On Monday, the Minnesota Senate passed emergency funding for law enforcement, as requested by Governor Tim Walz. The bill, S.F. 2441, authored by Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-East Gull Lake), secures $2.75 million for the law enforcement response to civil unrest through the Interstate Emergency Management Assistance Compact and $6.3 million for Minnesota State Trooper expenses related to the unrest and Chauvin trial. Senator Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks) voted for the bill and released the following statement:

“Minnesotan’s deserve to feel safe again in their communities,” said Johnson. “Our law enforcement officers are giving their all during this tumultuous time. I stand with our officers who are helping keep the peace. We need to make sure they are properly supported and funded.”

Today’s legislation is the byproduct of a public safety conversation between legislative leaders and the Governor. Legislative leaders all agreed with the importance of getting the bill done at the time of the request.

Additionally, Senator Jeff Howe (R-Rockville) presented a resolution that commends the National Guard, and also calls upon labor organizations to act decisively and fire members of their leadership that harassed National Guard Members and forced them to leave the St. Paul Labor Union Hall without notice last week.

“God Bless our brave National Guard members working in difficult circumstances to keep people safe during civil unrest,” said Johnson. “It was terrible seeing labor activists harass our National Guard and I stand with those labor leaders and members who have condemned their actions. Guard members are our friends and neighbors. Now more than ever they need our upmost respect.”

Senator Johnson voted for the resolution which passed the Senate with bipartisan support.

Both the resolution and emergency law enforcement funding bill now await action by the House of Representatives.