Legislative Update
Friends,
I want to update you on a few important issues that I was addressing in the legislature this week, especially those related to taxpayer dollars and public safety.
Protecting Taxpayer Dollars: No More Free Phones for Inmates
One of the most frustrating and frankly ridiculous things I’ve come across this session is the $6 million taxpayer-funded program that provides free phones to inmates. Yes, you read that correctly -- $6 million a year. Even if we provided every inmate with their own personal iPhone, it’s hard to imagine how that could cost $6 million. This is money that could be better spent elsewhere on education, healthcare, or public safety, for example.
To address this, I authored House File 2812, which aims to remove this unnecessary program and stop the misuse of taxpayer dollars.
But wait, there’s more!
It’s come to my attention that, in addition to this $6 million dollar phone program, my colleagues in the DFL are working on legislation that would provide taxpayer-funded video conferencing calls for inmates. One can only imagine what the addition of video capabilities would cost Minnesota.
This would only add to the unnecessary financial burden we already face. We need to focus on making government more efficient, not on giving away unnecessary perks to individuals who are serving time.
Taking Action on Public Safety: Combating Human Trafficking
In addition to fighting wasteful spending, I’m also pleased to share that a bill I coauthored to establish an anti-human trafficking task force had its first reading this Thursday in the House Committee on Public Safety, marking an important step forward in the legislative process. Human trafficking is a hidden epidemic that impacts people in every community, from the largest cities to the most rural areas.
This task force will work to raise awareness, strengthen law enforcement, and ensure that resources are available to support victims. It’s time to take real action against this crime, and I’m proud to be part of these efforts.
Let's Work Together
Thank you for your support. I will continue to work for the everyday Minnesotan, and to do so, I need to hear from you. Please feel free to reach out to me by phone, email, or through the link to my Facebook page below.
I hope you have a great weekend,
Terry Stier
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