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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Carlos Mariani (DFL)

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RELEASE: Franzen, Mariani React to Nation-wide Protests in Solidarity with Puerto Rico

Monday, July 22, 2019

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Senator Melisa Franzen, DFL-Edina, and Representative Carlos Mariani, DFL-Saint Paul, released the following statements in response to recent demonstrations against Puerto Rico’s Governor Ricardo Rossello´. Puerto Ricans on the island and abroad are asking for him to resign amidst the fallout from the controversial profane and derogatory chat messages between the governor and his closest allies and by a federal probe into government corruption on the island.

“Puerto Rico has endured enough and deserves a stable and transparent government that works for them,” said Franzen. “Today in Minnesota, and across the nation, we stand in support of our fellow Puerto Ricans, who will overcome this moment of political instability. As someone who grew up on the island and whose relatives still reside there, I know that Puerto Ricans are resilient.”

"As Minnesotans gather to support our fellow citizens in Puerto Rico in their demand for a new government that opposes corruption, homophobia and misogyny,” added Mariani. “We lift our voices to say that human dignity and social justice is a value shared across cultures and distance."

As Puerto Rican legislators, Sen. Franzen and Rep. Mariani will be attending the Puerto Ricans in Minnesota March on July 22 in downtown Saint Paul to show solidarity for Puerto Rico.