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Senator Kerry is strongly opposed to the practice of racial
profiling and is an original cosponsor of legislation to
prohibit racial profiling, establish remedies for its victims
and provide funds for police training and other programs
to strengthen accountability and community relations. After
September 11, it is more important than ever that the nation's
laws are enforced without resort to discrimination.
Senator Kerry has fought hard to ensure that the 2000 Census
accounts for all people living in the United States. He
urged Secretary of Commerce, Donald Evans to use adjusted
numbers to calculate federal funding and intrastate redistricting
and convened a hearing within the Commerce Committee to
explore releasing adjusted data. It is estimated that three
million individuals, mostly minorities and low-income individuals,
will not be included in the census count if only the raw,
uncorrected data is used. The census count has an impact
on hundreds of federal programs, including Head Start, airport
improvements, and HIV emergency relief programs. The millions
of people who rely on these and many other programs will
be shortchanged if the best, most accurate census figures
are not used.
Senator Kerry believes that we need serious, comprehensive
election reform. In the wake of the voting irregularities
that surrounded the 2000 Presidential election, American's
have scrutinized the election system and have discovered
that all too often it fails to ensure that every American
who chooses to exercise his or her right to vote is able
to do so. Senator Kerry introduced legislation to make election
day a federal holiday. There are examples from across the
country of individuals who tried to vote, but faced with
long lines and extended delays at polling places, had to
give up and return to work before they had the opportunity
to cast their ballots. Senator Kerry is working to include
his proposal in comprehensive election reform legislation.
With a 100% rating from the Human Rights Campaign, Senator
Kerry is a powerful voice in the ongoing fight for civil
rights for gays and lesbians.
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