Minnesota People of Color and Indigenous Caucus Announces Legislative Priorities

ST. PAUL – Today, the Minnesota People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus announced their legislative priorities for the 2023-2024 session. The legislative agenda focuses on:

• Education

• Equity in Economic Development

• Public Safety and Justice Reform

• Health Equity

These priority areas are where POCI Caucus members will be introducing and supporting legislation to address disparities in these areas. The POCI Caucus is focused on ensuring the policies pursued in Minnesota are presented with an equity lens that addresses the needs of traditionally under-resourced and underinvested communities in Minnesota.

“We are in a time of abundance in opportunity in Minnesota with a $17.6 billion budget surplus,” said co-chair Rep. Esther Agbaje (DFL – Minneapolis). “There is an urgency to invest in our communities of color and ensure that Minnesotans from marginalized communities can thrive in our state.”

"Our multi-racial and gender expansive identities are powerful!" said vice chair Rep. Alicia Kozlowski (DFL – Duluth). "Each of our voices and stories must be affirmed and valued. We may have shared and enduring stories of living in oppressive systems that were not built by or for us, but that is not what defines us. We are here because of who we are, our triumph is our story. We are seeking justice and liberation with and for all Minnesotans.”

“Public safety means different things to people. For us, public safety in our communities means that we trust the police officers who are sworn to protect us. It means our family members who are reentering society from incarceration have restoration of voting rights and access to employment for job security,” said co-chair Rep. Cedrick Frazier (DFL – New Hope). “The POCI Caucus is fully committed to uplifting the voices of Minnesotans and delivering legislation that will enhance the livelihood of our next generation.”

The POCI Caucus is comprised of; Rep. Esther Agbaje (59B), Rep. Jamie, Becker-Finn (40B), Rep. Ethan Cha (47B), Rep. Mary Frances Clardy (53A), Rep. Cedrick Frazier (43A), Rep. Aisha Gomez (62A), Rep. Hodan Hassan (62B), Kaohly Vang Her (64A), Rep. Athena Hollins (66B), Rep. Samakab Hussein (65A), Rep. Heather Keeler (04A), Rep. Alicia, Kozlowski (08B), Rep. Fue Lee (59A), Rep. Liz Lee (67A), Rep. Mohamud Noor (60B), Rep. Ruth Richardson (52B), Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura (63A), Rep. Samantha Vang (38B), Rep. María Isa Pérez-Vega (65B), and Rep. Jay Xiong (67B).

A fact sheet with further details about the POCI Caucus legislative agenda is available here.

Video of today's press conference is available on the House Public Information Services YouTube channel.