Proactive Response to the Federal Government’s Failure: Establishing a County Department of Education to Develop America’s Workforce The potential elimination of the U.S. Department of Education is a stark reminder of the lack of cohesion in national education policy. However, rather than waiting for Washington to decide the future of our students, our county will take direct action. Education is not just about schools—it is about building America’s workforce. Our response will not only protect our students from uncertainty but also strengthen the pipeline between education and economic development. The County Department of Education: A Workforce-Centered Vision 1. Creating a Cohesive Education Strategy Across Our 59 Municipalities • Establish a centralized county education department that ensures all school districts align with a unified workforce development strategy. • Standardize career technical education (CTE) and expand direct trade programs in high schools to provide clear pathways into high-demand fields. 2. Developing a STEAM-Driven Workforce: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics • Expand STEAM curricula in schools to ensure students are prepared for 21st-century careers in AI, quantum computing, engineering, healthcare, and digital arts. • Establish county-funded research partnerships between high schools and local public and private universities, ensuring students engage in real-world research projects before graduating. • Integrate STEAM-based apprenticeships and internships, allowing students to transition seamlessly from education to career opportunities in science, technology, and advanced manufacturing. 3. Connecting Youth to Research and Innovation at Local Universities • Create a County Research Fellowship that directly links high school students to university-led research in biotechnology, green energy, robotics, and more. • Expand dual enrollment and early admissions programs with universities, allowing students to earn college credits and gain hands-on research experience while in high school. • Ensure that research is not just for the elite—we will create county-sponsored scholarships and grants to make university research accessible to all students. 4. Expanding Summer Jobs and Workforce Training to Build America’s Economy • Establish a Countywide Summer Jobs Initiative focused on STEAM careers, skilled trades, and entrepreneurship. • Develop paid internship programs in partnership with local businesses, research institutions, and trade unions, ensuring students gain valuable hands-on experience before graduation. • Incentivize businesses to hire and train local youth by offering county tax benefits and workforce development grants. 5. Mitigating the Loss of Federal Education Resources by Strengthening Local Investments • Redirect county funding to safeguard vital education and workforce programs from federal instability. • Secure state, private, and philanthropic grants to sustain and expand workforce-centered education initiatives. • Launch a County Education Investment Fund to provide stable, long-term funding for research, trade programs, and university partnerships. A National Workforce Solution Starts at the County Level This initiative is more than an education plan—it is a direct investment in America’s workforce. By equipping students with STEAM skills, hands-on experience, and access to university research, we are ensuring that our county is producing the next generation of scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and innovators. The federal government’s failure to provide cohesive education policy does not mean we must accept a weakened workforce. Instead, we will lead the way by ensuring our education system is future-focused, economically driven, and strategically connected to the industries that will define America’s success. While others wait, we act. Our county will protect education, strengthen our workforce, and drive America’s economic future—one student at a time. #VoteforthatBrother ###

Tariq Shabazz calls out the contradiction in Cleveland’s priorities—how can the city justify an education system in a multi-million dollar deficit while eagerly handing public tax dollars to billionaires for stadiums? This is a fundamental question of governance, equity, and the future of the city’s youth. #VoteforthatBrother ###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: The Shabazz Squad Phone: (216) 584-8561 Email: info@shabazzforcuyahoga.com Website: www.shabazzforcuyahoga.com   Subject: Prioritizing Housing Over Stadium Subsidies – A New Era for Cuyahoga County Dear Members of the Cuyahoga County Council, I am writing to express my strong opposition to any public investment in infrastructure for the Cleveland Browns stadium and to urge you to instead direct those funds toward ensuring housing security for our residents. Cuyahoga County is at a crossroads, and this is a defining moment. Do we continue the cycle of backroom deals that enrich billionaires, or do we stand up for the people who live, work, and struggle in this county every day? For far too long, county leadership has been dominated by a two-party system that operates on corruption and political favors, rather than true public service. That era is coming to an end. I am running as an independent leader because I owe no favors, cut no backroom deals, and answer only to the people of Cuyahoga County. This campaign is about breaking the cycle of mismanagement, prioritizing transparency, and ensuring that public money is spent on public needs. The Browns are a private, for-profit entity owned by billionaires. Their request for public subsidies to renovate their stadium or build a new one is an insult to the hardworking people of this county who face skyrocketing housing costs, property tax hikes, and limited access to affordable homes.   If the Browns want a new stadium, " Billionaires are more than capable to facilitate the total scope of their gaudy aspirations."   Under my administration •All existing public investments in stadium or corporate handouts will be reevaluated. •For future public funding for private sports franchises will be attenuated. •All public investments will be scrutinized to ensure that they serve the public.   Instead of handing taxpayer dollars to billionaires, we should be investing in: Expanding Affordable Housing Investments – Redirecting stadium funds into building and maintaining truly affordable housing units. Property Tax Relief for Homeowners & Seniors – Preventing displacement due to rising property values. Homelessness Prevention and Services – Strengthening and expanding county resources to keep every resident housed. Cuyahoga County residents have much more pressing concerns than ensuring the Browns have a new or upgraded stadium. I urge you to reject any proposals that would allocate public dollars to stadium funding and instead champion investments that will directly improve the lives of the people you were elected to serve. A New Era of Leadership – #VoteForThatBrother ### Tariq Shabazz- Cuyahoga Goes through the people, not Billionaires. #VoteforthatBrother

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: The Shabazz Squad Phone: (216) 584-8561 Email: info@shabazzforcuyahoga.com Website: www.shabazzforcuyahoga.com   Tariq Shabazz Announces Historic Candidacy for Cuyahoga County Executive Cleveland, Ohio — Friday, January 31, 2025 Tariq Shabazz, a Navy Veteran, political scientist, and Program Manager at Case Western Reserve University’s SDLE Research Center, proudly announces his candidacy for Cuyahoga County Executive. This historic campaign marks the beginning of a bold journey. If elected, Tariq Shabazz will become the first Black American to serve as Cuyahoga County Executive and lead a county in the state of Ohio. His campaign focuses on addressing the major insecurities experienced by residents throughout the county while delivering innovative solutions to enhance the quality of life for all residents.   The official announcement event will take place: Date: Friday, January 31, 2025 Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM Location: UnBar Cafe, 12635 Larchmere Boulevard, Cleveland, OH 44120   At the event, Cuyahoga county’s next Executive, Shabazz will illustrate the importance of The Green Line Project, a transformative plan to address the longstanding economic and social impacts of redlining on Black Americans in Cuyahoga County. This initiative will: Invest in Black-owned businesses to drive economic growth and sustainability. Expand housing access to ensure all residents have stable, affordable living options. Create jobs and workforce development programs in emerging sectors, including artificial intelligence and green technologies.   Notable issues on Shabazz’s platform: -Housing for all residents, leveraging county resources to address housing needs while providing stability and opportunity for families. -Improving public health infrastructure, ensuring residents have access to high-quality, locally available care in addition to benefiting from federal healthcare measures. -Vastly expanding in the investments in education to prepare our youth to thrive locally. -To address the corruption that continues to erode our criminal justice system. -Advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning to modernize county operations and improve public services. -Strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure to protect systems and data. Environmental policies aimed at enriching the region and fostering long-term sustainability. -A balanced budget, rooted in transparency and accountability, to ensure effective use of county resources.   “By November 2026, it will be apparent that I am the best candidate to lead this county into the future,” he said. The Shabazz Squad invites all residents and community leaders to join this pivotal campaign event: #VoteForThatBrother