Just days after after Florida Gov., Ron DeSantis (R) won a Court Victory to keep Felons from Voting until they've Paid Off All Fines, Restitution and Court Fees, Billionaire Mike Bloomberg has stepped in to help them Pay-Off their Debts.
The Former Democratic Presidential Candidate and Three-Times Mayor of New York City, has helped Raise more than $20 Million so that Felons who Completed their Prison Sentences can Re-Register and Vote in the Presidential Election. Bloomberg also has Pledged $100 Million to help Presidential Candidate Joe Biden (D) Win Florida.
A Federal Appellate Court ruled on Sept. 11th that in addition to Serving their Sentences, Florida Felons Must Pay All Fines, Restitution, and Legal Fees before they can Regain their Right-to-Vote. The Case could have broad Implications for the November Elections. Florida has 29 Electoral College Votes that are Crucial to Trump’s hopes of Staying in the White House.
Under Amendment 4, which Florida Voters Passed overwhelmingly in 2018, Felons who have Completed their Sentences would have Voting Rights Restored. Then in 2019 Republican Lawmakers then moved to Define what it means to Complete a Sentence. In addition to Prison Time Served, Lawmakers directed that All Legal Financial Obligations, including Unpaid Fines and Restitution, would also have to be Settled before a Felon could be Eligible to Vote.
The Florida Rights Restitution Council had raised about $5 Million before Bloomberg made Calls to Raise almost $17 Million more.
The Money is Targeted for Felons who Registered to Vote while the Law was in question and who owe $1,500 or Less. That Accounts for about 32,000 People, Bloomberg Advisers say. Organizers for the Group say they aren't Targeting People Registered with a particular Political Party.
“To hell with politics, to hell with any other implications or inuations, at the end of the day it's about real people, real lives, American citizens who want to be a part of this,” said Desmond Meade, the Group's Executive Director. “People with felony convictions have had their voices silenced for so long.”
The Florida Rights Restitution Council said other Donors include: John Legend; LeBron James; Michael Jordan; MTV; Comedy Central; VH1; Ben & Jerry’s; Levi Strauss & Co.; the Miami Dolphins; the Orlando Magic; the Miami Heat; and Stephen Spielberg.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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