News

Champion's drivers license bill supports immigrants

Monday, 01 April 2013 14:48

On Monday March 18th, the Senate Transportation committee passed S.F. 271. The bill, authored by Senator Bobby Joe Champion (DFL – Minneapolis), changes the documents required to receive a Minnesota Drivers License. It allows applicants to use official government identification cards from other countries that show a photo of the cardholder, unique identification number and security measures making it difficult to alter the ID to prove their identity.

Protecting children caught up in sex trade: 2011 legislature passed Safe Harbor — 2013 needs to put resources in place

Monday, 01 April 2013 14:43 SHANIKA ALSTON, TC DAILY PLANET

For years, children who have been caught in the vicious cycle of sex trafficking and prostitution were lost in the shuffle of the juvenile justice system and penalized as offenders. However, in 2011, that changed with the enactment of Minnesota's Safe Harbor legislation. Designed to protect children, Safe Harbor 2011 provides that children involved in sex trade will be protected and receive the services and support they need, rather than being treated as criminals. Human rights advocates, prosecutors, law enforcement and other social service agencies participated in a mandated stakeholder engagement process, which resulted in this effort to create a model that would protect the rights of children. The law has not been fully implemented — provision of resources is the task of this year's legislature.

NAACP continues historic association with Haiti

Monday, 01 April 2013 14:37

(Port-au Prince, Haiti) - Last week, a NAACP delegation led by Roslyn M. Brock, Chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors, met with Haitian President Michel Martelly to discuss key civil rights issues including education, health care, and economic sustainability.

Ellison introduces Common Sense Housing Investment Act

Monday, 01 April 2013 14:30

WASHINGTON--Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) this week reintroduced the Common Sense Housing Investment Act (H.R. 6677) to make it easier for middle class and working families to be able to stay in their homes and find affordable rental housing. The bill realigns the mortgage interest deduction to better benefit families who need it most by converting the deduction to a 15% flat rate tax credit on mortgages up to $500,000. The bill strengthens the tax benefits for homeowners, while giving working families better access to rental homes.

Black History Expo celebrates entrepreneurship

Monday, 01 April 2013 13:20 Ivan Phifer

Members of the Twin Cities community celebrated Black History Month through the spirit of entrepreneurship and excelling African-American businesses.

African American clergy to hold Faith Rally at Capitol Rotunda

Friday, 29 March 2013 13:37

On Thursday April 4, 10:00 – 11:00 AM, 200 African-American clergy and members of their congregations will hold a faith rally at the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda. Together, they will call on legislators to erase existing equity gaps in education, transit, healthcare and housing. They seek to partner with state leaders to achieve equitable budget solutions that benefit the children and families of their community.

Valerie Jarrett Named “Newsmaker of the Year”

Friday, 29 March 2013 13:24

WASHINGTON (NNPA) – White House adviser Valerie Jarrett has been named the National Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation’s “Newsmaker of the Year.”

Jarrett was presented the award last week during NNPAF’s annual Black Press Week celebration in Washington, D.C.

Ellison seeks minimum wage increase

Friday, 29 March 2013 12:50 Harry Colbert, Jr.

The U.S. Department of Labor and US Rep. Keith Ellison (MN-05) hosted a roundtable discussion to support raising the federal minimum wage.

Area organization’s job is to get people working

Friday, 29 March 2013 12:38 Harry Colbert, Jr.

With the economy still in flux, many individuals are finding themselves facing layoffs and the daunting task of seeking new employment.

President Barack Obama on the anniversary of the Affordable Care Act

Tuesday, 26 March 2013 11:15

March 23, 2013 – Three years ago today, I signed into law the principle that in the wealthiest nation on Earth, no one should go broke just because they get sick. The Affordable Care Act will give hard-working, middle class families the health care security they deserve and protect every American from the worst insurance company abuses. Already, millions of seniors are saving $600 a year on their prescription drugs. Millions of young people have been able to stay on their family's health plan until age 26. Preventive care, like mammograms for women and wellness visits for seniors, is covered free of charge. Most importantly, for the sake of our fiscal future, the growth of health care costs is beginning to slow.

More Minnesota children to move to permanent families through Northstar Care for Children

Tuesday, 26 March 2013 11:11

Hundreds of children under state guardianship are waiting in foster care for families – parents to adopt them or relatives to assume permanent, legal custody.