Vice President Kamala Harris may have lost the presidential election, but her plans don't all have to be relegated to the ash heap of history. With two months left in her term, she and President Biden need to enact as much legislation as possible.
What I'm most concerned about is Opportunity Agenda for Black Men. Certain aspects require Congressional approval, while others require the stroke of the presidential pen. Between now and Inauguration Day, Biden should use his executive authority to make the promise of the Harris Opportunity Policy a reality for black men in this country.
The Harris Plan envisions opportunity in its broadest sense. It touches on wealth creation, access to health care, housing affordability, and more. Under the plan, black men would get forgivable loans to start businesses, lower taxes, and a new voting rights bill. Under fundamental separation of powers principles, no president can unilaterally fulfill these three promises. But Biden could rush to implement other provisions in his Opportunity Agenda.
For example, it could formally launch a public-private health equity initiative for black men. He could direct the Office of Personnel Management to eliminate college degree requirements for hundreds of thousands of federal jobs. And it could take additional steps to accelerate the removal of cannabis from the controlled substances list. These actions will be governed by federal law, whether based on existing statutes or under the President's broad Section 2 enforcement powers.
There are three main reasons why President Biden should take these steps.
First, it would be good policy. Black men are at higher risk of developing diseases such as: diabetes and prostate cancer. They also have a unique look barrier to access care. Focusing on understanding and reducing these health inequalities can literally save lives.
On the other hand, expanding the path to federal jobs could be life-changing. Federal government jobs are incredibly stable. of median The tenure for such jobs is 6.5 years, compared to 3.5 years for private sector jobs. allow 78 percent That would change if more black men without college degrees were able to compete for these jobs. And legalizing marijuana would remove the mechanisms traditionally used for marijuana. disproportionately Lock up so many black men.
Second, many of these suggestions are widespread. In a public opinion poll conducted last year, 67 percent of adults believe that addressing health disparities is a priority. Over the past two years, more than a dozen state governments Steps taken Eliminate the requirement for a college degree for public sector jobs. And support for marijuana legalization is strong and relatively bipartisan; half Eight out of ten Republicans and Democrats agree. President Biden and Vice President Harris could use this popularity to improve their own favorability ratings as they head out of office.
And third, these moves will not only be popular in general, they will be particularly welcomed by black men. Harris was praised for announcing her Opportunity Agenda, but she also drew criticism for taking too long to announce it. some claimed This plan was part of a reactive effort to curry favor with black men when her support within their group seemed unwarranted. slide. Biden is stubborn He was accused of similar pandering prior to a commencement speech at Morehouse College earlier this year. Even in the absence of immediate electoral incentives, by enacting parts of the Opportunity Agenda, both leaders can dispel these notions and show black men that they are serious about their needs. will be possible.
More and more young black men lose faith For their leaders, this move could help reverse that trend.
Some may argue that Mr. Biden should not take these measures because they will only be revoked by President-elect Donald Trump after January 20th. Others may doubt that President Trump will rescind these policies, and may not want to let Biden claim credit when the policies start to take effect. bear fruit.
It is impossible to predict what President Trump will do after taking office. I also don't think it would be helpful to try. he recently promised Reparations for victims of DEI policies. At the same time, he boasted About (apparently) “doing a lot for black people.” After all, Trump will do whatever he thinks will benefit his base.
Mr. Biden and Ms. Harris have amassed a stellar record on behalf of Black people over the past four years, and they should seize this final opportunity to do the same.
Gevin ReynoldsHe is a communications strategist and former speechwriter for Vice President Kamala Harris. He writes about issues of race, democracy, and politics as a contributor to The Root.
