Dear Neighbors,
Violent crime is on the rise in Minneapolis and the Twin Cities metro area. Addressing this explosion in crime will no doubt be one of the biggest issues that will be debated in St. Paul this year.
While Republicans have been consistent in our approach to improving public safety by supporting the brave men and women in law enforcement that protect our communities, Democrats have often minimized the problem.
In the House of Representatives, Democrats have focused their attention on protecting criminals and releasing offenders early by supporting policies like prohibiting vehicle stops for equipment violations, prohibiting the taking of an offender into custody for a probation violation, providing a mechanism to release violent offenders serving a life sentence after just 15 years, and many other efforts to expunge felony crimes.
Additionally, the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission, appointed by Gov. Walz, recently considered a proposal to lessen criminal penalties by getting rid of “custody status” points or “added penalties for those who commit offenses while on probation, parole, or other supervised or conditional release for other convictions" according to WCCO.
All of this while demonizing law enforcement officers.
Here’s the reality, with the November elections looming, Democrats are going to try and convince Minnesotans that they’re serious about addressing crime.
Don’t be fooled by the party that supported “defunding” the police.
House Republicans will be bringing forward a package of bills this session that boosts funding to local police and strengthens accountability so that judges and prosecutors will enforce the laws and sentences passed by the legislature.
It’s time to get serious about addressing crime.
Staying in Touch
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me to share your thoughts, questions, and concerns as it relates to state government. I can be reached at 651-296-4229 or via email at rep.glenn.gruenhagen@house.mn.
Have a great day,
Glenn