Las Vegas City Wire

Throughout my years as a Pastor in Las Vegas, I have seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.

Our people constitute the fabric of our beautiful city in our magnificent state. My faith brought me to work with anyone and everyone, and forgiveness is the bedrock of our mission. Our church also works on countless initiatives with former incarcerated individuals; giving them a new outlook after they’ve paid their debt to society. There has been a tangible difference after the signing of the First Step Act.

The First Step Act is actively providing a meaningful second chance to inmates. This landmark legislation provides fair sentencing and smart, proactive approaches that are empirically proven solutions. Rather than diminish communities with the same standard approach, President Trump has enacted reforms that are paying dividends in traditionally underserved neighborhoods. Outdated approaches toward incarceration have only devastated minority communities and has not solved the root of the issue. After the First Step Act was signed, our church alone has already seen several Las Vegans return to a sense of normalcy after serving time. They’re receiving treatment and have an abundance of resources to renew their career outlook.

President Trump is leading with a servant’s heart. Mercy and forgiveness are key tenants of our faith and the Trump Administration understands that gracious and humble policy is a cause that can unite the political spectrum. Despite the level of political gamesmanship in Washington, President Trump was able to unify both parties to pass the First Step Act. No matter what the TV headlines may read, the President has worked around the clock to champion legislation that results in the betterment of you, your family, and your neighbors. After all, his success is our success.

The specifics of the First Step Act provide funding for prisoners looking for a better future. Dedicated dollars are going toward rehabilitation programs, inmate training, occupational training, inmate hiring, and grants for eligible individuals seeking education following incarceration.

Today’s focus is on the recovery and response to COVID-19. I completely understand and am no exception – I recently recovered from the virus that has consumed all fabric in our society. Even now, my faith in the President has only cemented because I know that servant heart will get us through the other side. In fact, I believe the President’s legislative accomplishments have set the table to come back stronger than before.

– Pasqual Urrabazo is an Associate Pastor at the International Church of Las Vegas. He also serves on the Advisory Board of Latinos for Trump.