America's Roundtable
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Secretary Ben Carson | Opportunity Zones Incentives Creating Jobs | Safely Reopening Schools | US Economy

August 2nd, 2020

Dr. Ben Carson, Secretary, Housing and Urban Development, joins America's Roundtable co-hosts Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy to discuss the impact of the opportunity zones across the United States where 35 million Americans reside. The Opportunity Zones incentive, created by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, was designed to spur economic development and job creation by encouraging long-term investments in low-income communities nationwide. As America begins its path of economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, this initiative is a unique endeavor to fuel job creation and economic growth.

The conversation also highlights the importance of focusing on the science and real data from around the world when addressing the concerns about the coronavirus pandemic which originated in Wuhan, China. Dr. Carson brings to the table his experiences as a medical professional, a longtime Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, a position which he held since the age of 33.

Dr. Ben Carson presents ideas and solutions, emphasizing the guidelines provided by the administration and best practices outlined in order to safely reopen schools across America. Over 50 million students from K-12 grade have been impacted by the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Greater concerns are raised as some states and school districts are pushing back on safely reopening schools. While virtual education may help a certain group of students, these efforts may further marginalize the over 43% of children from lower income families lacking access to digital devices and the 15% of U.S. households with school-age children who do not have a high-speed internet connection at home. Schools insisting on virtual education are ignoring the digital divide. This may adversely affect low-income families and specifically children from the Black, Hispanic and rural areas.

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Twitter:
@SecretaryCarson
@ileaderssummit
@NatashaSrdoc
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U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development:
https://www.hud.gov/
https://www.hud.gov/about/Secretary

— The Opportunity Zones incentive, created by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, was designed to spur economic development and job creation by encouraging long-term investments in low-income communities nationwide. Nearly 35 million Americans live in the more than 8,700 Opportunity Zones across the country.

—The Secretary was just in Charleston, SC for an Opportunity Zone focused event with Senator Scott to discuss a new rule from the Treasury to drive more capital in underserved communities.

—273 action items have been completed by the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council as of the end of April. This list is available at OpportunityZones.gov. Each of these action items helps further the Council’s mission of complementing private Qualified Opportunity Fund investment.

—The rate of infection among younger schoolchildren and from students to teachers has been low, especially if proper precautions are followed. There have also been few reports of children being the primary source of COVID-19 transmission among family members. That’s where the data currently stands.

America's Roundtable is co-hosted by Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy, co-founders of International Leaders Summit and the Jerusalem Leaders Summit.

America’s Roundtable radio program - a strategic initiative of International Leaders Summit, focuses on America’s economy, healthcare reform, rule of law, security and trade, and its strategic partnership with rule of law nations around the world. The radio program features high-ranking US administration officials, cabinet members, members of Congress, state government officials, distinguished diplomats, business and media leaders and influential thinkers from around the world.

America’s Roundtable is aired by Lanser Broadcasting Corporation - The Pledge Radio, at 96.5 FM, 98.9 FM and 1260 AM, covering Michigan’s major market, and through podcast on iTunes and other key online platforms. The Pledge Radio also features Salem Radio Network’s Dennis Prager and Michael Medved.