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President Donald Trump has been working on a bipartisan plan for
prison reform and he’s invited people from all across the political spectrum to
contribute their ideas to the process.
And on Tuesday that bore fruit when the House passed the reform
bill and included supporters like Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).
From NY Post:
First
Step Act would authorize $250 million over five years to develop and expand
programs that reduce recidivism and give incentives for good behavior.
The bill
would also boost current inmates’ chances for a GED, vocational and college
courses as well as substance abuse and mental health help, Jeffries told
lawmakers on the House floor.
It still faces difficulty in the Senate.
But Trump’s efforts have earned him praise from an unlikely
corner, CNN’s Van Jones, who was invited into the process.
From Daily Caller:
Jones, a
frequent Trump critic, reportedly visited President Trump and Jared Kushner at
the White House on Friday to discuss the proposed bill, which would, among
other things, improve prison conditions as well as the reentry process for
prisoners getting released.
During an interview on CNN Monday morning, Jones called the
experience of meeting and even getting teased by the president “surreal” after
disagreeing with him on 99 percent of issues. And yet, on this issue, they have
managed to find common ground.
“On this issue, he has been tough,” said Jones, noting that the
president showed compassion for prisoners “that most liberal Democrat would
have agreed with.” mORE hERE