POCI Caucus Statement on the Anniversary of the Murder of George Floyd
Today, May 25, is the first anniversary of the murder of George Floyd. The Minnesota People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus released the following statement:
Sen. Franzen
Senate POCI Caucus on the killing of Aniya Allen
Six-year-old Aniya Allen was shot in the head during a shooting in North Minneapolis on Monday. She passed away at the Hennepin County Medical Center on Wednesday afternoon.
Legislative session ends without a state budget
On May 17th, 2021, the Minnesota Legislature adjourned without passing a two-year state budget. Earlier this morning, Governor Walz, Speaker Hortman and Majority Leader Gazelka announced agreement on joint budget targets, an early step that allows each budget area to begin the work of negotiating specific budget items. A special session to pass budget bills will be required to prevent a full or partial shutdown of state government on July 1st.
Senate POCI Caucus & Senate DFL members demand immediate negotiations of the Omnibus Judiciary and Public Safety Budget Bill
On Monday, members of the Senate DFL caucus joined the Senate People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus in sending a letter to Governor Walz, Speaker Hortman, Leader Gazelka, and other legislative leaders to express their determination to end the persistent racial disparities that plague the state of Minnesota.
POCI Caucus Statement on Shooting of Daunte Wright
On Sunday, police fatally shot Daunte Wright during a traffic stop in Brooklyn Center. The Minnesota People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus released the following statement:
Senate DFL Members to host virtual STEM Advocacy Day
On Friday, April 9, 2021, Senator Jim Carlson (DFL- Eagan) and Senator Melisa Franzen (DFL- Edina) will host a virtual STEM Advocacy Day at the Capitol to advocate for STEM education funding. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math. The event will include presentations from student robotics teams and dialogue with STEM nonprofits in attendance. In advance of the virtual event, Senators Carlson and Franzen released the following statements: