ST. PAUL, MN – As thousands of Minnesota students, teachers, and parents prepare to march from Harriet Island to the Minnesota State Capitol tomorrow, Governor Mark Dayton has proclaimed Saturday, March 24, 2018 to be “March for Our Lives Day” in Minnesota. Intended to encourage legislative action to ensure safe schools and reduce gun violence, Minnesota’s march will be one of many taking place across the country on Saturday.

 

“I applaud the thousands of brave students, teachers, and families who are marching in Minnesota and across the country, to speak out against senseless gun violence in our communities,” said Governor Dayton. “Minnesota students, parents, and teachers need all of our schools to be safe places to learn and grow. Our mission is to prevent every school shooting. To succeed, we must take action now. I urge the Legislature to act this session to improve school safety and reduce gun violence in Minnesota.”

 

Earlier this month, Governor Dayton proposed a Safe and Secure Schools Act to provide funding for school safety improvements and school-based mental health services, as well as extra intervention and support for expelled students. Following the tragedy in Parkland, Florida last month that took 17 lives, there have been at least 25 reports of threats of school violence in Minnesota.

 

In addition to his Safe and Secure Schools Act, the Governor is urging the legislature to take action this session to reduce gun violence, by passing measures that include strengthening criminal background checks, clarifying Minnesota’s ban on bump stocks, enacting a red flag law, and setting a minimum age requirement to purchase assault-style rifles.

 

You can view a copy of Governor Dayton’s proclamation here.