Dear Neighbors,
Finally, we are able to close a chapter in Minnesota with a sense of relief and justice for George Floyd. Still, it does not relieve the fact that George Floyd died. Read the POCI statement on the Derek Chauvin verdict here. Last week has been incredibly hard for us as a city in Brooklyn Center. In the midst of the Derek Chauvin trial, we could not have imagined any worst timing than to see another young black man killed by law enforcement. No matter what Daunte should have done, he did not have to die. At 20 years old, he should have lived a life full of opportunities and love from his family and friends.
While the community grieves and is re-traumatized, we saw our businesses looted and damaged. The places where we usually run our daily errands don’t look like the places we frequent. It pains me to see our community grieve another innocent loss of life and to see our home look not quite like home.
However, over the week we built ourselves up. Brooklyn Center residents came together to organize donations, people, food and supplies to help those in need and affected by the events over the last week. I saw neighbors talking to one another and found healing to share our pain and mourn a tragedy. If you are a Brooklyn Center resident affected by the recent events, please contact my office and we can direct you to resources that can offer financial assistance, advocacy and direct services.
We must stand together as a community, and focus our energy on maintaining peace while seeking justice. I have been working tirelessly since that tragic event. The ongoing military style occupation of our beloved home and the violent conflict has left us little time to recover. My heart goes out to Daunte and his family, this is a shocking tragedy that no family should have to experience. You can watch my speech on the killing of Daunte Wright, here.
It is clear there is still much more work to do to ensure public safety is for all no matter where you live or based on the color of your skin. The House DFL has put forward many strong reforms that will improve accountability and make us all safer. Senate GOP members must step up and pass these reforms that the community and victims of police violence are demanding. You can watch the United Black Legislative Caucus & People of Color and Indigenous Caucus’ press conference on police reform, here.
Budget Bills
The House DFL revealed our omnibus budget bills which will guide many of our conversations for the rest of session, as we work to create a budget that will serve the Minnesotans who need it the most. These budgets are moral documents that reflect our commitment to Minnesota children, families, and main street businesses. You can read more about some of these bills here, and watch our press conference on the issue here.
Last week we voted on and passed a few of these budget bills, including the housing and transportation budget bills. These budgets include significant investments in homelessness prevention, affordable housing, and funds to improve and expand transit throughout the metro. And this week we have passed our education and jobs bills. We are well on our way to making Minnesota a better place for everyone.
Ramadan
Wishing all in our Community members that celebrate a blessed and prosperous Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak.
Stay in Touch
Please reach out to my office if you need assistance with anything. I am best reached through email at rep.samantha.vang@house.mn or please contact my legislative assistant Josh, josh.kilgard@house.mn. I always appreciate hearing from you. You can also follow along on my official Facebook page here.
Sincerely,
Rep. Samantha Vang
651-296-3709
rep.samantha.vang@house.mn