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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Linda Slocum (DFL)

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April 20th, 2015

Monday, April 20, 2015

Hello Neighbors,

On Thursday at the Minnesota House, we debated some contentious issues that I feel impact our community. 

Reasonable Gun control

We heard from a lot of members about the need to increase freedoms for gun enthusiasts without taking into account communities that suffer from gun violence.  It disappoints me when we can’t bridge these divides.  Leaders in the Minnesota House passed legislation that I found didn’t take into consideration reasonable concerns about safety in our communities:

-allowing the sale of suppressors, or silencers in Minnesota.  Were these to fall into the wrong hands they create a tremendous public danger.

-removing the requirement to notify Capitol Security when you bring a concealed weapon into the State Capitol complex, potentially endangering children and citizens touring our public buildings at our Capitol.

-denying the ability of law enforcement to disarm people during a state of emergency.

Don’t get me wrong, I support the safe exercise of the second amendment.  But the founders didn’t envision a nation where handguns are readily available to criminals.  For people to exercise their second amendment safely, we need reasonable permitting, training, and safety around firearms.  We have a high rate of gun violence in the United States, and compared to other developed countries we have one of the highest rates. 

People like me who argue for gun safety don’t do so because we want to take away anyone’s gun.  We just want robust background checks, registration, training, and licensing.  With all the guns available in America it is far too easy for them to fall into the wrong hands.

77th Street Underpass Funding Introduced

I introduced a bill recently to provide additional funds for the underpass on 77th Street at Cedar Ave.  The $12 million ask will help ensure that the project continues to move forward to connect our community with the airport and help a valued commercial corridor in Richfield develop.  My goal is to have it serve as a place holder for next year’s bonding bill.  We have received $2.5 million for planning and design with additional funds promised.  I always like to work as many possibilities as possible.

We’re nearing the home stretch of the legislative session and important decisions are being made every day.  As always I appreciate value your input.  I can be reached by email at rep.linda.slocum@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-7158.

All my best,

Linda