(KNSI) — Governor Tim Walz Tuesday announced the state will tap into federal dollars for a $500 million public safety and gun-related violence prevention plan.
The money will come from the American Rescue Plan Act.
The plan includes $4 million for the Minnesota State Patrol and Department of Natural Resources Officers, which presented funding deficiencies to the legislature but were not funded before the end of the 2022 Legislative Session. Nearly $5 million will support the Department of Corrections to help with staffing shortages.
A press release from the governor’s office says they are still developing a statewide campaign to help prevent gun-related injuries and theft. In addition to a statewide education program helping gun owners learn how to properly store firearms, free cable gun locks will be distributed by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety at community events, including the Minnesota State Fair.
Thirty-one million dollars will go toward child care assistance, school-based mental health resources, food shelves and meal programs, diversity initiatives for school districts and charter schools, emergency housing, and workers’ compensation for first responders and healthcare employees.
“Regardless of what happens at the state legislature, I will continue working to address public safety and ensure Minnesota is the best state to live and raise a family,” said Governor Walz. “This funding will fill critical state law enforcement funding shortages and work prevent gun violence in communities across the state.”
The legislature failed to pass public safety funding packages during the 2022 session.
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