Friends and neighbors, 

A couple weeks ago, Governor Walz renewed his emergency powers triggering a requirement in state law to call a special session. We voted to end his powers and looked for ways to restore constitutional balance of powers.

Veterans Restorative Justice Act  

We unanimously passed The Veterans Restorative Justice Act, which aims to divert at-risk veterans toward probation and social service programs instead of jail time when they commit certain less-severe crimes.

This bill is intended to help all the men and women who find themselves fighting new battles when they return home. We want them to have the resources they need to recover and establish their lives after service.

Several counties already have veterans treatment courts that help veterans receive treatment for their less severe crimes instead of prison. The Veterans Restorative Justice Act is not a mandate; it simply provides a statutory set of guidelines for veterans’ treatment in courts.

The bill recommends veterans be eligible for the diversionary program if their offense is below a severity level 7 on the state’s sentencing grid, and that they swear that the offense was committed due to one of several factors: service-connected sexual trauma, a traumatic brain injury, PTSD, a substance abuse disorder, or mental health condition. The court will investigate all claims. Veterans would be required to plead guilty and accept the conditions of the court, including remaining sober and completing a treatment program.

Grants for disability service providers

Last week we passed over $30 million in funding for retention grants for home and community-based service providers and public health needs of disability service providers. The pandemic brought about a significant loss to day service providers, employment service providers, and other similar entities. They were in dire financial straits as Governor Walz ordered them closed. They need these grants as they have had virtually no income over the last several months while their clients have been unable to gather at the facilities.

This bill designates a modest two-thirds of one month of revenue to providers around the state. This will not make them whole as many have not been able to operate for months, but it will provide some stability as they overcome the financial strain of closures necessitated by COVID-19 and keep them open for future needs

Included is $10 million appropriated from the coronavirus relief fund for disability service provider public health grants. With increased need for supplies, distancing standards, and transportation costs, this will ensure facilities have the resources they need to safely social distance when they are able to reopen.

We have some of the best service providers in our state, including Options in Big Lake, and we have worked over the last few months to ensure they have the support they need to carry on through the devastating impacts of this pandemic and safely reopen once again. Many in our district rely on these providers as they strive to gain independence, give back to the community, and find their purpose. These grants are for the providers and for the individuals with disabilities or special needs who benefit greatly from these life-changing services.

Mary Kiffmeyer

State Senator
District 30