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State Representative Rena Moran
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-5158
For more information contact: Michael Howard 651-296-8873
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Republicans Cut Department of Human Rights by 65 percent
St Paul, Minnesota – DFL legislators voiced their opposition today to a Republican budget bill that cuts the Minnesota Department of Human Rights by 65%. The bill passed on a party line vote. The drastic cut would decimate the Department of Human Rights ability to process charges of discrimination in employment in Minnesota. Legislators said Republicans are sending the message that civil rights are no longer a priority in Minnesota.
“Minnesota has long been a place where equality and civil rights have been a value we hold high," said State Rep. Rena Moran (DFL – St. Paul). “Unfortunately, this drastic cut to the Department of Human rights allows discrimination to go unanswered. It’s a sad day for our state.”
The Minnesota Department of Human rights is the state agency responsible for investigation discrimination based on race, color, religion, sexual orientation, disability and more. Kevin Lindsay, the Commissioner of the Department of Human Rights, has said the drastic cut will push the Department past a “tipping point” that will result in staff being laid off and ensure the Department is unable to timely process charges of discrimination.
“One only needs to look at the racist comments made on a KDWB radio program this past week to see that we have work to do to stamp out racism and discrimination in our state and nation,” said State Rep. Jeff Hayden (DFL – Minneapolis). “When you cut the Department of Human Rights by more than half you make it nearly impossible for the Department to continue fighting for equal rights for all Minnesotans.”
State Rep. Bobby Joe Champion said the level of cut was disproportionate to any other cuts in the state budget.
“Nowhere else have we seen a 65% cut so the intention of Republicans seem fairly clear,” said Champion. “They seem intent to take away the state’s ability to fight for equal rights. We believe that is morally and ethically wrong. We will work with Governor Dayton to fight this tooth and nail.”
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News Items
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- Rep. Moran: Passage of Voter ID Amendment Shameful - (Posted: 2012-03-21 00:00:00)
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