Report from the Capitol



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Minnesota Department of Human Rights
Civil Rights Newsletter

Minnesota Department of Human Rights at the Capitol

Minnesota thrives when our laws and systems lift up the beautiful and complex identities of Minnesotans.

That has been demonstrated time and time again this legislative session -- whether it was when Governor Walz signed the CROWN Act into law, expanded access to driver's licenses, or signed an executive order to protect gender-affirming care.

And there's more work to do. Check out some of the bills and budget priorities the Minnesota Department of Human Rights is working on this session!

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Advancing LGBTQIA+ Rights 

Take Pride Act

Take Pride Act

Minnesota has come a long way in advancing LGBTQIA+ rights – and we're not going back. The *Take Pride Act* [ [link removed] ] aligns with those changes by clarifying and updating Minnesota's civil rights law. 

For instance, the bill removes outdated and harmful language embedded in the Minnesota Human Rights Act that says Minnesota does not accept homosexuality and does not recognize the right of same-sex marriage.

This is one of four changes that demonstrates now is the time to update language in the law that was written nearly 30 years ago.

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Pay Discrimination Has No Business Here

Preventing Pay Discrimination Act

Preventing Pay Discrimination Act

It's time to close the long-standing gender and racial wage gap in Minnesota.

The *Preventing Pay Discrimination Act* [ [link removed] ] helps close this gap by requiring employers to determine someone’s salary based on their experience, education, and skills so that someone’s salary is not anchored to their previous salary.

In states that have already ended the pay history question, pay is up 8% for all women and 13% for Black workers. It works! 

?? Join us on social media tomorrow for *#EqualPayDay* to highlight the importance of ending pay discrimination. 

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Committing to a Strong Civil Rights Agency

A Thriving Minnesota is a Minnesota Free From Discrimination

A thriving Minnesota is a Minnesota free from discrimination.

The mission of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights is simple -- ensure Minnesotans can live with dignity and joy, free from discrimination. Carrying out that mission takes support, investment, and resources. 

*That's why Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan want to strengthen the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. The One Minnesota Budget: *


* Adequately funds the investigative team to ensure effective and efficient investigations on behalf of Minnesotans.  
* Provides resources to ensure comprehensive oversight of settlement agreements and consent decrees. 
* Supports compliance for state contracting, education and outreach, and volunteer mediators. 
* Gathers and analyzes information about hate and discrimination incidents to understand how to take action to address these incidents. 

The One Minnesota Budget meets this moment when racism, transphobia, ableism, antisemitism, sexual harassment, and so many other forms of discrimination continue to persist across Minnesota. 

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Commissioner Lucero Confirmed 

“I am excited to continue this work with both fierce dedication and joy.” - Commissioner Lucero

“I am excited to continue this work with both fierce dedication and joy.”

Last week, the *Minnesota Senate confirmed Rebecca Lucero as Commissioner* [ [link removed] ] of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. From day one, Commissioner Lucero has made sure the Department is an unwavering force for advancing civil rights and ending discrimination in Minnesota. 

*“Commissioner Rebecca Lucero is a highly qualified and focused leader with a commitment to addressing and ultimately ending discrimination,”* said Governor Tim Walz. *“Minnesota is made better and more fair by her service as Commissioner of Human Rights.”*

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Discrimination Helpline

We want to hear from Minnesotans who have experienced or witnessed discrimination or bias. 

*Report online [ [link removed] ]* or call the *Discrimination Helpline* at *1-833-454-0148*.



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