Aug. 7, 2015
WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.) released the following statement today recognizing Sunday, August 9, 2015 as the anniversary of the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo.:
“Sunday marks one year since the tragic events that led to the death of Michael Brown. Michael’s death ignited an important national reevaluation of the challenges that face struggling families, those who serve in law enforcement, and changing communities. Tragedy is a tough teacher. That makes it ever more important to learn from tragedy. I believe we are more than we were because of a renewed focus on these issues, and less than we can be with hope and determination. It’s important to continue to focus on the goals of the Ferguson Commission and on education, opportunity, and community.”
The fiscal year 2016 Labor-HHS Appropriations bill includes new provisions to support flexible solutions for Ferguson and other communities across the nation facing periods of civil unrest. This includes programs and resources across the bill, including the Departments of Labor and Education, and AmeriCorps. The bill passed the subcommittee that Blunt chairs and the full committee, and is now ready to go to the Senate floor for a vote.
Blunt met with the co-chairs of the Ferguson Commission, Rich McClure and Reverend Starsky Wilson, in December 2014 to discuss the efforts underway to help the Ferguson, Mo. community rebuild. Blunt continues to meet with them and others focused on these important issues.
Blunt also held a series of listening sessions with state and local law enforcement officials in Missouri last fall to discuss resources, policies in place, and the challenges they face. He is also a founding member of the bipartisan Senate Law Enforcement Caucus.
All official press releases from Former Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO)
