Days after riots paralyzed the city of Minneapolis following the death of George Floyd, and at the height of the “defund the police” movement, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz approved a series of progressive police reform bills, including “alternatives to policing.”
“Minnesotans want real change.” Waltz says During a June 11, 2020, press conference, he said he supports a police reform package put together by the Minnesota People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus, which he called one of his “legislative priorities.”
“We stand united with House and Senate leadership and the Caucus of Legislators, People of Color and Native Americans, and are ready to get to work in the upcoming special session. I stand with lawmakers who have orchestrated a set of robust reforms to bring meaningful change to Minnesota’s law enforcement system.”
a Updated daily The Minnesota House of Representatives that year also said, “Members of the Legislative People of Color and Native American Caucus on Thursday introduced 18 bills they plan to introduce during the special session that begins Friday, along with Gov. Tim Walz. Each bill deals with an aspect of police policy, training or discipline that caucus members believe will improve public safety and the relationship between police officers and the communities they serve.”
Vance fires back at ‘nasty’ CNN anchor who suggested his military record was exaggerated during Waltz spat
Democratic vice presidential candidate and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz speaks at a campaign event in Detroit on August 7, 2024. (Andrew Harnick/Getty Images)
“This is a coordinated, powerful reform initiative that will change the way Minnesota does policing.”
of “A series of powerful reforms” This includes calling for the creation of a community-led public safety coordinating office that would “promote and oversee alternatives to the traditional policing model” and provide grants for “healing circles.”
The proposal states, “$7.45 million would be allocated for grant funding to promote healing supports in Black, Indigenous and communities of color in Minnesota. The office would provide grant funding to community-based organizations that provide programs and direct interventions to promote health and healing justice. Grant funding would be available for, but not limited to, the expansion of community organizations that provide healing and wellness services, and the provision of healing circles, restorative justice circles and community coach certification programs.”
Former Minnesota senator criticizes Harris for being ‘partisan’ VP candidate: Tim Walz: ‘Very sensitive’
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, arrive at a campaign rally in Philadelphia on August 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Matt Luke)
“We support that package of legislation.” Waltz says At a press conference on June 10, 2020, three days after the Minneapolis City Council pledged to disband the city’s police department.
Waltz eventually Police reform signed It was enacted into law as part of the Minnesota Police Accountability Act, but the act did not include a community-led public safety coordination office.
Daunte Wright’s family gathered in Minneapolis on May 25, 2021, to mark one year since the death of George Floyd. (AP Photo/Christian Monterrosa, File)
“This bipartisan bill is the result of decades of advocacy by communities of color,” Walz said when the bill was approved, “and it’s a good first step. These are reforms that are long overdue, but they don’t end the conversation we’re having about police accountability. The POCI Caucus has provided great leadership on this issue, and I look forward to continuing to work with them to achieve meaningful reform.”
Click here to get the FOX News app
Fox News Digital reached out to the Harris/Waltz campaign for comment but did not receive a response.
