Weber critical of Democrats' public safety bill

District 21 Sen. Bill Weber is condemning Minnesota Senate Democrats' Public Safety budget bill as a "get out of jail free card" for criminals.

A Monday press release claims that the Democrats' bill makes thousands of criminals eligible for early release and reduces sentences for violent offenders. Amog other portions of the bill are funding for gun control measures and $91 million in funding to what Weber says are untested and unproven nonprofit organizations.

Said Weber, a Luverne Republican, in the press release: "One of the most fundamental responsibilities of government is ensuring the public's safety, yet this year's Public Safety budget does not achieve this objective. With many Minnesotans no longer feeling safe in their communities, we need to impose harsh consequences for violent crimes. Democrats, however, are continuing their soft-on-crime approach to crime: turning a blind eye to justice for victims. This legislation ultimately serves as a 'Get Out of Jail Free Card' to allow the early release for thousands of serious offenders."