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Dear Neighbors,
South Minneapolis: you're continuing to stand strong today. It's a good look on you, but it always has been. Let's keep holding our community today, tonight, and in the future. We'll protect our own and keep our eyes on justice for George Floyd.
As this period continues, I want to urge you to continue your work to protect our diverse, unique community. I know tensions are high and emotions are raw. Rumors are running well ahead of facts in some cases. Remember to use your usual skepticism and critical thinking. Firsthand reports are good, trusted sources are next. Your cousin’s friend who knows a guy who heard something? Not so much. We need to protect our community while resisting the risk of descending into division amongst ourselves. Don’t give into fear, take a break if you need, and stay tight with family, friends, and neighbors.
POCI Caucus Police Reform Package
Today, the People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus announced legislation they intend to advance during the upcoming special session. The multifaceted policy approach, which I fully support, includes measures to:
- Reform the investigation and prosecution process 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
You can watch their press conference, or read an overview of their proposals.
Human Rights Department Launches Investigation of MPD
Also, today, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights will begin an investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) after filing a civil rights charge related to the death of George Floyd. This investigation will look into policies, procedures, and practices over the past 10 years, and will determine if the MPD has engaged in systemic discriminatory practices towards people of color. Importantly, it will ensure any such practices are stopped. Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero will lead the investigation. Commissioner Lucero encourages Minnesotans with information that can further the investigation into the MPD to contact the Department of Human Rights at mn.gov/mdhr or 651-539-1100.
Prescription Medication Pick Up Concerns
Medication access is a concern in the community currently. I spoke today with the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy to get an overview on reestablishing medication access in both the immediate and long term. At the height of the weekend many metro area pharmacies were closed, most out of an abundance of caution but some due to graffiti, vandalism, looting and fire. Our area was the hardest hit.
The Board is working creatively and energetically for our community. In the meantime:
- If you normally used one of the chain pharmacies (Walgreens, CVS, Cub) you are in their system and they can meet your needs at their other stores;
- If mail order prescriptions are an option that you haven’t used before you may want to consider that;
- If you need a prescription filled immediately and those options aren’t working, go to any open drug store with the medication bottle. They will work with patients on a case by case basis to try and meet your needs temporarily.
- The independent Seward Pharmacy is looking to relocate and reopen in a new location.
Curfew Reminder
A reminder that the Minneapolis curfew is in effect tonight at 10:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. Highways will remain open except for local closures. The ramps at I-94 and 26th/27th Avenue were closed by MnDOT and Public Safety last night and will be again tonight at the request of the community. The use of snowplows restricted access while still allowing emergency access to the nearby hospital as needed. Thanks you to Councilmember Gordon for his work on this as well.
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