Dear Neighbor,
Tuesday marks the deadline for enactment of legislation preventing job providers from suffering a massive tax increase as a result of inaction by House Democrats.
House Republicans made a move to declare urgency on the issue and bring legislation to fix this problem to the floor this week, but House Democrats blocked that effort. Now, with a $9.3 billion surplus, it looks more and more like House Democrats will be responsible for burdening our employers as they continue holding back bipartisan legislation to repay the unemployment insurance trust fund, even though it's supported by Gov. Walz, House Republicans, Senate Republicans, and most Senate Democrats.
In other news, House Republicans have issued a package of bills aimed at improving public safety amid soaring violent crime rates in Minnesota. Generally, the package focuses on three key areas: crime prevention and accountability for criminals; police recruitment and retention; and holding the criminal justice system accountable.
The lawlessness that has been running rampant in our state needs to end. The government’s top job is to keep its citizens safe and the failure of leadership on this issue, starting with the governor, is appalling. While the spike in violent crimes largely has taken place in the Twin Cities metro area, the ripple effects can be felt throughout the state.
A sharp rise in carjacking rates may be the most glaring example of why action is needed. Minneapolis police reported 655 carjackings last year alone – with only 91 related arrests. A measure in the House Republican public safety plan makes carjacking a new criminal offense with increasing penalties for the level of violence.
Minnesota also must ensure local law enforcement agencies have enough officers on patrol, and that they have the resources they need to do their jobs. House Republicans are offering legislation to bolster law enforcement recruitment numerous ways, including providing education reimbursements and Pathways to Policing program funding.
The anti-police rhetoric from the left has been extremely damaging to our law enforcement agencies and has played a significant role in peace officers leaving their posts in record numbers. The good news is, here at home, the vast majority of us continue to support our officers, appreciate the job they do, and want to make sure they have the resources and support they need to keep us safe.
Data shows that judges statewide are departing from the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines at a troubling rate and issuing lesser sentences for more violent criminals. House Republicans have authored several bills on this subject to increase transparency and to help us better understand why our criminal justice system continues to allow violent criminals to slip through the cracks.
On a final note, a committee I serve related to the environment discussed a bill this week that I strongly oppose. It would require anyone currently 35 years old or younger to obtain a form of license to drive a boat. We already have adequate processes and regulations in place for watercraft. This Democrat bill (HF 3787) is just more overreach by the government trying to put more regulations on citizens, and I will continue opposing it.
-Steve