June 2023: Marking Juneteenth and Looking Ahead
I hope you are getting outside and enjoying the nice weather. I am always grateful when summer arrives in Minnesota and was glad to get out in community with many of you last weekend. I always want to make sure my constituents have an opportunity to meet in-person and that’s why I am continuing my efforts to hold a town hall every month.
On June 27th at 6pm CT, I will be hosting an in-person town hall in South Minneapolis. I’m excited to give you updates on what my office has been working on and answer your questions. If you would like to attend, you can RSVP here.
Juneteenth
Juneteenth is a national celebration of freedom and a testament of the resiliency and achievements of the African American community. This year, I gathered with Sen. Tina Smith, State Sen. Bobby Joe Champion, and over 30 black-owned small businesses vendors and food vendors in North Minneapolis at the BOB Rewards Club event to mark the progress made, and acknowledge how far we still have to go.
Tragic Crash in Minneapolis
Last weekend I joined with Minnesotans to grieve the deaths of the five beautiful young women whose lives were cut short in a tragic hit and run. Their sudden and tragic deaths at the hands of a reckless driver deprived these beautiful souls of everything that life has to offer. I have been in close contact with community and law enforcement leaders to ensure we get justice for their grieving families and sorrowful community so that nobody else has to bear this kind of pain and anguish, and will continue to advocate for strong public safety and transportation laws in Congress.
Conservative Cuts to Social Security and Medicare
House Republican policies are once again doubling down on slashing Medicare and Social Security for Minnesotan seniors. These policies are core components of a healthy society. As Vice Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, I will fight against these cuts tooth and nail in Congress. You can view my full statement on the cuts here.
World Refugee Day
Last Monday was World Refugee Day. Nearly 30 years ago, my family and I lived through four years in a refugee camp with little food or water before starting a new life in America as refugees. The world is currently facing its largest refugee crisis, specifically in Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Venezuela, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Myanmar and more. With the current climate crisis, more forced migration is expected from the regions impacted the most. We must reject nativist efforts to punish and criminalize asylum seekers and, and we must seek an agreement on global migration to hold each other responsible for addressing this crisis.
Dobbs Anniversary
This weekend marked the one-year anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade. I am still fighting for women to have their abortion rights and want to know if you think the Roe decision should be made into law. Vote here now!
The New “Minnesota Miracle”
I am inspired seeing bills I championed as a DFL State Representative and more accomplished by the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party this session from universal school meals, gun safety reform, strong labor protections and the vote restoration of 50,000 people. The new “Minnesota Miracle,” is the result of decades of work. Our elected representatives who understand our struggles are a result of our organized progressive movement, our strong unions, and our hard work. You can read more about this work in a piece in Vanity Fair here.
DOJ Report on George Floyd
Three years after the unjust murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, the DOJ released a report with shocking and disappointing findings. The stated violations of federal and Constitutional law by MPD and civilian leadership demonstrate repeated acts of abuse, racial discrimination, first amendment violations, lack of supervision and accountability, and more.
It’s time Congress hold our nation’s police forces to higher standards. We need to act at the federal level, including by passing my Amir Locke End Deadly No Knock Warrants Act, my package of bills making police violence against protesters a federal crime (among other provisions), and the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. I am in full support of the partnership between our City and the federal government to hold Minneapolis and the MPD accountable, to continue efforts on rebuilding trust in our institutions, and center public safety for our community. You can find my whole statement on this matter here.
