SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Rep. Carlos Mariani (DFL – Saint Paul), chair of the House Public Safety & Criminal Justice Reform Committee, issued the following statement in response to the Senate Republican budget plan and public safety agenda:
“Facing a nationwide rise in crime, Minnesotans are counting on innovative, community-driven solutions to keep people safe. House DFLers are collaboratively working with law enforcement, local elected officials, and prosecutors to deliver the tools and resources they urgently need to improve safety within our communities. We’ve put forth a $100 million initial package of investments, and we will certainly have more to do once session begins.
“Constructed to prioritize political slogans over proven solutions, the GOP approach lacks the comprehensive vision Minnesotans deserve right now to ensure everyone can be safe no matter where they live or what they look like. While the GOP continues to demagogue and divide our state by communities, wrongly blaming locals for a national rise in crime, and fighting the Governor and local prosecutors for political gain, the DFL will continue focusing on fighting crime for the people of Minnesota.”