(CLEVELAND) He recently won an Emmy for his work in "Jesus Christ Superstar Live" making him the youngest EGOT (Emmy Grammy Oscar Tony) winner. Now, the Ohio native has decided to try his hand at politics, supporting Ohio Issue 1. The measure seeks to lower penalties for low-level drug offenders in an effort to reduce the prison population and increase rehabilitation.
Here is the text verbatim of Legend's endorsement:
The U.S. is the most incarcerated country in the world and Ohio has the fifth largest US prison population. Crowded prisons waste taxpayer dollars and take money from community investments.
Today, millions of young people and families have been impacted by mass incarceration, with too few economic opportunities. Almost half of Ohio’s prison population have nonviolent drug offenses or probation violations. Meanwhile, families and neighbors can’t find help, like drug treatment and trauma recovery.
But this November you have a chance to take action for our communities, instead of waiting for politicians: Issue 1. Issue 1 reduces imprisonment for nonviolent low-level drug offenses, frees up money for drug treatment and crime victims - and gives people a second chance.
This is John Legend. Ohio is my home state. I care deeply about helping Ohio communities thrive. That’s why I urge you to join me in supporting Issue 1. Vote YES on Issue 1.
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