June 9, 2020

Dear John,

The past few weeks have been some of the toughest in recent history for our nation. The COVID-19 pandemic continues and the killing of George Floyd sparked peaceful protests and calls for real change across the country. We must address the deep racial inequities many Black Americans face, and I stand in support of the millions of peaceful protesters calling for change. America must do better, and now is the time.

Since my last update, I’ve been busy at home here in North Texas, listening to community leaders, workers, and families. And in Washington as a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, I’m working on legislation to restore confidence in our law enforcement and ensure justice.

Listening to the community

As Congress considers police reform legislation, I’m speaking with local leaders and listening to the concerns of our community. I spoke with Dallas Police Department Chief Reneé Hall and Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins to learn what the Dallas Police Department is doing to address racial disparities in law enforcement and how they’re approaching police presence during protests. As the first step in a long process to restore trust, Dallas Police have made changes including reforms that would strengthen and formalize a ban on chokeholds, and any force intended to restrict a person’s airway; implement a policy to warn before shooting; and create guidelines to release body cam and dashcam video of critical incidents. Dallas Police will also institute a “duty to intervene” policy that requires officers to intervene in any situation where force is applied inappropriately or is no longer required.

I also spoke with community activists who were arrested on the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge. These folks are educators, attorneys and mental health professionals who shared deeply troubling experiences. ‪I was glad to hear Chief Hall’s decision to not press charges against them.‬ Their feedback and experience helps to guide my considerations on police reform legislation.

Distributing food

In the wake of the pandemic, many folks are still out of work through no fault of their own, and families are struggling financially. I had the opportunity to join folks in Hamilton Park to distribute food for those affected by COVID-19. I also visited the North Texas Food Bank at UT-Dallas. It was inspiring to see folks volunteering their time and risking their health to give back to their community. It is also a reminder that there is still a long road ahead and folks need additional coronavirus relief. I again urge the Senate to take action on the Heroes Act, which ramps up testing and tracing and provides relief to our communities.

I know these are troubling times. As your representative, I will continue to listen to the different voices that make up North Texas and to work across the aisle for legislation that addresses the systemic racial inequalities in America. My office is here to assist you, please visit my website for coronavirus relief resources and do not hesitate to give us a call in Richardson at (972) 972-7949 if you need help.

Sincerely,

Colin Allred
Member of Congress

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