Agenda
What we want to see at the Legislature in 2009
Youth Violence Designated a Public Health Issue – SUPPORT
“We cured polio; youth violence is no less crippling.”
Working with the City of Minneapolis and its Youth Violence Prevention Task Force, we will identify and support a series of bills that will work under the banner of a designating youth violence a public health issue.
This initiative will change the lens we use to view youth violence statewide from a criminal justice to a public health approach. It will make policy recommendations, suggest funding priorities, and be useful in attracting federal resources.
Why support? We can prevent youth violence before it destroys lives and communities. Today the primary tool we use for youth violence is jail. A public health model will use tools like mentoring, meaningful youth activities, family support services, mental health support, and education to build positive lifestyles and values.
Sensible Gun Laws– SUPPORT
“We need sensible gun laws. Children should be protected before guns.”
We will oppose the “Shoot First” bill that would eliminate the long-standing individual duty to walk away from a confrontation in a public place and permit the taking of a life as a first option when someone feels threatened.
We will work with Citizens for a Safer Minnesota to move a bill to close the background check loophole at gun shows.
Other agenda items we will identify and support through a myriad of partnerships:
Economic Stimulus Initiatives – SUPPORT
Among other economic development efforts, we will connect with new opportunities at the Federal level for economic stimulus initiatives for urban areas. Included in this is seeking support for the newly developed Northside Achievement Zone modeled after the successful Harlem Children’s Zone. This local initiative will fit within the new administration’s promise to support development of “Opportunity Zones” in urban areas.
Ex-Offender Policy Changes – SUPPORT
“If we don’t give a second chance, we don’t stand a chance.”
We will work with the Second Chance Day on the Hill effort on February 11th to improve legislation around giving opportunities for ex-offenders to succeed in life.
Other agenda items we will identify and support through a myriad of partnerships include:
Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Action
