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Dear Neighbors,
I wanted to touch base on a serious issue that unfortunately needs immediate attention, likely requiring a special session.??
School Resource Officers (SROs)
This is usually an exciting time of year for parents and students, yet we have heard from many of you who are concerned about a change in law that has resulted in the removal of School Resource Officers (SROs) from middle and high schools across Minnesota.
To date, dozens of school districts will no longer employ SROs including Anoka-Hennepin, Moorhead, Willmar, St. Cloud, Mankato, and others.??I am proud that Lakeville Police and our school district have decided to proceed, despite the liability concerns that Democrats have imposed on them. THANK YOU!!??The anti-police crowd wants SROs out of the schools.
The change in law intentionally restricts the type of de-escalation tactics SROs, teachers, and staff can use when dealing with a violent student, like breaking up a fight. Because of the changes, law enforcement and school staff are now exposed to new legal and civil liabilities. Teachers are there to educate and shouldn?t have this extra burden put on them.
Safety and security for students, teachers, and staff are a top priority and school districts should be able to employ SROs without fear of criminal and civil consequences.
The legislature could provide a fix to the problem so that districts that have removed SROs can bring them back again. The bad news is that only Gov. Walz has the authority to convene a special session and the extreme Democrats in the House are against it. However, just this week, Gov. Walz seemed to be open to the idea of a special session, so be sure to contact him and urge him to do so.
The Star Tribune agrees with House Republicans that a special session is needed. An opinion piece from their Editorial Board said, ?Without delay, the governor should call on the Legislature to briefly reconvene and revise the statute that is causing some law enforcement agencies to pull student resource officers (SROs) from schools.? You can?read more from that piece here. To me, the solution is to repeal the newly passed language and revert to the previous authority for SROs in law, period.
Stay tuned on this as it appears momentum is building toward a special session to fix the problem created by Democrats? backroom lawmaking. This provision should have been vetted in the Public Safety Committee so that we could receive input from law enforcement, schools, and parents. Unfortunately, it never received that hearing.
Supporting Seniors and Aiding Nursing Homes
On another note, last week I toured The Moments Memory Care Center in Lakeville to learn more about the challenges facing the long-term care industry and to visit with residents including calling a game of bingo!
This month, nursing homes have started to receive part of the $300 million in state aid that I supported, and the Legislature provided last May.
The funding is a step toward stabilizing Minnesota?s struggling long-term care industry, with many nursing homes closing across the state and others on the financial brink. Some families are waiting months and looking up to four hours away to find a safe place for loved ones.
Nursing homes and long-term care facilities provide excellent care to residents and families in our communities. Unfortunately, many have struggled in recent years because of workforce shortages and increasing operating costs.
Last week?s visit was a great opportunity to visit with residents and staff to learn about ways we can continue to support their work. The Moments, Kingsley Shores, The Fountains and others do great work supporting and caring for seniors in our community. Thank you for what you do.
Kwik Trip Grand Opening
It was exciting to attend the grand opening for the new Kwik Trip in Elko New Market! Welcome to the community!
Kwik Trip is more than a convenient stop for good eats, it helps fuel future economic growth and supports our community.
Staying in Touch
While the session is over, the work of fighting for you doesn?t stop. Do not hesitate to contact our office if we can be of any assistance to you or your family.
Please share this Koznick Connection with neighbors who would be interested. They can?sign up for future Koznick Connections here.?
I look forward to seeing many of you around town or at the North / South games this week. Make sure to say hello!
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Jon Koznick
State Representative
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