Dayton outlines $100M proposal to reverse racial disparities

Minnesota’s rapidly shifting demographic makeup for the first time in years has brought to the State Capitol a comprehensive debate on how to reduce stubbornly persistent racial disparities in housing, education and the labor force.

Gov. Mark Dayton issued a $100 million edict to legislators last week, laying out a legislative agenda aimed at ensuring racial equity. His proposals, if enacted, would provide one-time infusions of capital into business-development programs, youth employment initiatives and down-payment assistance for lower-income first-time home buyers. He also wants more funding for the Department of Human Rights, a state agency that investigates complaints of discrimination in workplaces.

http://www.startribune.com/dayton-s-100-million-racial-equity-agenda-aims-to-reverse-longstanding-disparities/372888011/