Subject: Iowa must lead on civil rights
From: "Todd Prichard" <[email-masked]>
To: <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2017 19:20:59 -0400

Friends,

It took two and a half years for word of the Emancipation Proclamation to reach Texas. But on June 19th, 1865, newly freed slaves in Galveston rejoiced as the proclamation was announced.

Today, on Juneteenth, our nation celebrates those who survived under the horrors of slavery and won their emancipation for the 152nd time.

But just as Juneteenth serves as a reminder of celebrations long ago, it's also a reminder of the hard work and struggle required to end racism and discrimination -- and the work we have yet to do.

It's our responsibility as Iowans to continue on that path. If you're ready to make Iowa a leader in civil rights once again, add your name.

https://www.toddprichard.com/action/its-time-to-make-iowa-a-leader-in-civil-rights-again/

Although Iowa was founded as a free state from the beginning, Iowans now lag behind much of the nation in addressing systemic racism.

* Statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Justice show that Iowa locks up 11.1 times as many black men and women as white Iowans -- more than all but two states in the nation.

* The unemployment rate for black Iowans was almost three times as high as the national unemployment rate, at 14.8 percent, in 2015. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, that's the worst rate of any state in the country.

* And in the area surrounding our state's capitol, where many Iowans have prospered, black Polk County residents have fallen behind the rest of the community on nearly every measure. Black households made a median income of just $26,725, less than half of the overall median income.

These facts are harsh, unforgiving and shameful. They're also complex, and some would say that Iowa's government isn't equipped to solve them.

But instead of attempting to find solutions, this year our legislature took our state further in the wrong direction, passing laws that will make it harder to vote and preventing local governments from raising wages and expanding civil rights laws.

If you choose to make me your next governor, I'll work to reverse these laws on day one. I'll make a community college education and job training available to all, support legislation to increase wages, ensure every Iowan has access to affordable healthcare, and work with leaders across the spectrum to examine criminal justice reforms.

Building an Iowa that works for every Iowan means building an Iowa that works for Iowans of color. This Juneteenth, I'm committing to making Iowa a leader in civil rights once again. Will you stand with me?

https://www.toddprichard.com/action/its-time-to-make-iowa-a-leader-in-civil-rights-again/

Thanks for your support,

Todd

Add your name >> https://www.toddprichard.com/action/its-time-to-make-iowa-a-leader-in-civil-rights-again/

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|    Paid for by Todd Prichard for Governor    |
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Todd Prichard for Governor
PO Box 1803
Des Moines IA 50305 United States

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