House DFL’s Promise Act gets warm reception at Lake Street public forum

State lawmakers hosted a public forum about the Promise Act at a Lake Street business today. The House DFL’s comprehensive rebuilding and recovery plan for Lake, Midway, and Broadway is inspired by the Minnesotans who built, sustain, and live around these vibrant corridors. “Promise” stands for Providing Resources, Opportunity and Maximizing Investments in Striving Entrepreneurs.

Full video of the event is available here: https://www.facebook.com/mnhousedfl/videos/601770510753986/?vh=e&d=n 

This month, state lawmakers participated in tours of businesses and neighborhoods led by people most impacted by the civil unrest that followed George Floyd’s murder. The Promise Act is informed and guided by what lawmakers heard and saw during these tours. According to public records, more than 1,500 buildings were destroyed or damaged. 

“The Promise Act is a promise we are making to the neighborhoods most impacted by civil unrest after a police officer murdered George Floyd,” said Rep. Mohamud Noor, the bill’s chief author. “It’s a promise to have the backs of people of color, and indigenous and immigrant-owned businesses built from the ground up. It’s a promise to choose vibrancy and culture over gentrified redevelopment as we rebuild. It’s a promise to make sure the people who live and work in these special corridors are the ones who get to decide what their future looks like.” 

The Promise Act establishes a commission to review the actions, choices, orders, and responses of local government, police and military authorities, and elected officials involved in the response to the civil unrest that occurred during May and June of 2020. The 10-member panel would be appointed by Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Lorie Gildea. The Republican-controlled Senate has launched a partisan probe without input or involvement of DFL lawmakers, including members of the People of Color and Indiginous (POCI) Caucus.

“These impacted communities and businesses are the economic and cultural centers of our cities, and we have to help them in a way that promotes equity and prevents gentrification,” said House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler. “We have seen and heard from so many people and so many businesses devastated by damage caused during the civil unrest. The extensive loss in these communities requires us to take urgent action and deliver results.” 

The Legislature is expected to convene for a new special session in July, the next opportunity to pass legislation like the Promise Act and police accountability.