Dear Neighbors,
This week, the House gave final approval to legislation that improves school safety after a change in law last year resulted in school resource officers (SROs) being removed from many schools throughout the state.
The issue traces back to an omnibus education bill that Democrats enacted in 2023 that imposed certain prohibitions on the use of force in schools and created legal ambiguity for SROs, thus opening them up to possible litigation. Because of that, many school districts across Minnesota pulled SROs from the middle and high schools.
SROs play an important role in not only keeping schools safe but also building important relationships with students and staff.
This week’s vote was an important first step in making Minnesota schools safer. I am disappointed that it took nearly seven months into the school year before Democrat leadership came to their senses and decided to work with law enforcement and Republicans to find a solution. This issue could have been resolved in the summer if not for the anti-law enforcement voices in the Democrat party that get louder and louder every day.
The bill was signed by Gov. Walz on Thursday and is now law.
State Flag Update
Last week, there was a rally and news conference in support of legislation that would allow Minnesotans to vote “yes” or “no” on adopting a new state flag and seal.
We proudly display the original Minnesota state flag outside of my office in St. Paul.
I continue to hear from many of you concerned about the new flag including questions about why Democrats refuse to allow a statewide referendum on the changes. Like you, I also believe that Minnesotans have the right to vote on whether the new flag represents them and if they would like it adopted as the state flag.
Stay tuned to this for any further developments.
Staying in Touch
Thanks to the many groups that visited St. Paul this week to advocate on behalf of the issues that matter most to you.
Thank you to the Sherburne County Soil and Water Conservation District for visiting this week!
The Hennepin County Association of Paramedics/EMTs visited to discuss issues important to them and their profession.
Local nurses stopped by to discuss issues important to their profession. Thank you for what you do to support our community!
Thank you to the group of local correctional officers who visited this week. We are so appreciative of the important work you do for our state and community.
Make sure to reach out to my office if you plan to be in St. Paul anytime soon. It would be great to meet with you. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4237 or via email at rep.paul.novotny@house.mn.gov.
Have a good day,
Paul