Equity, Disability, and LGBTQIA+ Justice
The 9th Ward is home to a diverse immigrant, refugee, and undocumented community, united by the pursuit of a better life amidst significant challenges like disinvestment, ICE raids, and scrutiny faced by East African and Muslim residents. In the wake of Donald Trump’s re-election, immediate local action is vital. City initiatives must prioritize intersectionality, advocating for stronger workplace protections, equitable healthcare access, and comprehensive anti-discrimination policies for LGBTQIA+ and disabled individuals. By working together, we can address these issues and support our immigrant community.
What We Did:
Immigration Legal Services: Spearheaded the successful passage of a budget amendment that allocates ongoing funding to provide free immigration services, including DACA, TPS, and the right to counsel.
Loan Program Pilot: Approved an innovative immigration filing fee loan program designed to assist residents in covering their immigration filing fees, thereby enhancing their access to credit and financial resources.
Enhanced Staffing for the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs: Authored and passed a Budget Amendment to establish a new staff position dedicated to connecting residents with vital resources. This includes access to legal aid, housing assistance, employment opportunities, domestic violence support, mental health services, and other essential services to address their critical needs.
Policy Resolution for Temporary Protected Status for the Ecuadorian Community: Collaborated with the Ecuadorian community to draft and successfully pass a resolution urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to grant Temporary Protected Status to Ecuador.
LGBTQIA+ Staffing: I supported the allocation of permanent resources for the City to hire a dedicated staff member focused on advancing initiatives related to sexual orientation, gender expression, and gender identity.
LGBTQIA+ Healthcare Registry: I supported the establishment of a publicly accessible registry designed to connect the LGBTQIA+ community with friendly and specialized healthcare providers, ensuring that individuals can seamlessly access the quality care they deserve.
LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Program: Authored and passed a Budget Amendment that will establish an LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Program.
Gender-Neutral Bathroom Initiative: I voted in favor of the allocation of resources to enable businesses to implement gender-neutral bathrooms at no expense to the owners.
Minneapolis Welcome and Labor Center: Authored and passed a Budget Amendment that will assist in conducting community engagement and research to meet the growing needs of newcomers, immigrants, refugees, and community members in Minneapolis and will help establish a one-stop location for services.
Driver’s License Education and Access Program: Authored and passed a Budget Amendment to establish a program meant to increase access to driver's licenses by providing classes on driver's education and preparing community members for the written and knowledge tests. This is of greater importance since the creation of the “Drivers Licenses for All” Bill passed by the State Legislature.
Mobility Aid and Phone Charging Stations Feasibility Study: Authored and passed a Budget Amendment to work with the disability community to see what it would take to implement Mobility Aid and Phone Charging Stations programs across the city to improve disability justice.
Hate Crime Prevention Program: In recent years, Minneapolis has experienced a troubling rise in hate crimes. To confront this issue, I authored and passed a budget allocation aimed at funding a comprehensive initiative designed to address and prevent these crimes.
Intergovernmental Relations: I spearheaded an amendment to the City’s Legislative Agenda aimed at investigating avenues for post-conviction relief for individuals facing immigration removal proceedings.
Looking Ahead:
Street Vending and Entrepreneur Ordinance: Enact a comprehensive ordinance that establishes clear pathways for street vendors to be able to sell food in public spaces, fostering entrepreneurship and enhancing community access to diverse employment options.
Driver's License Education Initiative: Establish a comprehensive educational program designed to assist community members seeking to obtain their driver's licenses, with a particular focus on supporting undocumented residents in Minneapolis. This initiative will provide essential classes that cover licensing requirements, road safety, and practical driving skills, empowering participants to confidently prepare for their driver's tests and fostering greater mobility and independence within the community.
Oppose any Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) funding that has contributed to the incarceration and discrimination of Muslims and the East African community.
Engaging with Local Leaders for Community Safety: Collaborate with community leaders to safeguard places of worship from the ongoing violence and ensure that our Mosques and Synagogues remain safe havens for all.
Advocate for ordinances that mandate retrofitting existing structures to enhance accessibility for all individuals.
Advocate for fair compensation by prohibiting employers from paying subminimum wages to workers with disabilities."
Implement more stringent regulations and enforce robust penalties for violations of labor laws, ensuring that employers uphold the rights of individuals with disabilities and those in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Empower our LGBTQIA+ community, who face a heightened risk of homelessness, by funding initiatives that break down barriers, offer essential support, and foster safe, inclusive environments.