Friends and neighbors,

This week, Senate Republicans introduced our legislative package aimed at putting Minnesotans’ safety first. The proposal targets three critical areas of public safety: 1) addressing the early release of prisoners, 2) increasing transparency in sentencing guidelines, and 3) enhancing investment in law enforcement training.

Repealing the ‘Get Out of Jail Free’ law

The first part of the public safety package focuses on the Minnesota Rehabilitation and Reinvestment Act (MRRA)—a 2023 law passed on a party-line vote that makes 92% of the prison population eligible for early release. This section of the public safety package includes a Republican initiative, SF 1103, that would repeal the MRRA.

Although Democrats have promoted the MRRA as a rehabilitation initiative, it is really a “Get Out of Jail Free” card.

Bringing transparency to sentencing guidelines

The second set of bills focuses on increasing transparency and accountability in Minnesota’s sentencing process. The proposals in this section would:

• SF 1370 – Require the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission (MSGC) to record and publicly share its meetings
• SF 1371 – Require legislative approval of all MSGC recommendations—ensuring sentencing decisions reflect public safety priorities
• SF 1372 – Create a publicly searchable database of sentencing decisions statewide

Investing in law enforcement training

The final proposals prioritize funding for two key law enforcement training initiatives. SF 1701 would allocate $6 million in ongoing funding to the Philando Castile Memorial Training Fund, a top priority for law enforcement. Meanwhile, a separate Republican proposal seeks to provide $3.5 million for the Violent Crime Enforcement Training Fund.

Despite their importance, Governor Walz has yet to fund these requests.

MnDOT report reveals massive taxpayer dollar waste on Northstar Line

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) recently released a report on the Northstar Commuter Rail, which runs from Big Lake to downtown Minneapolis.

It shows how Northstar’s ridership has dropped dramatically—from 790,000 in 2017 to fewer than 100,000 in 2024. Meanwhile, ticket sales in 2023 covered less than 3% of operating costs, leaving Minnesota taxpayers to foot an $11 million bill.

With our state facing a projected $5.1 billion deficit by 2029, we must eliminate wasteful spending. It is time to end Northstar and invest in more cost-effective, efficient transportation options that better serve Minnesotans.

Read the full report here: MnDOT Report.

Constituents at the Capitol

We had a fantastic week filled with great meetings with constituents!

This past Tuesday was FFA Day at the Capitol, and I had the privilege of meeting with student leaders from the Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted FFA chapter. Their enthusiasm and commitment to agriculture are truly inspiring!

I also had a valuable discussion with representatives from the Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers, who shared their budget priorities and discussed key policies affecting agriculture in our state.

Later, during Minnesota Administrators for Special Education Day at the Capitol, I met with Melissa Hanson, executive director of the Meeker and Wright Special Education Cooperative, along with Emily Seitzer, special education supervisor. They provided important insights into the challenges and policies impacting special education.

My office is always open to constituents, and I encourage you to stop by the next time you’re in St. Paul! Your input is invaluable as we work together to address the issues that matter most to our community.

Contact Me

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. You can contact my office at Sen.Bruce.Anderson@mnsenate.gov or 651-296-5981.

Sincerely,

Bruce Anderson