Vouchers That Give Low-Income Students Stuck In Failing Schools Access To High Quality Education, Emphasizing The Need To Direct Federal Funding To Public Schools

Not A Single Candidate On The Stage Tonight Supports School Vouchers. "Do you support using public money in the form of vouchers or tax credits for private or religious school education? NO Pete Buttigieg, Amy Klobuchar, Bernie Sanders, Tom Steyer, Elizabeth Warren UNCLEAR/NO RESPONSE Joe Biden, Mike Bloomberg." ( The Washington Post , Accessed 2/24/19)

In His Education Plan, Buttigieg Emphasized That "Public Dollars Should Fund Public Schools." "'Because public dollars should fund public schools, [Buttigieg] will continue to oppose the implementation of any federal school voucher program,' his education plan said." ( The Washington Post , Accessed 2/24/19)

"'Because public dollars should fund public schools, [Buttigieg] will continue to oppose the implementation of any federal school voucher program,' his education plan said." ( The Washington Post , Accessed 2/24/19) Sen. Sanders "Does Not Support Using Public Money For Private Or Religious Education." "Sanders does not support using public money for private or religious education, he told The Post." ( The Washington Post , Accessed 2/24/19)

"Sanders does not support using public money for private or religious education, he told The Post." ( The Washington Post , Accessed 2/24/19) Sen. Klobuchar "Does Not Support Using Public Money For Private Or Religious Education." "Klobuchar does not support using public money for private or religious education, she told The Post." ( The Washington Post , Accessed 2/24/19)

"Klobuchar does not support using public money for private or religious education, she told The Post." ( The Washington Post , Accessed 2/24/19) Sen. Warren "I Believe Tax Dollars Should Stay In Our Public Schools, Period." "'I believe tax dollars should stay in our public schools, period,' Warren told The Post." ( The Washington Post , Accessed 2/24/19)

Democrats Insist That The Answer To Education Is Throwing More Money At Public Schools, But Unlike President Obama's $7 Billion School Improvement Grant Voucher Programs Like The One In Florida Actually Improve Educational Outcomes In Public Schools

By Their Own Admission The Obama Administration's $7 Billion Program To Improve The Performance Of Struggling Schools Was A "Failure," The Massive School Improvement Grant Investment "Had No Significant Impacts On Math Or Reading Test Scores, High School Graduation, Or College Enrollment." "As the Obama administration came to a close, it quietly released a study finding that its biggest education initiative-a $7 billion program to dramatically improve the performance of struggling schools-was a failure. The massive School Improvement Grant investment 'had no significant impacts on math or reading test scores, high school graduation, or college enrollment,' the study concluded." ( The Atlantic , 1/31/17)

A Study By The National Bureau Of Economic Research Analyzed How The Massive Scale-Up Of A Florida Private School Choice Program Affected Public School Students' Outcomes Found That The Program Resulted In Improved Outcomes For Students Attending Public Schools, Particularly For Low-Income Students. "Using a rich dataset that merges student-level school records with birth records, and a student fixed effect design, we explore how the massive scale-up of a Florida private school choice program affected public school students' outcomes. Expansion of the program produced modestly larger benefits for students attending public schools that had a larger initial degree of private school options, measured prior to the introduction of the voucher program. These benefits include higher standardized test scores and lower absenteeism and suspension rates. Effects are particularly pronounced for lower-income students, but results are positive for more affluent students as well." ( National Bureau Of Economic Research , 2/20)

Instead Of Kowtowing To The Teachers Union 2020 Democrats Should Listen To Black Americans, Who Are Disproportionately Stuck In Underperforming Schools And Overwhelmingly Support School Vouchers

2020 Crop Of Democratic Front-Runners For President Have Taken Notably Rigid Stances When It Comes To Charter Schools And Vouchers, Siding With Teachers' Unions And Traditional Public Schools . "The 2020 crop of Democratic front-runners for president have taken notably rigid stances when it comes to charter schools and vouchers, siding with teachers' unions and traditional public schools. That's a departure from past Democrats, including former President Barack Obama, who championed an increase in federal support of charter schools." ( The Tampa Bay Times , 2/13/20)

In Almost All Major American Cities Most Black Students Attend Low-Income Schools "This Systemic Economic And Racial Isolation Looms As A Huge Obstacle For Efforts To Make A Quality Education Available To All American Students." "In almost all major American cities, most African American and Hispanic students attend public schools where a majority of their classmates qualify as poor or low-income, a new analysis of federal data shows. This systemic economic and racial isolation looms as a huge obstacle for efforts to make a quality education available to all American students. Researchers have found that the single-most powerful predictor of racial gaps in educational achievement is the extent to which students attend schools surrounded by other low-income students." ( The Atlantic , 2/29/16)

The Century Foundation's Kimberly Quick: Black Families Are "Too Often Lacking Options Beyond Segregated, Under Resourced, And Underperforming Schools." "Indeed, Quick herself concedes that 'it makes sense that black and brown families, too often lacking options beyond segregated, under resourced, and underperforming schools, would want alternative options for their children.'" ( CATO , 7/5/17)

The Non-Partisan Joint Center For Political And Economic Studies Found That 63% Of African Americans Support School Vouchers. "But some of the longest running evidence of African-American support for choice comes from the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, 'a non-partisan, non-profit public policy organization that supports elected officials and policy experts who serve communities of color across the country.' Over many years it has consistently found plurality to significant majority African-American support for choice. Its most recent poll of which I am aware, conducted in 2008, reported that 63 percent of respondents said 'yes' when asked if they 'support vouchers.'" ( CATO , 7/5/17)

THE DEMOCRAT CANDIDATES TALK A BIG GAME ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM BUT MANY OF THEM CONTRIBUTED TO THE LEGACY OF DISCRIMINATION IN OUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM THAT PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS WORKED TO REVERSE

Former Vice President Joe Biden Once Bragged About His Role In Authoring The 1994 Crime Bill That Critics Now Say "Helped Lay The Groundwork For The Mass Incarceration That Has Devastated America's Black Communities."

Senator Joe Biden Was Sitting Directly Behind President Clinton "Flashing His Trademark Grin" Clinton Signed The New Violent Crime Control And Law Enforcement Act In 1994. "In September 1994, as President Bill Clinton signed the new Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act in an elaborately choreographed ceremony on the south lawn of the White House, Joseph R. Biden Jr. sat directly behind the president's lectern, flashing his trademark grin. For Mr. Clinton, the law was an immediate follow-through on his campaign promise to focus more federal attention on crime prevention. But for Mr. Biden, the moment was the culmination of his decades-long effort to more closely marry the Democratic Party and law enforcement, and to transform the country's criminal justice system in the process. He had won." ( The New York Times , 6/25/19)

Earlier That Year Biden Bragged On Senate Floor That "Every Major Crime Bill Since 1976 That's Come Out Of This Congress, Every Minor Crime Bill, Has Had The Name Of The Democratic Senator From The State Of Delaware: Joe Biden." "'The truth is,' Mr. Biden had boasted a year earlier in a speech on the Senate floor, 'every major crime bill since 1976 that's come out of this Congress, every minor crime bill, has had the name of the Democratic senator from the State of Delaware: Joe Biden.'" ( The New York Times , 6/25/19)

Biden Now Faces Criticism For His Part In Supporting The Act Which As Criminal Justice Experts "Say Helped Lay The Groundwork For The Mass Incarceration That Has Devastated America's Black Communities." "Now, more than 25 years later, as Mr. Biden makes his third run for the White House in a crowded field of Democrats - many calling for ambitious criminal justice reform - he must answer for his role in legislation that criminal justice experts and his critics say helped lay the groundwork for the mass incarceration that has devastated America's black communities." ( The New York Times , 6/25/19)

Pete Buttigieg Fired His Black Police Chief Over Allegations He Taped Phone Calls Of Senior White Officers Who Used Racist Language, Unleashing "Anguish" In South Bend's Minority Communities For "Siding With White Police Officers Against A Black Chief"

As Mayor Of South Bend, Buttigieg Fired The Black Police Chief Darryl Boykins Over Allegations That He Taped Phone Calls Of Senior White Officers Who Used Made Racist Remarks, No Actions Were Taken Against The Officers And Buttigieg Refuses To Release The Recordings. "Mr. Buttigieg addressed the protesters, but seemed not to interact with Mr. Boykins. What no one in the crowd knew was that the police top brass were in turmoil - shaken by allegations that Mr. Boykins had improperly taped phone calls of senior white officers who were said to have used racist language, including about him. With federal prosecutors scrutinizing Mr. Boykins, the 29-year-old mayor fired the veteran police chief just before the Trayvon Martin protest. No action was taken against the officers. Precisely what they said on the tapes of their department phone calls is unknown to the public: Mr. Buttigieg has refused to release them, saying the matter is still being resolved in court." ( The New York Times , 4/19/19)

Boykins Sued The City Of South Bend For Racial Discrimination Over His Firing And Won $50,000 In 2013 . "The chief sued the city for racial discrimination over his firing and won $50,000 in 2013. Four white officers sued the city for invasion of privacy and defamation and won a $500,000 payout the same year." ( The New York Times , 4/19/19)

The Firing Unleashed "Anguish Among South Bend's Minority Residents Over Whether An Ambitious White Mayor Had Sided With White Police Officers Against A Black Chief." "In the weeks, months and years that followed, the removal of Mr. Boykins unleashed a blizzard of claims, counterclaims and lawsuits, as well as anguish among South Bend's minority residents over whether an ambitious white mayor had sided with white police officers against a black chief. The day after Mr. Boykins's dismissal, he was applauded at a gathering of 100 officers, council members and clergy. The events played out against a backdrop of frustration among some African-Americans that they have not benefited equally from an economic resurgence in South Bend, which Mr. Buttigieg extols in his presidential bid." ( The New York Times , 4/19/19)

As Mayor Of New York City Mike Bloomberg Implemented Policing Policies He Admits Were Designed To Target Minority Communities

As Mayor Of New York City Bloomberg's Policing Strategy Deployed Officers To Stop And Frisk People, Particularly In Minority Communities The Stops Were Notoriously Violent And More Than 80% Of The People Stopped Were People Of Color. "Bloomberg's policing strategy deployed officers to stop and frisk people, particularly in minority communities. The majority of people stopped - 80-plus percent - were people of color, typically young black or Latin men. The stops could be violent, with cops throwing kids against walls or the ground while shouting and cursing at them. Based on the research and New York City's continued drop in crime after a significant reduction of stop and frisk, the approach did little to nothing to combat crime." ( Vox , 2/21/20)

In 2015, Bloomberg Defended His Actions Targeting Minorities Saying "We Put All The Cops In Minority Neighborhoods. Yes, That's True. Why Do We Do It? Because That's Where All The Crime Is." "Earlier this month, a 2015 video resurfaced in which Bloomberg defended stop and frisk in racist terms. In the video, he claimed '95 percent of murders, murderers, and murder victims' were 'male minorities 16 to 25' and that one could 'take the description, Xerox it, and pass it out to all cops.' He later added, 'We put all the cops in minority neighborhoods. Yes, that's true. Why do we do it? Because that's where all the crime is. And the way you get guns out of the kids' hands is to throw them up against the wall and frisk them.'" ( Vox , 2/21/20)

President Trump However Passed The Landmark First Step Act, A Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Bill That Eases Sentencing For Non-Violent Crimes And Enables Those Sentenced Under Racially Motivated Mandatory Minimums To Have Their Sentences Reduced

In December 2018, The Passage Of The Bipartisan First Step Act, A Law That Makes Important Criminal Justice Reforms, Was Called A "Significant Victory" For President Trump Who Has Made The Issue A Priority For His Top Advisors. "President Trump on Friday signed into law a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill after it overwhelmingly passed both chambers earlier this week. The bill, called the First Step Act, reduces mandatory minimum sentences in certain instances and expands on 'good time credits' for well-behaved prisoners looking for shorter sentences. It also instructs the Department of Justice to establish a risk and needs assessment system to classify inmate's risk and provide guidance on 'housing, grouping, and program assignment.' The Senate approved the bill in a vote of 87-12 on Tuesday while the House approved it 358-36 on Thursday, sending it to Trump's desk. The bill's passage was a significant victory for Trump and his son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner, who was involved in negotiations over the bill. Criminal justice reform was one of Kushner's major policy goals since arriving in the White House." ( The Hill , 12/21/18)

The Legislation That Was "Overwhelmingly Approved" In The House, Represents "The Most Far-Reaching Overhaul Of The Criminal Justice System In A Generation." "In a ceremony at the White House, Trump touted the First Step Act a day after the House overwhelmingly approved the most far-reaching overhaul of the criminal justice system in a generation." ( The Washington Post , 12/21/18)

The First Step Act Shortens Mandatory Minimum Sentences For Nonviolent Drug Crimes And Provides Judges Greater Liberty To Go Around Mandatory Minimums. "In all, it includes four changes to federal sentencing laws. One would shorten mandatory minimum sentences for some nonviolent drug offenses, including lowering the mandatory 'three strikes' penalty from life in prison to 25 years. Another would provide judges greater liberty to use so-called safety valves to go around mandatory minimums in some cases. The bill would also clarify that the so-called stacking mechanism making it a federal crime to possess a firearm while committing another crime, like a drug offense, should apply only to individuals who have previously been convicted." ( The New York Times , 12/18/18)

The Bill Allows Offenders Sentenced Under Racially Motivated Mandatory Minimums To Petition For Their Cases To Be Re-Evaluated, Helping "Many African-American Offenders Who Were Disproportionately Punished For Crack Dealing While White Drug Dealers Got Off Easier For Selling Powder Cocaine." "Finally, the bill would allow offenders sentenced before a 2010 reduction in the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine to petition for their cases to be re-evaluated. The provision could alter the sentences of several thousand drug offenders serving lengthy sentences for crack-cocaine offenses. That would help many African-American offenders who were disproportionately punished for crack dealing while white drug dealers got off easier for selling powder cocaine." ( The New York Times , 12/18/18)

The First Step Act Was Supported By Democrat And Republican Leadership, As Well As The ACLU, Conservative Groups And Several Law Enforcement Agencies. "It's supported by party leaders on both sides of the aisle, the ACLU, the Koch brothers, several law enforcement agencies and, as Rolling Stone learned Wednesday morning, a list of over 50 celebrities that have signed a letter addressed congressional leaders urging them to take the steps necessary to sign the bill into law before Congress breaks in mid-December." ( Rolling Stone , 11/14/18)

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