How Black Americans have fared under President Trump.
- 1.6 million new jobs have been created for black Americans since President Trump was elected.
- In December, the black unemployment rate was 5.9%.
- The black American unemployment rate has been at or below 7% for 23 consecutive months.
- Prior to President Trump’s administration, the black unemployment rate had never dipped below 7%.
- In 2019, the African American unemployment rate hit a record low and remained below 7% for the entire year.
- Under President Trump, incomes for black Americans have increased by 2.6%.
- Under the Trump Economy, wages continue to rise which significantly benefits the lowest-paid workers.
- The poverty rate among black Americans is at its lowest level in history.
- Under President Trump, 350,000 fewer black Americans are living in poverty.
- During the President’s first year in office, the black American poverty rate fell to 21.2% down from 22% the year before.
- As a result of the historic Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, nearly 9,000 Opportunity Zones were created in all 50 states, DC, and 5 territories.
- Opportunity Zones which will create jobs and spur investment in disadvantaged communities.
- These Opportunity Zones will spur $100 billion in private capital investment and impact 1.4 million minority households.
Criminal Justice Reform
- President Trump signed the historic FIRST STEP Act into law.
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- The FIRST STEP ACT has been widely hailed as the most meaningful criminal justice reform in a generation.
- This landmark legislation included necessary reforms to our justice system, improves our prison system, and prepares inmates for reentry in our communities.
- As a result of the First Step Act, more than 3,000 Americans have been released from prison and 90% of those who have had their sentences reduced are black Americans.
- The First Step Act shortens mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent drug crimes and provides judges greater liberty to go around mandatory minimums.
- The law also allows offenders sentenced under racially motivated mandatory minimums to petition for their cases to be re-evaluated.
- President Trump was awarded the 2019 Bipartisan Justice award by the nonprofit 20/20 Bipartisan Justice Center. The President received this award for his “ability to work across the aisle to achieve meaningful progress in reforming our criminal justice system.”
- President Trump has committed his Administration to advance second chance hiring for former prisoners. This includes launching a “Ready to Work Initiative.”
- The Trump administration has fought for a federal tax credit on donations that fund scholarships to private schools, a proposal supported by 64% of African Americans.
Historically Black College & Universities
- President Trump has made supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) a top priority.
- In February 2017, President Trump announced the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs.
- The President signed an Executive Order on HBCUs in February 2017, the earliest any President has signed an Order on HBCUs.
- The EO established an Interagency Working Group to advance and coordinate work regarding HBCUs.
- The federal HBCU initiative office was moved back into the White House, a move that leaders had requested under President Obama.
- President Trump has appropriated more money than any other president to HBCUs.
- The President signed legislation to increase federal funding for HBCUs by 13%, the highest level ever.
- President Trump signed the FUTURE Act into law. The law permanently funds HBCUs and simplifies the FAFSA application.
- The President worked with Congress to lift the ban on Pell Grants on summer classes.
- Through the Capital Financing Program, the Administration has provided more than $500 million in loans to HBCUs.
- The President directed the entire federal government to develop a strategy to support HBCUs. To date, this has been supported by 32 departments and agencies.
- The Administration has forgiven more than $300 million in outstanding debt for four schools impacted by natural disasters and the budget provided $10 million to defer loan payments for 6 schools facing financial difficulties.
- The Department of Education worked with HBCUs to protect $80 million in Title III carryover funding.
- President Trump took a big step to end discriminatory restrictions to prevent faith-based HBCUs from accessing federal support.
- The Administration continues to work with HBCUs to expand apprenticeship opportunities, career choices, and ensure they are receiving adequate support
Contact Chris Lawrence at chrislawrence87@outlook.com. Follow him on Twitter at @chrislawrence87
