Dear Neighbors,
We are entering the final days of the 2023 legislative session and many large budget items remain unresolved. I expect to remain in St. Paul through the weekend as we are required to adjourn for the year by midnight, Monday.
Yesterday I recorded a brief video giving an update on the state of play and what to expect moving forward into the weekend. You can watch that video by clicking here or the photo below.
Public Safety
Early Tuesday morning, just after midnight, the House debated and gave final approval to this year’s public safety budget and policy bill. I voted “NO” on the bill.
As has been the case time and time again, Democrats refuse to get serious about addressing rising levels of crime in Minnesota. They choose to put the needs of criminals ahead of the concerns of Minnesota families.
The bill will put felons back on the streets by allowing criminals to serve only half of their prison sentence or probation if they complete Department of Corrections programming. This includes those convicted of violent crimes such as murder, manslaughter, rape, kidnapping, assault, or domestic assault. Limiting prison time for violent criminals puts all Minnesotans at risk.
It fails to provide any meaningful resources to law enforcement to recruit, retain, and train officers. Instead, it puts millions of dollars towards unaccountable non-profit groups.
Finally, the bill contained two controversial gun control provisions that make it harder for law-abiding Minnesotans to exercise their 2nd Amendment rights. These provisions are another example of Democrats going after law-abiding folks instead of focusing on criminals.
Minnesota Families Left Behind
While a lot still needs to be resolved from now until Monday, I think I can safely say that this year’s legislative session has been the most disappointing one during my time serving as your state representative.
It has been a non-stop, runaway train of radical, progressive policies and out-of-control spending. Remember, Democrats and Governor Walz are on the verge of growing government by 40%, spending the entire $17.5 billion budget surplus, and are planning to raise taxes by nearly $10 billion.
Your support has meant a lot to me this year despite the many disappointments. We will have our work cut out for us trying to clean up the Democrats’ mess beginning after 2024.
Staying in Touch
Stay tuned for more information once the dust settles next week. In the meantime, please be sure to reach out to me to share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4333 or via email at rep.josh.heintzeman@house.mn.gov.
God bless,
Josh