U.S.

Minneapolis City Council Weighs Plan To Cut Police Budget

The Minneapolis City Council tried to dismantle the department after the killing of George Floyd but the measure failed earlier this year.

Minneapolis City Council Weighs Plan To Cut Police Budget
Richard Tsong-Taatarii / AP
SMS

A big day in Minneapolis — the Minneapolis City Council is voting today on a measure to shrink the city’s police department. The council tried to dismantle the department after the killing of George Floyd but the measure failed earlier this year. 

This plan — dubbed “Safety For All” — would cut nearly $8 million from the Minneapolis police budget. Those funds would then be used in mental health and violence prevention initiatives. 

That money would come out of Mayor Jacob Frey’s $179 million police budget. 

Mayor Frey isn’t on board, calling the effort irresponsible. He released a statement reading in part: “We continue to stand ready to collaborate and support the safety beyond policing initiatives, but I am actively considering a veto due to the massive .. permanent cut to officer capacity.”