The First Step Act will give judges more discretion when sentencing non-violent offenders. Additionally, the act will promote rehabilitation resources for felons. Budgetary concerns are swarming around the bill. The law asked for $75 million to be dispersed over five years according to The Marshall Project, but Trump’s recently released budget only allocated $14 million.

Those who know, know that I’m not a Democrat or a Republican. I will work w/h anyone as long as things get done. The #FirstStepAct was passed on December 21, 2018 w/h the hard work of @JessyMichele @LouislReed @VanJones68 and @cut_50 I’m proud to stand with them all today. ?? pic.twitter.com/Y1yTIs088g

“Those who know, know that I’m not a Democrat or a Republican. I will work w/h anyone as long as things get done.”

Washington later claimed he was not affiliated with any political party:

Jessica Jackson Sloan a prison advocate and national director of #Cut50 along with other activists met with Trump to persuade him to add more funds.

“In order for the First Step Act to live up to its promise of transforming our federal prisons and improving public safety, it must be fully funded,” she told The Marshall Project. “Right now, it is unclear to me from the president’s initial budget request whether or not this includes the $75 million authorized by the First Step Act for FY 2020. I am hopeful that it does but will wait for more details to be released later this week.”

However, Trump promised the law’s decrees will be fulfilled in their entirety, reports The New York Times.

“My administration intends to fully fund and implement this historic law,” Trump said on Monday.

Read more:

Virginia officer told Black middle school students when you turn 18 ‘then you’re mine’

Notable Black News Stories From The 1990’s