News – Page 132 – Minnesota Senate Republicans

January 14, 2022

Senator Paul Gazelka announces legislation combating Minnesota’s weak stance on crime

Today, Senator Paul Gazelka (R-East Gull Lake) announced three legislative reforms that will introduce minimum sentencing for carjackings and repeat offenders of crimes with a firearm to combat the leniency given to violent offenders who…

January 14, 2022

Sen. Chamberlain’s priorities for 2022: public safety, education, cost of living

Friends and neighbors, Each year, I am asked about my priorities for the upcoming session. This year there are a few issues that stand out above the rest. These responses will also appear in the…

January 14, 2022

Senator Utke named Chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee

Senator Paul Utke (R-Park Rapids) has been named the Chair of Senate Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee for the 2022 Legislative session. Sen. Utke was elected to the Senate in 2016 and…

January 13, 2022

Senator Paul Gazelka Responds to Sentencing Guidelines Commission’s Postponement of Vote on Controversial Sentencing Reduction Proposal

Today, the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission pushed a vote to remove a factor used to determine appropriate sentences in state courts for repeat criminals despite solid opposition from the public, law enforcement, and legislators. Senator Paul…

January 13, 2022

Chamberlain: Beauty is a Cure

Beauty is a CureBy: Senator Roger Chamberlain Beauty means many different things to people. A hike on a favorite trail in Superior National Forest, holding a baby, time spent in a deer stand, good architecture,…

January 13, 2022

Senator Chamberlain statement on Sentencing Guidelines Commission decision to postpone vote on reducing criminal penalties on certain repeat offenders

The Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission today decided to postpone voting on an unpopular proposal to reduce criminal penalties for offenders who commit crimes while on probation. The proposal had drawn criticism from law enforcement groups,…

January 13, 2022

Limmer: Commission Postpones Controversial Sentencing Reduction Proposal

After unprecedented outcry and opposition from Minnesotans, law enforcement groups, and legislators, the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission (MSGC) voted Thursday, Jan. 13, to postpone action on a controversial proposal to reduce sentences for repeat criminals.…

January 13, 2022

Senator Jim Abeler calls on the governor to deploy National Guard members to assist group homes

Senator Jim Abeler (R-Anoka), chair of the Senate Committee on Human Services Reform Finance and Policy, today called on Governor Tim Walz to deploy National Guard members to aid in the staffing shortage crisis in the…

January 13, 2022

Nelson: Prioritize working Minnesotans with state budget surplus

Friends and neighbors, As the New Year unfolds, I am preparing to serve you in the upcoming legislative session that begins on January 31. One of the main debates will be: What should be done…

January 13, 2022

Senator Chamberlain praises Minnesota State School Board Association decision to withdraw from national school board organization

The Minnesota School Board Association (MSBA) announced recently it will withdraw its membership from the National School Board Association (NSBA) after the national organization sent a ‘deceitful and defamatory’ letter against concerned parents to the…

January 12, 2022

Senator Julia Coleman announces Virtual Town Hall

Senator Julia Coleman announced a pre-legislative session virtual town hall for Monday, Jan. 24, from noon to approximately 1 p.m. Carver County Representatives Greg Boe and Jim Nash will also be participating. The virtual town…

January 12, 2022

Kiffmeyer: Commending the service of our law enforcement and helping our National Guard members

Friends and neighbors, On Sunday, Jan. 9, our nation observed a day of recognition of the National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, in support of the great bravery and dedication of our law enforcement officers to…

January 11, 2022

Sen. Howe offers condolences and recognition to fallen local volunteer fire captain

All United States and Minnesota flags at all Minnesota state buildings. will be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on January 11, in honor and remembrance of Captain Andy Loso. Capt. Loso died on…

January 10, 2022

Goggin: a preview of the upcoming session

Friends and neighbors, In my last column, I provided a preview of what we were expecting to learn from the state’s upcoming budget forecast on December 7th. This forecast serves as a guide for legislation…

January 10, 2022

Jasinski: a troubling proposal to go easy on repeat criminals

A troubling proposal to go easy on repeat criminalsBy: Senator John Jasinski Friends and neighbors, I hope you and your family had a wonderful, joyous, and safe Christmas and New Year. As you know, public…

January 7, 2022

Senate Republicans Release Redistricting Maps

ST. PAUL, MN – Today Senate Republicans released their proposed maps for the redistricting process. Based on non-partisan metric scores the Senate GOP maps meet or beat House DFL maps in Minority Opportunity District, political subdivisions…

January 5, 2022

Highway 14 a Major Accomplishment in 2021.

I think it would be safe to say that many who read this have had an encounter while driving along old U.S. Highway 14 that you won’t ever forget. It has been a goal for…

January 5, 2022

Kiffmeyer: Prosecutors and judges have a responsibility to keep communities safe

Friends and neighbors, I hope you had a wonderful holiday season with your loved ones. Ralph and I enjoyed taking the opportunity to slow down a little before the new legislative session begins at the…

December 30, 2021

Limmer: Not the role of prosecutors to ignore laws, ‘Transparency in Charging’ will be examined

ST. PAUL, MN – Today Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Committee Chair Warren Limmer (R – Maple Grove) responded to the Minnesota Police Chiefs Association letter outlining support for “Transparency in Charging” legislation: “Clearly the ‘soft on crime’…

December 29, 2021

Thank You for your Efforts Last Year

Friends & neighbors, After this trying year, I would like to look back on 2021 and thank the hard-working people in our community. First, I would like to thank all the small business owners who…