House kicks off series of hearings on racial justice issues
By Mike Cook
Especially in the areas of education, health, housing and public safety, a common refrain during legislative hearings is that Minnesota has some of the worst — if not the worst — racial disparities in the country.
A 13-member bipartisan group began Tuesday to delve deeper into the how and why of such inequality as part of the new House Select Committee on Racial Justice.
No action was taken and the select committee is scheduled to meet at 1 p.m. the next four Tuesdays and likely develop suggestions for action. The Oct. 13 hearing is to be dedicated to the public sharing personal experiences and recommendations.
“Earlier this year we passed a House resolution declaring racism as a public health crisis … We will finally have a forum where we can deep dive into the impacts on Black, Indigenous and people of color,” Rep. Rena Moran (DFL-St. Paul) said while previewing the first hearing.
Recent Dailies
Voting rights restoration, review board added to Reimagining Act
By Rob Hubbard A bill built around increased training and transparency for police officers now bears the number SSHF92. Sponsored by Rep. Carlos Mariani (DFL-St. Paul), it was approved, as amended, by one committee and two divisions and is on its way to the House Ways and Means Committee.‘Reclaiming Community Oversight Act’ bill amended, gains division approval
By Mike Cook
Rep. Carlos Mariani (DFL-St. Paul), who sponsors SSHF93, being dubbed the “Reclaiming Community Oversight Act,” is part of push for criminal justice reforms in wake of the Memorial Day death of George Floyd at the knee of a former Minneapolis police officer.
House lawmakers consider extending changes made to human services programs in response to COVID-19
By Victoria Cooney Some changes made to keep people safe during the COVID-19 pandemic — like the expansion of telemedicine services — might make for long-term improvements to Minnesota’s human services programs.Amid pain and protest, House public safety panel begins consideration of sweeping changes to policing
By HPIS Staff
The House Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform and Policy Division heard from nearly 30 people during a Saturday hearing, including attorneys, mayors, police chiefs and activists.
Omnibus human services bill passes House, heads to Senate
By Victoria Cooney The omnibus human services policy bill addresses a range of issues touching on topics like child care, foster care, disability services, community supports, and civil commitment.COVID-19 debates, small business aid launch special session in the House
By Victoria Cooney
The House of Representatives gaveled into special session Friday with 8 minutes and 46 seconds of silence for George Floyd, whose death while in the custody of Minneapolis police sparked widespread outrage, protests, and civil unrest as well as calls for legislative action.
Bills could change how Minnesota polices
By Rob Hubbard
Members of the People of Color and Indigenous Caucus joined Gov. Tim Walz Thursday to present 18 bills they plan to introduce during the special session that begins Friday.
House, Senate to convene Friday for special session
By Jonathan Mohr
Gov. Tim Walz has issued a proclamation calling the Legislature into a special session at noon Friday, and he will extend the COVID-19 peacetime emergency by 30 days so the state can continue to respond to the pandemic.
Long-term care facilities remain major concern in COVID-19 pandemic
By Victoria Cooney
As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, the focus on long-term care facilities not only needs to continue, but also “evolve, get better, get deeper, the more we learn,” Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm told the House Health and Human Services Finance Division Friday.
Select committee updated on economic impact of COVID-19, additional aid for small businesses
By Rob Hubbard A state commissioner considers the state’s programs for workers and small businesses a success and offered hope that more aid to small businesses would soon be taking the form of grants, rather than loans.Session Daily Home
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Socially distant but emotionally resonant — retirement speeches highlight friendships, look to future
By Victoria Cooney
Monday afternoon marked the end of the 2020 regular legislative session, and the retirements of more than a dozen representatives, who thanked family, House staff, mentors, and friends – especially those in the Legislature.
State of the State: Walz urges Minnesotans to stick together during troubling time
By Rob Hubbard
During his annual State of the State address Sunday evening, Walz warned that darker days lie ahead as Minnesotans brave the COVID-19 virus that’s reached across the world and currently has North America in its grip.
