ST. PAUL, MN – On Wednesday, Jan. 26, Senate Republicans held a press conference to announce session priorities to get Minnesota on the Right Track, said Senator Warren Limmer (R-Maple Grove). The focus of Senate Republicans this session will be on reducing crime, affording everyday life, and empowering parents.
Safe communities and law enforcement support
A top priority this year will be investments in public safety and initiatives to drive down crime. Senate Republicans plan to quickly address the urgent need to increase Minnesota’s police presence while providing additional tools and resources to fight crime and recruit and retain police officers.
Limmer, chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, spoke at the conference on how Senate Republicans will keep our communities safe and support law enforcement.
“We know our law enforcement departments are challenged more than ever before. Sadly, the political leadership in some of our major cities has led to massive reductions in police personnel. To address this crisis, we will work with law enforcement agencies to create incentive and retention policies to help them fill their open positions and restore the peace in our communities,” Limmer said. “We intend to remember the victims first before we make public policy. The highest priority of any government is to ensure safety for our citizens. The actions of a few prosecutors are destroying that mission.”
Republicans will also continue to be tough on crime, and address failed progressive policies that reduce or eliminate bail. They will also introduce legislation increasing penalties for repeat offenders, carjackers, and crimes involving dangerous weapons.
Helping people afford their lives
The state’s projected $7.7 billion surplus will be one of the most discussed items in St. Paul. Following stubborn and record inflation from runaway congressional spending, Senate Republicans are advancing a series of tax cuts targeted at working Minnesotans, families, and seniors to help them afford their everyday life.
In the last five years, Republicans have secured billions in tax cuts, including exempting most seniors from taxes on social security and the first income rate tax cuts in 20 years.
Empowering parents as education partners
Finally, the closure of schools due to COVID has been an eye-opening experience for parents across the state. Across the nation, many parents have raised concerns about their kids’ education coming at the cost of political activism. To that end, Republicans propose increasing transparency and accountability in school to the parents, and empowering parents to be active partners in their child’s education.
Senate Republicans have had control of the Senate since 2017 and consistently stopped harmful tax increases on working and low-income Minnesotans. They stabilized the health care market in 2017 with the very successful reinsurance program and passed record funding for students in schools. Senate republicans also continue to reduce burdensome regulations on Main Street businesses and support economic development across the state.
A video of the full press conference can be found, HERE.