Dear Neighbors,
Public Safety continues to be one of the most important concerns I hear from many of our neighbors!
While we have been working on several important issues, I have also been working hard to support and work with local law enforcement to improve public safety.
It's no secret that public safety has been top of mind for Minnesotans considering the crime wave that has impacted our state. You know well that over the last two years, as we’ve seen Minneapolis and St. Paul burn, a lack of support from city leaders has led to a mass exodus of law enforcement officers, and a dramatic spike in crime here in the metro area.
To assist the men and women of law enforcement that serve our communities I authored legislation that provides one-time, pilot program funding for first responders to receive unique equine-experiential mental health support to address PTSD and other traumas resulting from occupational challenges. The bill was warmly received at its first committee hearing.
Take a moment to watch this short video that shares the story of a local firefighter and the impact this type of therapy has had on him. I’m proud to have connected the Lakeville Public Safety Foundation with this service, and it’s already made a difference.
We owe first responders’ our gratitude for the sacrifices they make for our community. This legislation is a way we can assist them for all 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.
I have also authored legislation that requires the Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) to study the adequacy of benefits provided to totally and permanently disabled police officers, including workers’ compensation, disability, and pension benefits. There is a gap in benefits for younger officers and their families who are injured and unable to further work. We are optimistic that this will come to a floor vote this session, after a few years of working to pass this. This is another bill that makes sure that law enforcement officers are receiving the help and benefits that they have earned in their service to our communities.
In addition to these bills, I am supportive of the public safety package that was unveiled by my House Republicans colleagues earlier this month.
The proposal focuses on three key areas; crime prevention and accountability for criminals; police recruitment and retention; and holding the criminal justice system accountable.
Key components of the package include stronger sentences for repeat offenders, requiring prosecutors to file charges for felonies when probable cause is present, electronic home monitoring when no bail is set for defendants accused of violent crimes, and establishing carjacking as a criminal offense.
I look forward to working with legislators to advance this package in hopes of providing the safety and security that Minnesotans expect and deserve.
I appreciate your trust and support to represent common sense values and meeting a very basic function of government, ensuring the public is safe and upholding the rule of law.
Jon Koznick
State Representative