postal banking is an old idea, it’s not a new idea. It came about after the Great Depression and it actually works. Post offices provide basic banking to anyone who wants it, checking accounts, savings accounts, wiring money and it will allow more Black Americans to accrue wealth over time and they cannot be penalized because they’re poor, which is exactly what the predatory industries do. That is a very good solution. In Des Moines, I think your rate is 24% of Black residents who are unbanked, meaning they don’t have access to the traditional checking or savings account. Additionally, 34% are underbanked, meaning that despite having a mainstream checking or savings account one uses alternative banking services, such as payday lending, at high interest rates. On criminal justice reform, I have two ideas. I would absolutely get rid of the cash bail system and I am a co-sponsor of a bill to do that (because) it disproportionately affects Blacks. I would reform the sentencing laws so the judges could have more flexibility when dealing with low-level non-violent drug offenses. I would legalize marijuana, I would fully decriminalize it retroactively and I would fully legalize it. I’d expunge pass records and use resources from the industry to invest in communities that were disproportionately affected by the unfairness of the criminal justice laws. (Regarding) voting rights, I think it is really important that we take voting rights head-on. Iowa, as you know, is one of two states that only allow felons to vote if the Governor gives them permission. I find that to be an outrage. So, I voted for an amendment to restore voting rights for all released prison inmates. I have worked on legislation with (Congressman) John Lewis to introduce an expansive bill to establish basic voting rights, which included automatic voter registration when someone turns eighteen and making election day a national holiday. So, those are my top ideas. Celeste and Gary: We certainly appreciate the opportunity to present your message to the community at-large and we thank your staff who assisted with arranging this interview. We wish you good luck with your campaign. Senator Gillibrand: Thank you and God bless. Celeste Lawson is a freelance writer who focuses on various aspects of education and diversity. She earned a graduate degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education, with concentrations in English and Language Arts. In addition, she has more than 20 years of classroom experience with teaching students at the elementary, secondary, and post-secondary levels. Gary Lawson is a freelance writer who focuses on various aspects of business and government. He earned a graduate degree in Government Administration, and an undergraduate degree in Business, with a duel concentration in Management and Marketing. Gary is a Vietnam Era veteran who served as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Army. In addition, he has taught business courses at Drake University and Des Moines Area Community College.
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