Next Steps Show Featuring Terris E. Todd 3-1-24

Welcome to this insightful episode of our series, where we shine a light on individuals making a profound impact on our community and beyond. We are honored to host a distinguished guest, Terris E. Todd, whose career is a testament to dedicated public service and leadership. Todd's journey from an educator to an advocate for educational excellence, particularly as the Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans, showcases his commitment to fostering an environment where every individual has the opportunity to succeed.

In his quest for Congress to represent Virginia's 7th District, Todd is motivated by pressing issues that resonate with many Americans today. Among these, parental rights and education stand at the forefront of his campaign. With the growing debate around curriculum content and school choice, the emphasis on empowering parents in their children's education has never been more critical. National security is another pillar of Todd's campaign, reflecting a widespread concern for the safety and well-being of American citizens in an increasingly complex global landscape.

The economy, particularly, is a central focus, with Todd aiming to address the challenges of a failing economic system. The importance of this issue is underscored by the pivotal role small businesses play in the American economy. According to the Empire State Development’s Annual Report on the State of Small Businesses 2022, 98% of New York businesses are classified as small businesses, defined by the state as having fewer than 100 employees. The report indicates that these small businesses employ over 53% of the workforce.

Todd's campaign also casts a spotlight on the safety concerns and public perception in areas like New York, where a staggering 73% of residents worry about gun related violence daily. This is juxtaposed with the fact that about 8.5% of American adults have permits for concealed carry. This figure excludes the states with more permissive gun laws, known as “Constitutional Carry” states, where people no longer need a permit to carry. Such statistics reveal a deep-seated need for effective crime prevention and community safety strategies.

Supporting veterans is another cornerstone of Todd's platform. With approximately 580,856 veterans in New York State alone, addressing their unique needs, from healthcare to economic opportunities, is paramount. This includes tackling mental health issues, with around 2.1 million veterans nationwide facing such challenges, and addressing the critical issue of veteran homelessness.

On the environmental front, Todd recognizes the importance of advancing clean energy initiatives and conservation efforts. The U.S. has made significant strides in 2023, launching initiatives like the Clean Hydrogen Hubs and making historic investments in the electrical grid, which not only aim to reduce emissions but also bolster economic growth and job creation in clean energy sectors.

The issue of free expression and the challenges posed by legislation affecting online speech highlight the delicate balance between regulating harmful content and upholding First Amendment rights. Recent legislative efforts in New York State, such as Assembly Bill A7865A, and subsequent judicial responses, illustrate the ongoing debate over digital free speech and the responsibilities of social media platforms.

 

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