SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed SF 2909, the Judiciary and Public Safety budget conference committee report with a 69-63 vote. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address systemic injustices in Minnesota’s public safety and justice systems that can only be accomplished by making systemic investments and changes. These priorities, along with DFL initiatives in other bills – housing support, education, healthcare, and mental health resources – will transform the lives of youth and families.
Rep. Alicia Kozlowski (DFL-Duluth), voted for the legislation and was the lead author of HF 774:
“First Witness Child Advocacy Center has been serving families in the Northland for nearly 32 years and their services now stretch to much of Northeastern Minnesota, including Carlton, Lake, and Cook Counties. We are investing $1,500,000 to supplement the $2 million the organization is raising on its own to address child abuse and provide support for families. Duluthians and communities across the state can begin their path toward healing, justice, and ending cycles of violence in a space that is designed with dignity, respect, and whole family care. I’ve seen firsthand and experienced the need for these services, and First Witness Child Advocacy Center is really leading the way into the future for violence-free communities."
The DFL public safety budget bill prioritizes building trust and accountability by barring extremists from becoming officers, banning no-knock warrants, and implementing POST Board misconduct improvements. It prioritizes a holistic approach to gun violence prevention, funding for first responders and victim-survivors of crime, community violence intervention, and more.
The DFL Judiciary budget focuses on the actual needs of Minnesotans, ensuring that every person has access to liberty and justice regardless of income. With funding for juvenile treatment homes, an Office of Restorative Practices, and youth intervention grants, this bill will have a transformative effect on juvenile justice in Minnesota. It also includes funding for the First Witness Child Advocacy Center a child-centered non-profit agency located in Duluth.
Video of today’s House Floor debate can be found here.