Dear Neighbors,

These are incredibly difficult times. We had already been battling the COVID-19 public health crisis and the resulting economic hardship. Now, following the tragic killing of George Floyd on Memorial Day, we now face an urgent need to address structural racism and make overdue reforms within our criminal justice system.

Both during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the days following George Floyd’s death, I’m inspired the Minnesotans coming together to take care of their neighbors and epitomizing what “community” means to all of us. Lawmakers will meet in special session starting Friday, and here are some of my top priorities to help our state reach our full potential in the face of monumental challenges.

Criminal Justice Reform

Last week, the Legislature’s People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus announced proposed legislative responses to the murder of George Floyd. The proposed solutions aim to reach the following goals:

• 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
• Repair and build community trust and create community-centered public safety

George Floyd should be alive today, and everyone – no matter what we look like or where we might come from – deserves to go home at the end of the day. Folks in Minnesota – and across the globe – have been demanding policymakers to fundamentally reshape the way we think about public safety. I’m proud to support determined legislators from communities of color leading the charge on significant reforms to ensure Minnesotans can have the justice and accountability that has been missing for far too long. We’re calling on Senate Republicans to join us in advancing these meaningful reforms. Please contact Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka at 651-296-4875 or sd09iq@mnsenate.lmhostediq.com to share the urgency of taking action to keep everyone – without exception – safe in our communities.

The Minnesota Historical Society has informational resources and is planning online events related to the Duluth Lynchings, which occurred 100 years ago this week. The Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial has additional resources available, too. This is a reminder that injustices – like what happened to George Floyd – aren’t new, and pain and trauma have existed for generations. We must seize this moment and make meaningful changes.

Economic Security for Minnesotans

COVID-19 has led to tremendous economic hardships. While we came together during the regular session to deliver some emergency resources, businesses and families are counting on stronger economic security measures to help them weather this pandemic. House DFLers will keep working to help those who are struggling to make their next rent or mortgage payment, students who depend on broadband access to connect to their schools and teachers, the smallest businesses that have been denied any financial assistance, and PCAs who continue to provide care during this pandemic.

Yesterday, we heard difficult news that the Verso paper mill is idling indefinitely, and up to 235 workers will be out of a job. We are committed to helping the plant access state resources so they can have a path toward future viability, and to building new opportunities in the Northland.

Jobs and Local Projects Bill

One other major item to get done is a strong capital investment package. During the regular session, the House DFL developed a robust Jobs and Local Projects Bill with investments in critical public infrastructure like higher education institutions, wastewater treatment plants, public safety facilities, parks and trails, roads and bridges, other public buildings and more. Unfortunately, Republicans blocked the measure from advancing.

In Duluth, the package included important priorities such as Duluth in the bill include A.B. Anderson Hall at the University of Minnesota Duluth, Northern Lights Express rail between the Twin Cities and Duluth, Duluth Seawall improvements, Lake Superior Zoo, the Duluth Depot and more. We have the capacity to make these investments in our future, but we just need the will to act. This bill would protect our assets while creating sorely needed jobs.

Please feel free to let me know your thoughts on any of these important issues. It’s an honor to represent our community.

Sincerely,

Liz Olson
State Representative