John,

One year ago today, America changed forever. Or so we can all hope.

In response to George Floyd’s shameful murder, protests erupted all across America and the world, demanding criminal justice reform and police accountability. Many of us looked inside ourselves to see what part we had played in the continuing role of racism in our cities, states, and countries.

I’m the chief law officer for our state — and it pains me to see how much inequity remains all around us. At the same time, I’ve seen so much positive change this past year.

Black lives matter — and more and more Oregonians get that. Our criminal justice system needs to reckon with racism — and more and more Oregonians get that, too.

I am trying to do my part. At the national level, that means I’m fully supporting The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. This landmark bill would ban chokeholds and no-knock warrants, make it easier to prosecute police, create a national database of police misconduct, require body cameras, and so much more.

Here in Oregon, before the current legislative session began, I pledged my support to reforms being proposed by our BIPOC Caucus — and have made good on that promise. In my own office, I have stepped up activity by our Civil Rights Team — and have asked the Legislature for additional funding to expand their work.

The fight for racial justice didn't start with George Floyd's murder. And it doesn't end with Derek Chauvin's conviction for that murder.

We must all continue to do everything we can to combat racism and hate in our land — and to see to it that the wheels of justice serve to protect all of us and to make all our lives safer.

Please sign my petition today to urge the Senate to pass The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act >>