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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Andrew Carlson (DFL)

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Police and Criminal Justice Reform

Thursday, June 4, 2020

Dear Neighbors, 

The murder of George Floyd is still incredibly fresh in our minds, especially as memorials continue throughout our state, and unrest across the nation takes up much of the evening news. While I applaud the decision to arrest and charge all involved officers, it doesn’t change the fact that George Floyd should be alive today. Earlier this week, I visited the memorial for George Floyd with my family - a truly emotional site that both depicts the compassion of the community and the solemn reminder that there is much work to be done for a more equitable and just Minnesota.

memorial

 

While justice in this case is imperative, so too is the need to reform a system that has led to the death of black and brown Minnesotans. To that end, my colleagues in the Minnesota Legislature’s People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus recently announced measures for police and criminal justice reform, as well as our intent to make these issues a priority during a special session. You can watch their press conference, or read an overview of their proposals. These include 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

These proposals would build a better Minnesota, and I support them wholeheartedly. It’s highly likely that my colleagues and I will convene for a special session next week, and in addition to addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and economic relief for Minnesotans, I will also be fighting for these measures. 

 

Stay Connected

For the latest news and updated information on the pandemic, please visit the state’s COVID-19 Dashboard. For those interested in assisting the communities impacted by the riots from the past week, the Star Tribune has compiled a comprehensive list of ways to help.

Please feel free to continue to reach out to me with any questions or comments you have on our accomplishments this session, or what the future holds. You can reach me at rep.andrew.carlson@house.mn or leave a voicemail at (651) 296-4218. You can also follow along on my Facebook Page. It’s an honor to represent you in the Minnesota House, and I appreciate your input. 

Sincerely,

 

Andrew Carlson

State Representative
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