Dear neighbors,
This week, my thoughts are with Daunte Wright’s family, his loved ones, and all who are grieving his death at the hands of the police.
Daunte Wright’s death provides further evidence that we need comprehensive police reform and accountability. The Legislature passed several new laws after the murder of George Floyd – including a tougher standard for when police can use deadly force, bans on “warrior training” and choke holds, a duty to intercede, and expanded training requirements – but there’s much more work to be done in this area. Members of the People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus and the United Black Legislative Caucus (UBLC) are leading efforts to ensure that every Minnesotan is safe and able to make it home at the end of the day, no matter where they live or what they look like.
House DFLers have several police accountability and reform bills that are ready to be voted on, including the Public Safety bill (HF 1078) I mentioned in my last email. I am supporting legislation that would:
- Allow local governments to establish civilian oversight councils
- Support community organizations working to prevent crime
- Prohibit altering, destroying, or withholding body camera footage
- Prohibit white supremacists from becoming peace officers
- Limit the use of no-knock warrants
- Strengthen the police officer misconduct database and build a more effective early warning system to identify bad officers and keep them off the streets
- Limit police officers’ authority to stop or detain drivers for certain violations
Investing in Safe, Affordable Housing
All Minnesotans deserve to have a safe, secure place to call home. Our state was experiencing an affordable housing crisis well before the pandemic. That crisis has intensified, and more than half a million Minnesotans are currently facing housing insecurity. As a member of the Housing Finance and Policy Committee, I helped develop a strong “omnibus bill” (HF 1077) to address these issues. It would increase the housing supply, connect more people with homeownership opportunities, and help close the state’s racial homeownership gap. The legislation also gives renters more power and addresses eviction risks and practices that disproportionately impact BIPOC households. I’m proud to report that the House passed this bill yesterday!
The Capital Investment omnibus bill (HF 337) also makes significant investments in housing. It contains $150 million to construct affordable housing across the state, $100 million to maintain public housing, and $50 million for emergency shelter and transitional housing facilities. These critical funds would help ensure that all Minnesotans have safe and stable housing.
Respond to My Legislative Survey
I want to make sure you have plenty of opportunities to share feedback and connect with me throughout the year. If you haven’t already done so, please take a few minutes to complete my legislative survey.
Please feel free to email or call me if you have any questions or if I can be of assistance. You can reach me at rep.liz.reyer@house.mn or 651-296-4128.
Sincerely,
Liz Reyer
State Representative