At Your Community Forum McDonnell Highlights Urban Revitalization Initiatives
Comprehensive Prisoner Re-entry Plan; HUBZone Empowerment; Restoration of Rights; Charter Schools; Fatherhood Initiative
Richmond- Speaking at the Your Community Forum, hosted by Radio One Inc., the Chesterfield Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Rho Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the Richmond Crusade for Voters, on the campus of Virginia Union University, Bob McDonnell, Republican gubernatorial candidate and former Attorney General of Virginia, outlined proposals for Virginia’s urban communities. McDonnell highlighted his support for innovative charter schools, Obama’s Fatherhood Initiative, establishing a HUBZone Empowerment Contracting program, making higher education more accessible and affordable, a comprehensive prisoner re-entry program and restoration of rights for non-violent felons.
Speaking prior to the event McDonnell noted, “I will be a jobs governor, committed to bringing new opportunities to every region of the Commonwealth. Some of the areas hit hardest by this economic downturn are our cities. I will establish a HUBZone Empowerment Contracting program, to spur economic development and job growth in urban areas. This program would require a certain percentage of state procurement contracts be awarded to certified small businesses in historically underutilized business zones. I have also announced tax credits for creating jobs in economically distressed areas, which includes many of our cities, which will stimulate job creation and economic growth.”
McDonnell continued, “Our goal in Virginia must be to ensure equal opportunity for a quality education so that all young people are prepared for the jobs of the 21st century. But for thousands of students in the Commonwealth these opportunities are inadequate - limited by the zip code in which they live, or limited by decisions of local school systems. I agree with President Obama: we need more charter schools in America. As Governor, I will ensure the expansion of public charter schools in the Commonwealth, as they offer competitive educational opportunities for all families, not just for those who can afford them. I will also expand our children’s access to quality institutions of higher education. We need to make a greater commitment as a Commonwealth to providing need-based financial aid for Virginia college students, and make it available to more middle-income families. We will also do more to cultivate private-sector educational alternatives that cost the Commonwealth much less on a per-student basis. That means providing more tuition assistance-so-called TAG-grants to our excellent independent colleges like Virginia Union University.”
McDonnell also noted, “I also support President Obama’s Fatherhood Initiative to educate and engage society by speaking about the importance of responsible fatherhood. The initiative focuses on supporting programs that encourage responsible fatherhood and strengthen the role of the father in a child’s life, helping them overcome barriers that may prevent them from being an effective and nurturing parent within a family. I will advance a fatherhood initiative in Virginia using federal dollars from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Block Grant to support healthy family activities, promote responsible parenting and foster economic stability within the family. The Male Responsibility Program headed by Pastor Brian Gullins in the City of Richmond is the type of program that I am committed to expanding to other urban centers around Virginia. This program is designed to decrease out of wedlock births by equipping and empowering men to lead positive lifestyles through mentoring and interaction with strong role models in the community.”
Further, McDonnell noted, “One of the primary responsibilities of any government is the protection of its citizens. I have announced specific plans to make Virginia a safer place to work and raise a family. These plans include protecting our communities and families from sexual predators, preventing domestic violence, cracking down on career repeat drug dealers and combating gangs in our communities. While I have laid out comprehensive plans to combat crime, I understand the need for common-sense measures to reduce recidivism and ensure that once those convicted of crimes have served their time, they are successfully transitioned back into their communities so that they can be productive and meaningful members of their community. This I not being soft on crime; it is being smart on crime.”
McDonnell continued, “I believe that we must ensure that every inmate has a re-entry plan upon intake and that the plan includes assessments of education, substance abuse history, physical and mental health needs, and workforce development. Pre-release planning between correctional centers and communities, including law enforcement, businesses, service providers, charitable groups, interagency coordination and integrated service delivery at the local level, and an inmate’s access to positive community influences such as mentors and charitable groups, all improve the likelihood of successful re-entry. My Administration will work with groups such as Prison Fellowship, Coach Tony Dungy’s Prison Ministry, Virginia CURE, and others to explore ways to expand mentorship programs through the correctional system.”
McDonnell concluded, “Restoration of rights is important to those who want to become productive members of society. I believe that rights should be restored to certain non-violent felons who have met very specific requirements, demonstrated that they have maintained a clean record, and are contributing members of society. Non-violent offenders should provide proof of a consistent job history and a record of community service, in addition to the current requirements already in place. As Governor, I will utilize the power and the resources available to me to expeditiously review complete petitions for restoration of rights submitted by non-violent felons. By providing released persons with incentives to remain contributing members of society, we can decrease recidivism and hopefully lessen the burden on our jails and correctional facilities in the future.”
For more details on Bob McDonnell’s plans to create jobs, improve and invest in our schools, and revitalize our urban centers, please visit www.bobmcdonnell.com.