Speakers at Edina meeting urge Minnesota lawmakers and local leaders to end 'prison slavery' and reclassify incarcerated workers

During the meeting’s public‑comment period, several speakers representing a coalition and people with lived experience described what they called "prison slavery" in Minnesota and urged Edina leaders to endorse or otherwise support pending legislative efforts to reclassify incarcerated workers as state employees and increase pay.

Jarmel Perry, identified as part of the Coalition to End Slavery in Minnesota’s prison systems, told the council that Minnesota’s constitution allows involuntary servitude as punishment for crime and said the coalition is working to change that framework by legislative means. Cecily McMillan, who spoke about experience at Rikers Island, described jail and prison wage levels she characterized as exploitative; she said Minnesota incarcerated workers can be paid 25¢ an hour. Several speakers including Raj and David Islam described local jurisdictions that use Minnesota Department of Corrections work crews and urged higher, transferable pay rates and reforms to allow voluntary participation without punishment.

Speakers said coalition organizers and bill sponsors are working on draft legislation with sponsors in the Minnesota House and Senate and asked for local endorsements; they also described an employment initiative to recruit thousands of outside jobs that could provide post‑release transitions. Speakers framed the proposed changes as a way to reduce recidivism and provide restitution and support for families; they offered specific proposals including a $15-per-hour wage floor and earmarking a portion of wages for restitution and savings accounts for release.

What the council did: this item was presented during public comment; no formal council action on policy or endorsements was taken at the meeting. Council members thanked the speakers for bringing the issue forward and noted the council may consider letters or endorsements at a future time.

Why it matters: the comments asked local officials to consider whether municipal contracting and local use of prison work crews should be tied to higher pay and different classifications for incarcerated workers. The topic crosses local purchasing practices, county/state corrections policy and state legislative jurisdiction; the council is limited in directly changing state statute but can choose to endorse bills or adopt procurement policies.