Q&A with Rep. Cedrick Frazier, labor lawyer who replaced longest serving legislator in state history

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Rep. Cedrick Frazier, DFL-New Hope, grew up in a low-income neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago, where gun violence and drug trafficking were a frequent presence near his home. At the University of Minnesota Morris, he founded and was president of the only collegiate NAACP chapter in Minnesota. After law school, he became a Hennepin County public defender. 

Frazier would turn to education, first as director of equity and diversity for the Minneapolis Public School District before joining the legal team of the district and later the state teachers union, Education Minnesota. He filled a vacancy on the New Hope City Council and then was was elected in 2020 to fill the 45A district vacated by Rep. Lyndon Carlson, the longest serving lawmaker in Minnesota history.

This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity. 

Being the only divided Legislature in the country, how do you plan to reach across the aisle in order to pass legislation?

As a new legislator, I’ve been intentional about reaching out to my colleagues on the other side. I think we have to get past our differences, produce legislation and policy that is going to benefit everybody in Minnesota. That is needed, even more so now. I am really intentional about reaching out and trying to find common ground for residents and our community. Continue reading.

Rep. Cedrick Frazier (HD45A) Update: March 15, 2021


Dear Neighbors,

It’s an honor to serve our community at the State Capitol. The legislative session began January 5th. I’d like your feedback on the issues that we are discussing this year.

As your Representative, I am committed to ensuring that the State of Minnesota supports all residents as we recover and rebuild from COVID-19. I am focused on policies that will increase access to affordable health care, ensure public safety, work for quality education, expand protections for workers, and create targeted job training and workforce development to ensure economic opportunity and security for all.

If you’d like, please complete and return this survey. Feel free to get in touch with me anytime. I appreciate hearing from you!

Continue reading “Rep. Cedrick Frazier (HD45A) Update: March 15, 2021”

Rep. Cedrick Frazier (HD45A) Update: March 12, 2021


Dear Neighbors, 

On March 20th at 11 A.M. I will be hosting a Town Hall meeting with Senator Rest and Representative Freiberg to address legislative issues important to our district. I hope you are available to join us on Zoom.

You can RSVP to join on the Zoom call and submit your questions prior to the event on the following google form, or simply watch the live-broadcast of the event my Facebook page.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP
Continue reading “Rep. Cedrick Frazier (HD45A) Update: March 12, 2021”

Rep. Cedrick R. Frazier (HD45A) Update: March 5, 2021

Dear Neighbors, 

On March 20th at 11 A.M. I will be hosting a Town Hall meeting with Senator Rest and Representative Freiberg to address legislative issues important to our district. I hope you are available to virtually join us.

You can RSVP to join on the Zoom call and submit your questions prior to the event on the following google form, or simply watch the live-broadcast of the event on my Facebook page.

RSVP link: https://forms.gle/Y1jfD8skn6ii4xws7

Continue reading “Rep. Cedrick R. Frazier (HD45A) Update: March 5, 2021”

Rep. Cedrick Frazier (HD45A) Update: February 22, 2021

Dear Neighbors, 

According to data reported as of February 19th, the total vaccine doses administered in the state of Minnesota is 1,095,934. The speed of vaccination is picking up to approximately 100,000 people each week, and there have been a series of online tools that make it easier for eligible individuals to schedule appointments and access the latest news on COVID-19 information.

People Immunized in MN Image

The COVID-19 Vaccine Connector Tool 

Minnesota has just launched a new tool to make reliable vaccine updates and COVID-19 related information reach you faster.  The COVID-19 Vaccine Connectorwill help Minnesotans find out when, where, and how to get their COVID-19 vaccine.

When you become eligible, the Vaccine Connector will:

Continue reading “Rep. Cedrick Frazier (HD45A) Update: February 22, 2021”

Rep. Cedrick Frazier (HD45A) Update: February 10, 2021

Happy Black History Month!

Last week I introduced H.F. 593, to The House Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Finance and Policy Committee which calls on the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board to revise the standards of conduct for peace officers (under Minnesota Statutes, section 626.843, subdivision 1, clause (6)), to prohibit officers from affiliating with, supporting, or advocating for white supremacist groups, causes, or ideologies.

The bill passed the committee 11-7. 

7 nays…

You can watch the hearing here starting at 40:23.

Continue reading “Rep. Cedrick Frazier (HD45A) Update: February 10, 2021”

Rep. Cedrick Frazier (HD45A) Update: January 26, 2021

Dear Neighbors

Last week was a historical week for our nation with the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the first woman, and woman of color, to take high office in the history of the United States. While we celebrate, it is important that we remind ourselves of the work yet to be done about racial justice, COVID-19 response, and economic recovery. 

This week, I want to inform you about some of the steps being taken to better Minnesota by protecting our workers, strengthening democracy, addressing criminal justice and supporting our students. Mark your calendars to join me in the conversation!


Democracy in Crisis: Sunday, January 31, 2021

Join me and Vice Chair of the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Committee, award-winning political scientist and author Dr. Lee Drutman, and U.S. Representative Angie Craig, a leading advocate of government reform and cosponsor of H.R. 1, for a conversation about how we can reform and strengthen our democracy, hosted by FairVote Minnesota. 

Continue reading “Rep. Cedrick Frazier (HD45A) Update: January 26, 2021”

Minnesota House Ways and Means Committee Holds Remote Hearing

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, the House Ways and Means Committee held a remote hearing where members were given a presentation by MMB Commissioner Myron Frans and State Economist Dr. Laura Kalambokidis regarding the quarterly economic outlook, and an update on COVID-19 related federal funding.

“Minnesota is going through unprecedented economic times. It is critical that we work early and often to balance the budget before the end of the fiscal year,” said Rep. Lyndon Carlson (DFL – Crystal), chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. “It is too early to say just how much COVID-19 will cost Minnesota, both in loss of revenue and increased spending to manage the virus. Regardless of the final budget forecast, House Ways and Means will fulfill its constitutional duty to balance the budget.” Continue reading “Minnesota House Ways and Means Committee Holds Remote Hearing”

Statement from Majority Leader Winkler on Rep. Lyndon Carlson’s (HD45A) retirement

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statement on Representative Lyndon Carlson’s announcement that he will not be seeking re-election to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2020.

“Representative Carlson has been a valuable mentor and dedicated friend to me and so many legislators through his many years of service to the people of Minnesota. He represents the best example of public service Minnesotans could ask for in an elected official. Representative Carlson played a vital role in the most difficult and the most uplifting moments in our state for the last half century. His knowledge, expertise, and kindness are irreplaceable for the Minnesota House of Representatives, and the House will just not be the same without him.”

 

Minnesota House DFL to release framework for Minnesota Values Budget

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Minnesota House DFL leaders and legislators will announce committee targets and the framework for the Minnesota Values Budget at 1:00 PM on Monday, March 25th.

WHO: Speaker Melissa Hortman, Majority Leader Ryan Winkler, Majority Whip Liz Olson, Rep. Lyndon Carlson, Rep. Paul Marquart

WHAT: Press conference to announce targets and framework for the Minnesota Values Budget

WHERE: Minnesota State Capitol Press Conference Room B971; 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55155

WHEN: 1:00 PM, Monday, March 25, 2019