Dear Neighbors,
This has been an excruciating time for our community following the killing of George Floyd. The trauma is profound and the demand for change is being heard. Here are some updates on the change that is beginning, and the resources available to our community.
Latest Developments
While charges being filed against one of the officers was a great first step, we must begin addressing the systemic changes that led to his death – and the deaths of so many other people of color. Today, the People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus of the Minnesota Legislature announced our legislative responses to the murder of George Floyd, which we will make a priority when lawmakers come together in a special session this month. The proposal aims to:
- Reform the investigation and prosecution of officer-involved deaths and wrongful actions,
- Increase police accountability and transparency,
- Raise standards of conduct and support officer excellence,
- Partner officers with the communities they serve, and
- Repair and build community trust and create community-centered public safety.
While George Floyd’s killing was at the hands of four individual police officers, structural racism and implicit bias have prevailed for generations, causing a great deal of trauma in our communities of color. These proposals are the first step in addressing this trauma, and we will work together to make systemic changes so this violence stops happening in our communities. You can read our press release here.
Also today, Governor Walz announced the Minnesota Department of Human Rights has filed a civil rights complaint against the Minneapolis Police Department. Minnesota has one of the strongest civil rights laws in the country. It is illegal for a police department to discriminate against someone because of their race. This important action against an entire police department will allow the Department of Human Rights to take swift action in response to any determination of civil rights violations. Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero will be leading the investigation and experiences from Minnesotans will be helpful. Those with information that can further the investigation into the MPD should contact the Department of Human Rights at mn.gov/mdhr or 651-539-1100.
Response from Lawmakers
I wanted to share with you some of the actions and statements from my colleagues and me in the days following last Monday’s tragedy.
Resources Available
As we come together as a community to recover, help is available for homeowners and business owners to navigate insurance claims. Please visit the Minnesota Department of Commerce online or call the department’s Consumer Services Center (CSC) for assistance. The CSC can help consumers understand their rights, work with their insurer to settle a claim, and help Minnesotans make informed insurance decisions.
Information is available regarding making and filing insurance claims on damaged property for business owners and for residential property owners and renters.
The Star Tribune has compiled a list of ways Minnesotans can donate food, supplies and money. To help our community to begin healing. It’s inspiring to see so many people come together to rebuild our community while passionately calling for justice and change.
Curfew Continued
A reminder that the Minneapolis curfew is in effect tonight at 10:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. Please be safe and stay home.
Don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance during this time. Our community hurts, but we stand strong.
Sincerely,
Fue Lee
State Representative