Vice President Kamala Harris highlights economic opportunities for small businesses in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE, Wis (Civic Media) – Vice President Kamala Harris visited Milwaukee on Thursday as part of her Economic Opportunity Tour, emphasizing the Biden administration’s efforts to support small businesses and address racial disparities in access to capital and resources.

During a conversation at the Discovery World museum with comedian and radio host DL Hughley, Harris talked about the importance of providing information that allow entrepreneurs to translate their skills and ideas into successful ventures. She highlighted initiatives like increasing federal contracts awarded to minority-owned businesses and proposed policies like offering $25,000 grants for home down payments to individuals whose parents were not homeowners.

“We all know that we are a nation that was empowered and continues to be empowered by the aspirations and the ambitions of her people,” Harris said. “We don’t lack for talent, we don’t lack for skills, we don’t lack for good ideas and innovative thought, but there are those who with all of that lack for access to either information or relationships.”

Harris acknowledged the historical obstacles faced by Black Americans, such as discriminatory lending practices that prevented many from benefiting from post-World War II housing programs designed to boost homeownership among veterans. She also addressed ongoing issues like racial bias in home appraisals, which can undervalue properties owned by Black families.

“We just need to deal with it knowing that for example one of the problems here is that a very small minority of home appraisers are people of color,” Harris said, emphasizing the need for greater diversity in the industry. 

The vice president also highlighted the administration’s efforts to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage for new mothers from two months to 12 months. 

Hughley had publicly expressed prior skepticism about the administration’s ability to deliver on its promises. During this event, the comedian praised Harris for her candor and commitment to addressing racial disparities.

According to the Biden-Harris campaign, the Economic Opportunity Tour aims to inform small business owners and entrepreneurs about available resources and support programs offered by the federal government.

Following the event at Discovery World, Harris flew to Chicago for a campaign event tonight. 

It’s the fourth visit to the state this year for the Vice President.  A recent Marquette University Law School poll shows former President Donald Trump leading President Joe Biden in Wisconsin by a narrow margin of 51% to 49% among likely voters.