St. Paul, MN—State Representative Jon Koznick, R-Lakeville, has introduced legislation that would provide funding for first responders to receive equine-experiential mental health support to address PTSD and other traumas resulting from occupational challenges. The bill will receive its first hearing in committee on Tuesday.
“This bill provides real, tangible resources to help first responders cope with the stress and trauma that they experience while working to keep our communities and neighborhoods safe,” said Rep. Koznick. “Abijahs on the Backside has a proven record of improving the lives of first responders and their families as they work with program participants to effectively process trauma.”
House File 3758 would appropriate funding from the Department of Public Safety’s Office of Justice Programs to local equine therapy organization, Abijahs on the Backside. The legislation requires the organization to provide a report to the legislature detailing the program's budget, an explanation of program expenditures, the number of first responders served by the program, and a list and explanation of the services provided to participants.
Koznick continued, “We owe our first responders a debt of gratitude for the sacrifices they make for our community. This legislation is a way we can help repay them for everything they do for us. I believe this type of help is a critical and necessary policy response to slow down the rate of retirements and exodus from law enforcement caused by the defund the police movement.”
A short 2-minute video about the program is available here.
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