ST. PAUL – Following one of the most crime-ridden years in our state’s history, State Representative Bjorn Olson (R-Fairmont) said the Minnesota legislature must do more to ensure residents are safe. That’s why he’s supporting a public safety package being sponsored by House Republicans.
“It’s almost impossible to watch the news without hearing about a murder, shooting, or carjacking,” Olson said. “Minnesotans have made it clear that they have had enough, and want lawmakers to take action.”
Olson said the public safety package he’s supporting focuses on three key areas; crime prevention and accountability for criminals; police recruitment and retention, and holding the criminal justice system accountable.
Specific highlights include making carjacking a criminal offense; full prison sentences for repeat, third time violent offenders with no early release; requiring legislative approval to lower sentencing guidelines; providing education reimbursement grants for new police officers who have been on the job at least a year; and providing funds that allow smaller agencies to purchase body camera equipment.
“The ‘defund the police’ nonsense must end, and we must support law enforcement as much as we can,” Olson said. “We want to make communities safer, and this plan will not only strengthen our criminal justice system but will hopefully entice more men and women to consider a career in law enforcement.”