BLM RI PAC Statements Following The Decision of Jeann Lugo’s LEOBoR Hearing
Today, Jeann Lugo, a Providence Police officer and former candidate for RI Senate District 29, received a 10-day suspension following his LEOBoR hearing concerning an altercation at an abortion rights rally at the State House on June 25th, 2022. He will continue to serve as an officer in Providence despite the recommendations of Chief Perez to fire him.
BLM RI PAC vehemently condemns this decision. After months of public discourse, we believed that Lugo was not fit to serve the City of Providence and that he would be terminated. Previous and current Chiefs of Police and Mayors have had their hands tied in terms of disciplining their officers, enabling distrust between police and the community they serve.
In the wake of this disastrous decision, we demand the full repeal of LEOBoR! There is currently a reform bill working its way through the House chambers; as it sits, it does nothing to prevent a horrible outcome like this. It’s nothing more than a performative piece of legislation to relieve the constant pressure being placed on lawmakers who are beholden to police union donor dollars. To let an officer who committed such an egregious act keep his job does a disservice to the efforts of Providence Police to commit to “community policing.” The community has spoken; we do not want Officer Lugo on our streets to “protect and serve” us any longer.
BLM RI PAC will be hosting a protest on Friday, April 28th, at 6 pm, in front of the Providence Public Safety Complex, condemning this decision, the continuation of Officer Jean Lugo’s employment with PPD, and the continued dismissal of a LEOBoR Repeal Bill. We implore the community and our local advocacy partners to join us in reminding PPD of their oath to serve Providence and its residents, not rogue tyrants who commit heinous actions on its people.
A Protest calling for the Repeal of LEOBoR will occur Friday, April 28 @ 6PM at The Providence Public Safety Complex-325 Washington Street, in Providence
BLM RI PAC Statement on Mayor Smiley Budget Proposal
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley released his FY24 budget proposal yesterday.
Black Lives Matter RI PAC had the following reaction:
A budget is more than just a series of numbers on a page, it is an embodiment of values and principles. If that is true, then Mayor Smiley’s budget does a grave disservice to Black & Brown communities in Providence.
We urge the Mayor and City Council of Providence to reject the current budget proposal. It fails to prioritize the needs and values of the city’s residents. LaJuan Allen, board member, said “the proposed allocation of millions of dollars towards policing and harmful strategies demonstrates a lack of concern for police reform and the increasing police violence in marginalized communities.”
Furthermore, the proposed hike in residential taxes disproportionately burdens homeowners and worsens the affordable housing crisis. We call on the City Council to work with the Mayor to craft a more equitable budget that addresses the community’s needs.
A preliminary review of the budget raises the following concerns:
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Despite a historic low in violent crime in Providence, the decision to invest an additional $8 million in the Providence Police Department (PPD) while level-funding Providence Public Schools (PPSD).
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Ignoring the recommendations of the Providence Municipal Reparations Commission, which sought to support the city in repairing the harms that Black and Brown families have endured by the city and other private institutions.
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Stalling the implementation and dissemination of APRA funds for community programs & organizations that sought to mitigate the impact of the pandemic in Black and Brown communities.
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The promotion of the newly announced ATV enforcement program, which includes invasive surveillance techniques and may lead to unnecessary criminalization.
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Increasing residential tax rate while decreasing the commercial tax rate (which will have a disproportionate impact on Black & Brown homeowners).
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