Friends and neighbors,

After the legislature’s Spring Break, things at the Capitol have drastically picked up as we started to hear some of the budget bills on the Senate floor, including the Democrats’ Public Safety budget. This legislation makes thousands of criminals eligible for early release and reduces sentences for violent offenders. It also funnels millions of dollars to untested and unproven nonprofits and ignores the needs of law enforcement officers across the state.

Notable portions of the bill include:

• Allows 92% of the prison population eligible for early release through Minnesota Rehabilitation and Reinvestment Act (MRRA) 
• Funding for controversial gun control measures like red flag laws and background checks
• Reduction of the maximum penalty for juveniles tried as an adult from 25 years to as little as 15 years
• $91 million dollars to untested and unproven nonprofit organizations

The Democrats’ Public Safety budget fails to impose harsh consequences for violent criminals, and instead, makes thousands of criminals convicted of serious and even violent crimes eligible for early release. I find this legislation to be a ‘Get Out of Jail Free’ card for criminals. Instead, we should be demonstrating that violent crimes will have harsh sentences. With such a large surplus, this budget bill is nowhere near enough support to address the public safety crisis we have in Minnesota. 

Republicans rolled out a comprehensive public safety plan earlier this year that would support police, confront criminal threats, and hold judges and prosecutors accountable for their decisions. This is what we should prioritize in public safety.

Constituents at the Capitol

This week, I had the privilege to meet with two Annandale constituents with the Minnesota Utility Investors. We discussed energy-related issues that have been introduced this session. Specifically, a major concern is legislation that requires Minnesota to be carbon free by 2040, which will lead to high costs for consumers. Thank you for visiting the Capitol and discussing a number of important policies!  

Contact My Office

I want to hear from you, my constituents, on issues that are important to you. Please feel free to reach out to my office with any concerns or ideas you may have. I will continue to keep your thoughts and concerns in mind as legislation comes before me. You can contact my office at sen.bruce.anderson@senate.mn or 651-296-5981.

Sincerely,

Bruce Anderson