Below is a statement by Montana Budget & Policy Center Co-Directors Heather O'Loughlin and Tara Jensen.
We are outraged by killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, David McAtee and the countless others who have faced violence as a result of systemic racism. During this time of trauma and tragedy in our country, we are heartened to see so many in our state and around the country standing up for the end to police and government brutality against Black Americans. Montana Budget & Policy Center stands in solidarity with Black persons and communities who suffer at the hands of racial injustice and violence. Black people have the right to go on a run, visit a park, and live in their homes without fear. In short, Black Lives Matter.
MBPC is committed to dismantling systems of oppression that have been used to exclude Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. The hateful ideology of white supremacy in our society continues in discriminatory policies today that results in unequal access to education, housing, health care, and criminal justice. This same structural racism has caused communities of color to suffer the greatest economic hardship and the most devastating health outcomes during this pandemic.
MBPC stands committed to rebuild our state and our country where Black, Indigenous, and People of Color can fully experience justice, economic opportunity, and prosperity.
MBPC is a nonprofit organization focused on providing credible and timely research and analysis on budget, tax, and economic issues that impact low- and moderate-income Montana families.