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State Representative Michael Paymar
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4199
For more information contact: Joan Nichols 651-29X-XXXX
NEWS COLUMN
The Omnibus Public Safety Bill
State Rep. Michael Paymar
Minnesota House of Representatives Contact: Joan Nichols
District 64B (651) 296-4199 (651) 296-8891
543 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155 Joan.Nichols@house.mn
Now that the 2007 session is completed, the post-session analysis has begun. Largely, if not entirely missing from the discussion is the Omnibus Public Safety bill signed into law by the Governor on May 7 – well before the end of session. As the Chief Author of the bill in the House, (Senator Linda Higgins was the chief author in the Senate) I am proud that this bipartisan bill was the only budget bill signed in its entirety by the Governor and received widespread praise from members on both sides of the aisle. This is a bill that protects Minnesotans and makes our communities safer. Here are just a few things that the bill does:
Courts
The Minnesota court system is facing increased case filings and a backlog of cases currently working their way through the system. Justice delayed is justice denied, and it is essential that every Minnesotan receive a full and fair hearing in our court system. In order to address the case backlog this bill provides for an additional three-judge panel for the Court of Appeals and seven new District Court judgeships. These judicial positions will be spread throughout the state. Additionally, this bill provides for fifteen additional forensic scientists at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension's crime lab. Reducing the turnaround time for processing evidence at the BCA is crucial for police and prosecutors to do their job effectively.
Youth Intervention
With an annual cost of $30,000 to incarcerate an adult and $60,000 for a juvenile, it is shortsighted to continue pursuing policies that simply incarcerate individuals without also examining efforts at preventing criminal behavior in the first place. This bill keeps our communities safer by investing in programs for at-risk youth to prevent them from ever becoming a cost to society, and instead helps them become productive adult citizens. We know that this is a smart path to take, and recent research proves that it is the most cost effective path to take as well.
Crime Victims
Minnesota citizens who become victims of crime deserve to be treated fairly, with dignity, and have their voices heard. This bill contains many provisions to do just that. Most importantly, we increased funding for organizations providing services for sexual assault and domestic abuse victims. These organizations sustained major cuts in previous sessions and by restoring funding, crime victims will receive services such as an advocate to accompany them to court and help guide them through the process. Additionally, we increased penalties for Internet sexual predators who violate children through on-line sexual solicitation and for offenders who repeatedly violate domestic abuse no-contact orders.
Offender accountability
The vast majority of prisoners in Minnesota will leave prison. As a state we have an obligation to our citizens to ensure that when prisoners are released from incarceration they are productive and law-abiding. This bill increases funding for innovative re-entry programs so offenders have skills for employment, housing, and substance and mental health treatment when released so they can reintegrate into society. Additionally, the bill increases funding for the Gang Strike Task Force, adds more cops, and reduces probation officer’s caseloads so they can more effectively manage recently released prisoners.
The quality of life in Minnesota is enhanced when our citizenry feel safe and secure in their homes and neighborhoods—the Omnibus Public Safety Bill helped in this effort.
Representative Michael Paymar
District 64B St. Paul
News Items
- 2011-2012 Session Issues - Transportation - (Posted: 2012-06-06 00:00:00)
- 2011-2012 Session Issues - Labor - (Posted: 2012-06-05 00:00:00)
- 2011-2012 Session Issues - Taxes: Balancing the Budget - (Posted: 2012-06-06 00:00:00)
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