SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Yesterday, the Minnesota House Ways and Means Committee reviewed the House Select Committee on Racial Justice’s report to the Legislature. Rep. Rena Moran (DFL – Saint Paul), who chairs the Ways and Means Committee, and Rep. Ruth Richardson (DFL – Mendota Heights) served as co-chairs of the Select Committee.
The final version of the report, which the Select Committee approved in December, was released today. It calls on the Legislature to act to dismantle racism through a series of policy recommendations in areas such as economic development, housing, education, public safety, health and human services, and environmental justice.
“It’s time for the Minnesota Legislature to deliberately and thoughtfully devote the capacity we have to address the significant, numerous, and urgent inequities Black, Indigenous, and people of color continue to face,” Rep. Moran said. “It’s about undoing past and present inequities in our laws and practices and working toward building a state and future that positions Minnesota to lead the nation in achieving racial equity.”
“In 2021, we still have much work to do to address America’s continuing social and economic racial injustices,” said Rep. Richardson. “Racial inequality was built into the foundations of our systems through policy and legislation. We did not get to these deep racial disparities through a colorblind policy process and it will take racially conscious policymaking to address systemic racism and ensure a more prosperous Minnesota and nation.”
Video of the hearing is available on House Public Information Services’ YouTube channel. More information, including documents from the hearing, are available on the Ways and Means committee webpage.