Kamala Harris backs federal reparations, race-based loans, specific health care measures for black Americans

In an interview with Charlamage tha God on The Breakfast Club on Tuesday, Vice President Kamala Harris answered a question about reparations and said she was all for it. She said "on the point of reparations, it has to be studied. There's no question about that. And I've been very clear about that position." A "study" on the feasibility of reparations has traditionally been the first step in passing legislation to bring cash reparations to a black community. Harris has been struggling in polling among black men and her media venture to Detroit to speak on the popular radio show was an effort to gain some of their votes.

"What's your stance on reparations?" She was asked in an informal town hall. "We all know that America became great, you know, off the backs of free black labor. How progressive are you on making it a priority and righting America's wrongs? It's understood that you are running for president for all people of America. Asking for specifics for black communities doesn't mean n'o, don't do for others,' but black Americans are heavily asked to vote Democrat in every election for over half a century with very little in return. What are your plans to address these very important issues and change that narrative?"

Harris had a lengthy answer in which she discussed numerous plans for federal cash assistance programs, including reparations. 

"So to your point, yes, I am running to be a president for all Americans," Harris said. "That being said, I do have clear eyes about the disparities that exist and the context in which they exist, meaning history, to your point. "So my agenda? Well, first of all, on the point of reparations, it has to be studied. There's no question about that. And I've been very clear about that position."

She then delved into tenets of her economic plan, claiming that she wants to increase home ownership in the black community and would do so by building more homes across the United States. She had previously said her goal was to build 3 million more homes in the US. She offers a policy of $25,000 downpayment assistance for first time homebuyers, which many economists have said would do little more than raise the costs of homes by $25,000 as everyone involved in the real estate transaction tries to get hold of that free money. 

Harris also promised a $50,000 tax deduction for start-up businesses, which is an increase from the current $5,000, which she says is not enough. Additionally, she has promised to provide 1 million $20,000 loans for black entrepreneurs only, which is actually in violation of Civil Rights law. 

Beyond that, she said that she intends to prioritize healthcare for "black people, and black men in particular," in terms of providing cancer screenings "and to make sure that people are actually going to get the screenings." Her plan to allow Medicaid funds to cover home health aids is also something that she thinks is an essential for black Americans.