Sen. Cory Booker Statement on Senate Group Reaching Bipartisan Compromise on Gun Control Bill

Senator Cory Booker (Dem-NJ) released the following statement after a group of 20 U.S. senators, of which he was one reached a deal on the framework for bipartisan legislation on gun control:

I support these bipartisan measures that would begin to curb gun violence in America. I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will find a way to make these changes and provide these resources. We need to continue our efforts to pass common sense gun safety laws. 

The proposal includes:

 

Support for State Crisis Intervention Orders

• Provides resources to states and tribes to create and administer laws that help ensure deadly weapons are kept out of the hands of individuals whom a court has determined to be a significant danger to themselves or others, consistent with state and federal due process and constitutional protections.

 

Investment in Children and Family Mental Health Services

• National expansion of community behavioral health center model; major investments to increase access to mental health and suicide prevention programs; and other support services available in the community, including crisis and trauma intervention and recovery.

 

Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence

• Convicted domestic violence abusers and individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders are included in NICS, including those who have or have had a continuing relationship of a romantic or intimate nature.

 

Funding for School-Based Mental Health and Supportive Services

• Invests in programs to expand mental health and supportive services in schools, including: early identification and intervention programs and school based mental health and wrap-around services.

 

Funding for School Safety Resources

• Invests in programs to help institute safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools, support school violence prevention efforts and provide training to school personnel and students.

 

Clarification of Definition of Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer

• Cracks down on criminals who illegally evade licensing requirements.

 

Telehealth Investments

•  Invests in programs that increase access to mental and behavioral health services for youth and families in crisis via telehealth.

 

Under 21 Enhanced Review Process

• For buyers under 21 years of age, requires an investigative period to review juvenile and mental health records, including checks with state databases and local law enforcement.

 

Penalties for Straw Purchasing

• Cracks down on criminals who illegally straw purchase and traffic guns.

Stacey Abrams says that she will raise teacher pay in Georgia

During an appearance on Symone Sanders' MSNBC show Georgia gubanatorial candidate Stacey Abrams made news by announcing that she would raise teacher pay in Georgia.

“We invite anyone who wants to see Georgia move forward to come here, that means President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris” Candidate for GA Governor @staceyabrams tells @SymoneDSanders whether @POTUS and @VPOTUS will join her on the campaign trail. pic.twitter.com/ZheRM78BIE

— SYMONE (@symonemsnbc) June 12, 2022

Anheuser-Busch Foundation and UNCF Renew Partnership to Provide Emergency Aid to Help HBCU Students

Graduation Day is a college student’s dream. Recently for some, their dream would have been shattered had it not been for emergency funding assistance from UNCF (United Negro College Fund) provided by the Anheuser-Busch Foundation.

For the second consecutive year, the Anheuser-Busch Foundation has made a $200,000 donation to UNCF to support an emergency fund that awards up to $2,500 per student, to help students attending UNCF-member historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) complete their degree requirements. Through last year’s grant, 69 students received assistance this year to help them walk across the stage on graduation day.

Without funding, the students would not have finalized their degree completion due to outstanding academic debt, including fees from tuition, room and board, tutoring, lab fees and other college-related fees that were not covered through direct payments by the student, family contributions, grants, loans or scholarships.

“I would like to sincerely thank UNCF and Anheuser-Busch Foundation for the scholarship which enabled me to become a LeMoyne-Owen College graduate,” said Braxton Miller, a biology major who plans to attend the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in the fall to begin nursing school and pursue a career as a holistic nurse.

Camden Marsh, a graduating senior at Allen University, said the scholarship funds helped him “to pay off student loans.” “I want to personally thank UNCF and Anheuser-Busch Foundation for helping me as I embark upon this new journey in my life upon graduation.”

“I want to truly thank UNCF and Anheuser-Busch. You saved me when I had to pay for not one but two courses I had to take. You truly and honestly blessed me,” said James Wilson, Benedict College graduate who majored in criminal justice administration and will enter the U.S. military to pursue his chosen field.

Through the renewed partnership, the Anheuser-Busch Foundation is continuing the degree completion program this year to support eligible students, with applications opening in July and awards announced in the fall. Eligible students must be African American, a senior attending a UNCF-member HBCU with a financial need preventing them from graduating. Students must major in business, engineering or supply chain logistics. Awards up to $2,500 will be made to an estimated 70 students.

Over a 50-year partnership, Anheuser Busch—through both the company and its foundation—have contributed more than $5.5 million to boost UNCF’s mission.

“For more than five decades, Anheuser-Busch and its foundation have championed UNCF’s efforts, making investments in HBCU students’ futures a priority, and helping so many students with emergency funding at a time when they needed it the most to graduate,” said Maurice E. Jenkins, Jr., executive vice president and chief development officer, UNCF. “We thank the Anheuser-Busch Foundation for helping these talented, deserving students to realize their college graduation and make their dreams come true.”

”At the Anheuser-Busch Foundation, we are committed to investing in the economic prosperity of our friends and neighbors to help build stronger communities,” said Julio Suárez, Anheuser-Busch Foundation. “Through our longstanding partnership with UNCF and the degree completion program, we are proud to continue to empower these bright students, so that they may secure the full benefits of a college degree and be able to pursue their professional goals.”

Scholarship recipients have shared “thank you” videos, expressing their appreciation to UNCF and Anheuser-Busch Foundation for providing the emergency funds necessary to help them graduate.

All-Black Hockey Team Competes In Minnesota’s Summer Showdown

Minnesota’s Summer Showdown is where youth hockey shines in the state, and it draws anyone trying to immerse themselves deeply in the game.

A U-18 hockey team has assembled players from all over the country with one thing in common, thanks to a pair of hockey moms from California who just wanted their sons to have this experience.

Every one of the U-18 Panthers, from across the country, is Black.

NAACP President calls for firing of Washington Commanders coach over June 6 remarks

Washington Commanders defensive coordinator, Jack Del Rio upset many when he asked on Twitter why protests following the killing of George Floyd were not investigated as the attack on the Capitol was.

In response, NAACP President Derrick Johnson released the following statement calling for Del Rio to resign or be terminated:

"It is time for Jack Del Rio to resign or be terminated. His comments could not have been more offensive and ignorant. The January 6th insurrection —an attempted coup—was far from a 'dust-up'. Each day we learn more and more on just how close our democracy came to autocracy. Downplaying the insurrection by comparing it to nationwide protests, which were in response to a public lynching, is twisted. You can’t coach a majority Black team while turning your back on the Black community. It's time for you to pack up and step off the field."