ECONONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS INDIANA (EFFI)

 Position on

Merritt’s Black Agenda

On October 15, 2019 the Concerned Clergy and Baptist Minister’s Alliance had a community forum at the Central Library where Senator Jim Merritt presented his agenda for people of African descent if he were to be elected mayor. Merritt was charged with presenting his position on Education, Public Safety, and the economy. EFFI’s focus is the economy. Merritt stated the following:

• ·         He will build the economy of people of African descent by working with state and federal government to offer small loans $1,000 - $50,000 to businesses owned by people of African descent
• ·         He will reduce no bid contracts
• ·         Will strive for the 15% utilization of businesses owned by people of African descent for all contracts let by the city and post the data on the website
• ·         Will track the data and if prime contractors are not meeting the 15% goal they will be penalized
• ·         These fees will be used to fund business start ups for people of African descent
• ·         Will follow the law and insure that the city will do at least 15% of its business with business owned by people of African descent
• ·         Because the city is not presently, or ever met the 15% goal is willing to explore strengthening the law to make it a set aside so if the money is set aside until it is used with a business owned by people of African descent
• ·         Is committed to clarifying the law so the 15% is strengthen and projects do not go forward if the 15% for businesses of African descent is not in place.

EFFI supports Senator Merritt’s economic agenda for people of African descent if his above statements are not empty promises. We reserve the right to change our support if Mayor Joe Hogsett offers something better.