February 8, 2021
SAFE Account Proposal
| Last week the Public Safety Committee, heard a bill to create a fund called the State Aid for Emergencies (SAFE) Account. Part of this is being done in anticipation of possible unrest during the upcoming Chauvin trial in Minneapolis. As a strong supporter of law enforcement, want to make sure law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to respond to emergencies and potential riots. Unfortunately, this bill does not address the problem. A coalition of law enforcement associations wrote to the committee: “Our members remain concerned, however, that no matter what legislation is passed, the response for mutual aid will not be as robust as the public may expect. Our members’ concern is due to the continued demonization of law enforcement officers by certain public officials at various levels of government.” We need to make sure the police have the ability to keep the peace and we need to make sure the failures of leadership that took place last summer is not repeated. Minneapolis cannot cut their public safety budget, demoralize their police force, and then expect the rest of Minnesota to pick up the bill. The reality is that the actions by Minneapolis to reduce the size of their police department (currently 200 members short) have consequences that are going to put all Minnesota taxpayers on the hook for millions of dollars in expenses. The long-term effects of these cuts will last for decades. Minneapolis needs strong leadership whether it be from the city council, mayor, or the Governor. |
Matthew’s Law Heard in Committee
This session I reintroduced my bill, “Matthew’s Law,” which will set statewide standards and codify how law enforcement agencies treat confidential informants. This stems from the overdose death of Matthew Klaus of Rochester who was working as a confidential informant for law enforcement in the Rochester area.
The Rochester Post Bulletin wrote about some of the details of the sad and tragic situation of Matthew Klaus.
On Friday, the parents of Matthew Klaus, John and Denise, testified about the importance of passing Matthew’s Law that will give model policies for how departments across the state should deal with Confidential Informants following the tragic death of Matthew while working as an informant in Rochester.
I will continue to work on this legislation and make sure we get it in a form that will work for law enforcement while protecting the public and the confidential informants themselves.
Low Income Heating Assistance
| The frigid cold is here and COVID-19 has hurt so many families. During this difficult time, I want to remind people with limited funds that they don’t have to choose between paying the heating bill or buying groceries. The Low Income Energy Assistance Program serves both renters and homeowners, providing financial assistance to pay past due energy bills to avoid disconnection, to purchase emergency fuel, or to repair or replace a homeowner’s malfunctioning furnace. Eligibility is based on the household’s past 3 months of income and assets are not counted. Benefit amounts are based on the household’s heating costs, household size, and income, with an average benefit of roughly $500. The application period is open until May 31. To determine eligibility or to learn more about the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, visit: mn.gov/commerce/eap.jsp. |
Please Stay in Touch
| Please continue to stay in touch to share your thoughts or concerns. My phone number is 651-296-9236 or you can email me at email hidden; JavaScript is required. Have a great week! |
247 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55155
ph: 651.296.9236
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