1.1 	A resolution
1.2 	supporting the Somali-American community's ability to continue remittances to 
1.3 	the Horn of Africa.
1.4 	WHEREAS, the state of Minnesota is the home of the largest concentration of 
1.5 	Somali-Americans in the United States; and 
1.6 	WHEREAS, the state recognizes the strong bond between its residents here and their 
1.7 	loved ones in the Horn of Africa; and
1.8 	WHEREAS, millions of Somalis rely on remittances from the Diaspora as their only means 
1.9 	of income and support, and the lives of those who depend on remittances from their families in 
1.10 	the United States for food, housing, and health are in jeopardy because of the January closure of 
1.11 	nearly all the money-wiring service businesses in Minnesota; and
1.12 	WHEREAS, this cessation of services is due to the decision of most banks to discontinue 
1.13 	money-wiring services to Somali firms, a vital lifeline that supports families in Somalia, where 
1.14 	250,000 people affected by famine are at immediate risk if they are not helped urgently; and
1.15 	WHEREAS, Somalia lacks a functioning government and a banking system and is currently 
1.16 	under one of the most severe droughts in decades; and
1.17 	WHEREAS, the vast majority of the remittances are small amounts of money sent to 
1.18 	family and friends; and
1.19 	WHEREAS, the Somali-American community in Minnesota strongly denounces 
1.20 	Al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups; and
2.1 	WHEREAS, Somali-American money transfer businesses are a source of pride and create 
2.2 	jobs both here in Minnesota and in the Horn of Africa; and
2.3 	WHEREAS, Somali-American money transfer businesses are not accused of breaking 
2.4 	any city, state, or federal laws; and
2.5 	WHEREAS, United States law that has been drawn up to help prevent radical organizations 
2.6 	from operating and recruiting against the country may well generate a further wave of 
2.7 	radicalization and ill will; NOW, THEREFORE,
2.8 	BE IT RESOLVED by the Legislature of the State of Minnesota that it stands shoulder 
2.9 	to shoulder with our Somali-American colleagues, neighbors, and constituents in their desire to 
2.10 	support their loved ones in the Horn of Africa and across the globe.
2.11 	BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature strongly urges all concerned parties to 
2.12 	find an amicable solution that facilitates the normal flow of remittances without compromising 
2.13 	the safety and security of the United States.
2.14 	BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of State of the State of Minnesota is 
2.15 	directed to prepare copies of this memorial and transmit them to the banking community in 
2.16 	Minnesota, the President of the United States, the President and the Secretary of the United States 
2.17 	Senate, the Speaker and the Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, the chair of the 
2.18 	Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, the chair of the House Committee on 
2.19 	Financial Services, and Minnesota's Senators and Representatives in Congress.