By: Janiyah Gaston
In July the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) invited former President Donald Trump to speak at the National Convention in Chicago. This brought a lot of questions and backlash to the organization as to why Kamala Harris was not there as well. Harris was not able to attend due to a scheduling conflict.
To remedy that on Tuesday Sept. 17 the National Association of Black Journalists hosted a Q & A with her. The Q & A was held in Philadelphia at WHYY.
Topics that were addressed during the event were reproductive access, Gaza and Israel and more.
Economy
When asked are voters better off now than they were four years ago Harris said under this current administration new jobs have been created and Black unemployment is at its lowest. She then talked about what her Opportunity Economy will do for people. Harris said her economy will help people get ahead. Her plan involves giving homebuilders tax credits and giving first-time home buyers $25,000 down payment assistance.
Child and Elder Care
Harris said no working family should have to pay more than 7% of their income for childcare. She also mentioned how the “Sandwich Generation” who takes care of both their parents and kids take on a lot. Harris said she would expand and extend a $6,000 child tax credit to families.
Opportunity Economy
Harris said her Opportunity Economy will create more start-ups and provide entrepreneurs with a $50,000 tax deduction. She stated 1 in 4 Black individuals have medical debt they struggle to pay off. To remedy this her economy will remove medical debit from credit scores.
Gaza and Israel
Harris said that for this war to come to a stop there needs to be a ceasefire and a hostage deal needs to be made. She also stated she supports Israel's right to defend itself. Then Harris was asked where the line is between defense and aggression. Harris stated that both Israel and Gaza are suffering and that a two-state solution should be the goal. She also stated there should be no changing of the territorial lines in Gaza. When asked about what policy change, she would enact as President to help end the war, she said the ceasefire and hostage deal need to be done immediately.
H.R. 40
When asked if the passing of the H.R. 40 commission should fall to Congress or the president, Harris said it will ultimately depend on Congress because it will involve hearings and conversations about public education. Harris said we need to speak the truth about what happened in history.
Gun Control
Harris said when it comes to gun control taking everyone’s guns is not the goal but getting assault weapons off the streets. She also said we need universal background checks to make sure guns are not going into the hands of people who are not responsible. In addition to that Harris said the gun show loophole needs to be closed.
Reproductive Access
Harris said when she is in office Roe v. Wade will be put back into law and that the government should not be telling women what to do with their bodies.
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