The following article has been updated with information regarding protests.
Vice President Kamala Harris visited the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center Thursday morning to address a group of UWM students about her economic and entrepreneurial polices, which have faced attack from Republicans throughout her campaign.
The president made remarks with billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban that lasted just under eight minutes. She discussed her vision for an “opportunity economy” and highlighted her plan change tax cuts on small businesses from $5,000 to $50,000.
“Part of my plan is to work with the private sector…for them to build 3 million new housing units by the end of my first term,” Harris said. “But also a $25,000 down-payment assistance for you to just be able to get your foot in the door, on track for home ownership, knowing that’s one of the most effective ways that anyone can build intergenerational wealth.”
She also talked about her tax policies, saying that she would extend the child tax credit to $6,000, focused on the first year of the child’s life.
Cuban added remarks at the beginning of the event as well about Harris’ entrepreneurial policies.
“I’m so proud to be supporting Vice President Kamala Harris,” Cuban said. “When [entrepreneurs] have that challenge to take that first step…having a president that is behind us, having programs that allow us to deduct our start-up costs, those are things I never had when I got started, so y’all are in good hands.”
A protester of the Israel-Palestine war interrupted Harris’ speech about one minute in, asking for her to call the war a genocide. The protester was later identified as Thalmus Salamus via social media. Harris responded to him as he was quickly escorted out.
“I respect your right to speak, I’m speaking right now,” Harris said in response to the protester.
She said as well that she has called for a ceasefire, end to the war, and hostage deal, but that was not the topic she was at the university to discuss.
Throughout the speech, she also expressed her excitement for college students and the future of America.
“I am so excited about your generation; I think you guys are really going to just fuel us into the future in such a spectacular way. You are innovative, you are hard-working, you are impatient, you can see what’s possible and go for it,” Harris said.
The UWM Post reached out to UWM’s College Republicans regarding the event, but did not receive a response.
Vice President Harris followed the university visit with later stops in La Crosse and Green Bay.
Protesters chanted outside of the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center for the entirety of Harris’ visit. More coverage on the protests can be found here.
Photo Gallery:
Vice President Kamala Harris addresses a group of students at the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center. Credit: Caleb Rose 
Students watch as Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center. Credit: Caleb Rose 
Billionaire and Entrepreneur Mark Cuban addresses a group of students at the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center. Credit: Caleb Rose 
Billionaire and Entrepreneur Mark Cuban takes a picture with a student. Credit: Caleb Rose 
Vice President Kamala Harris addresses a group of students at the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center. Credit: Caleb Rose 
A protester is escorted out of the room during Kamala Harris’ visit Thursday. Credit: Caleb Rose 
A protester is escorted out of the room during Kamala Harris’ visit Thursday. Credit: Caleb Rose 
County Executive David Crowley, who is also a UWM student, introduces Vice President Kamala Harris. Credit: Caleb Rose 
Policy Advisor Brian Nelson listens to a question from a student. Credit: Caleb Rose