ST. PAUL, MN – The following are statements from Governor Mark Dayton and Lt. Governor Tina Smith on the United Black Legislative Agenda.
The following is a statement from Governor Mark Dayton:
“Since November, when I began calling for a Special Session to begin to address Minnesota’s racial disparities, I have expressed hope that Minnesotans of color would be the driving force in deciding how best to address these challenges. Yesterday, I was very pleased to see African American community leaders, activists, and faith leaders come together to propose their priority initiatives. I strongly welcome their participation in this process, and I urge the Legislature to involve them as full partners in enacting these initiatives.
“I offer my overall endorsement of the United Black Legislative Agenda, especially support for African American businesses, summer jobs programs, expanding paid family leave for working parents, voting rights restoration, and opposition to private prisons. I urge these leaders to continue their advocacy, and to find common ground in the Legislature, so that we may begin to close Minnesota’s racial disparities this year. I look forward to continuing this work together.”
The following is a statement from Lt. Governor Tina Smith:
“Minnesotans have grappled with economic and racial inequities for generations. The Governor and I are committed to taking meaningful action to close Minnesota’s opportunity gaps and income disparities.
“I thank members of the United Black Legislative Agenda for offering strong proposals to reform our criminal justice system, provide job training, and make it possible for more people of color to start a business. We look forward to working with this coalition and the Legislature to find common ground and make progress this year.”
