Neighbors,
We head into the final weekend of session with adjournment approaching Monday at midnight. We’ve been working through conference committees and I sit on 4 of them, the Housing Budget, the Jobs Budget, The Eviction Moratorium Off-Ramp, and PSYPACT. Hopefully we can reach an agreement with the House, if not this weekend then soon.
Thank you,
Rich
Senate passes State Trooper pay raises
Yesterday Senate Republicans passed a bill to increase the pay of State Troopers, State Conservation Officers, and Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Agents, Gambling Enforcement Special Agents, and Insurance Fraud Specialists. While awaiting a salary study in 2020, the legislature passed temporary pay raises to troopers. After the study, results showed troopers were paid about 5% less than other law enforcement officers, in some cases up to 16% for senior officers.
It’s long past due that we support Minnesota’s law enforcement officers. Over the past few years, our officers have been neglected, have been forced to work without a contract, and it has gotten so out of line that Minnesota officers are now making significantly less compared to those doing a similar job. It’s time to put these folks back on equal footing and support the men and women who work tirelessly every day to protect our communities and us.
After the year our law enforcement officers have had, it’s important to recognize them for their work. State troopers kept the entire state safe, but especially here at the Capitol, their presence was often a comfort.
Members of MLEA impacted by this include the Department of Natural Resources State Conservation Officers, Department of Corrects Fugitive Specialists, Department of Public Safety State Patrol Troopers, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Agents, Gambling Enforcement Special Agents, and Department of Commerce Insurance Fraud Specialists. Officers across the MLEA would receive raises in line with their positions.
Senate Commemorates Peace Officers Memorial Day
In honor of National Police Week, the Minnesota Senate passed a resolution on Thursday commemorating Peace Officers Memorial Day. This year, National Peace Officers Memorial Day is observed on Saturday, May 15, and recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers.
We honor the many brave Minnesota peace officers who have died and made sacrifices in the line of duty serving our nation and this state. As a retired sheriff and partner to a slain officer, I have seen firsthand the sacrifices these heroes have made to protect our communities. For actively serving officers, veterans of the force, and the 293 fallen law enforcement officers who have lost their lives while protecting our neighborhoods across Minnesota, your courage and selflessness will always be remembered. I stand today with my fellow legislators and the people of Minnesota to thank you for all your service.
Peace Officers Memorial Day is held annually in the United States to honor federal, state, and local officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund[RA1], in 2020, 295 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty. So far, in 2021, 101 law enforcement officers have made the same sacrifice across the nation[RA2]. Law enforcement officers across the country have stepped up during a turbulent year, facing COVID-19 and rising crime rates, and they deserve our respect and support.
Every day police officers across Minnesota are answering the call of service to protect their fellow citizens and pursue justice on behalf of victims. They put their lives at risk to make Minnesota a safer place for all of us to call home. We are truly blessed with peace and safety because of the service they provide every day across the state. They have our complete appreciation and support as legislators, leaders, and community members.
Each year, the Minnesota Law Enforcement Memorial Association typically has a 24-hour standing vigil at the Law Enforcement Memorial on the Capitol grounds. However, because of COVID restrictions, this year’s event will be conducted virtually. The tribute will include reading the names of the 293 fallen Minnesota officers.
Those wishing to view the memorial service on Saturday at 7:00 PM should go to:https://www.facebook.com/MinnesotaLawEnforcementMemorialAssociationlema
Contacts
I’ve heard from many of you but wanted to make sure you have contact information for myself and other elected officials in the State:
State Senator Rich Draheim
651-296-5558
Sen.Rich.Draheim@senate.mn
Governor Tim Walz
651-201-3400
https://mn.gov/governor/contact/
US Rep. Jim Hagedorn
202-225-2472
https://hagedorn.house.gov/contact
US Rep. Angie Craig
202-225-2271
https://craig.house.gov/zip-code-lookup?form=/contact/email-me
US Sen. Amy Klobuchar
202-224-3244
https://www.klobuchar.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/email-amy
US Sen. Tina Smith
202-224-5641
https://www.smith.senate.gov/share-your-opinion
Follow me on Facebook @SenatorRichDraheim
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