The Minnesota Legislature is grappling with two very different approaches to public safety. The Senate bill addresses public safety concerns primarily by funding recruitment and retention bonuses for law enforcement officers. It also increases penalties for crimes and requires more transparency in sentencing decisions. In contrast, the House bill takes a broader view of public safety and includes grants to community organizations for victim services and violence prevention. Both versions make investments in the public defender system and body-worn cameras for law enforcement agencies.   

One of the arguments against the House public safety bill is that it gives too much funding to nonprofits that are untested, have limited transparency and don’t produce results. On the contrary, Missions Inc. Programs has been working directly in criminal/legal advocacy for over forty years. Our legal advocates support victims of domestic violence as they navigate the criminal legal system from arrest to sentencing. We also advocate for policies and legislation that support victims, address harms and prevent future crimes. This work not only helps victims find safety, justice and healing but it contributes to a safer community for all of us.

The Senate omnibus, which includes no funding increase for crime victim services, and the House omnibus, which includes a modest funding increase for crime victim services, passed recently. The final version of the bill that’s presented to Governor Walz will be a combination of both. As legislators work out a compromise between the Senate and House bills, we encourage you to reach out to your representatives, share Missions Inc.’s story and encourage them to include crime victim services funding in the final bill. You can find out who represents you and how to contact them here.