U.S. Rep. Alfred “Al” Lawson, FL-5, voted for Pelosi to be speaker back in 2017, when the Democrats were in the minority. Pelosi later endorsed Lawson for reelection in 2018 when he was challenged in the Democratic primary by former Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown. She also campaigned for him. Lawson then voted for Pelosi to be speaker again last week during an organizational session for the incoming Democratic majority in the House.
Lawson’s positive relationship with Pelosi could help him get the votes he needs to pass his proposed HBCU Parity Act.
The HBCU Parity Act would ensure funding for facility improvements at historically black universities that were established under the Second Morrill Act of 1890 and Tuskegee University.
Historically, 1890 schools have faced several hurdles, including poor infrastructure and access to vital resources necessary for research. Lawson wants Congress to appropriate $50M to help these HBCUs with their deferred maintenance needs.
There are 19 universities in the 1890 land-grant system. FAMU is the only land grant institution in Florida’s fifth Congressional District.