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Corrections Capital Day

MACPO would like to thank all of the sponsors, representatives, and attendees of this years Capital Day. 

February 13^th, 2020 was a successful Capital Day 2020.   MACPO co-sponsored the day with MCA, MACCAC, MARRCH.   There were 100 people that attended, and 5 State Representative come and speak. Cal Saari, MCA Legislative Liaison did a great job moderating the event.  

Thank you, Commissioner Paul Schnell, for his opening remarks with the theme of “Working Together” was a great start to the morning.

 Representative Brian Johnson (District 32A - Cambridge area) followed taking about his role on the Public Safety Committee where they have many bills being introduced.  He specifically talked about the 5-year cap on probation terms and the support and benefit many see in the bill.  It will be heard in Public Safety but does not think it will get a hearing in the Senate.  He also spoke about early discharge from probation and his support of it.

Representative Wolgamottl (District 14B, St. Cloud district) is the Vice Chair House Corrections Subcommittee made a strong point to be in favor of recruit, retention, and wellness of prison staff.  The prison staff need more funding.  The support of the recreated Ombuds person for corrections, support of the reform in sentencing guidelines probation reform, mental health, and the need for bonding bill that supports facility infrastructure.

Representative  Dave Pinto (District 64 B, St. Paul) as part of the Public Safety Committee was in favor of sentencing caps.  He is also part of the Early Childhood finance and policy committee and spoke to increases needed in funding for early childhood program and relating that to that is one of the biggest things we can do for our children to help them be successful and not enter the criminal justice system.

Representative Marion O’Neill (District 29B, Maple Lake) encouraged all persons in the room to connect with their local legislators as that is how they learn and educate themselves on issues.  She also supports the early childhood funding as an early intervention and helps children be successful.  She is on the the Corrections Committee and public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform committees.  She supports sentencing and probation reform, as well as, alternatives to incarnation especially with short term offenders on parole violations.  Noting, sending them back to the prison for short terms does not accomplish them getting treatment or mental health assistance as they are not there long enough. 

Representative Jack Considine Jr (District 19B, Mankato) supported the cap on probation and was very interested in seeing more mental health support and services for institution staff.

We heard from Nancy Haas, MACPO Lobbyist, covering her thoughts on the session and MACPO goals for this fast-moving session.  Also, we were introduced to the NEW OMBUDS PERSON for Corrections, Mark Haas.   This is a newly reinstated department and Mark described what he and his staff’s responsibilities are and vision for the department.  Midge Christensen, MACCAC President, spoke about MACCAC goals for the session, funding for field services being first and foremost.  Gina from Teen Challenge brought her energy on recovery and working together.  The MAACH sponsor, John Magnussen updated us on their organization and their efforts in school inked substance use disorder grants and treatment paperwork reduction.  Jane Schmidt, MCA Juvenile Justice Committee talked about efforts to change the juvenile life without parole statute, need for more juvenile diversions, programs to address cultural issues.  Also invited all to attend the MCA Juvenile Justice Conference, April 23, 2020, at Maplewood Community Center.  Lastly, Deputy Commissioner Curtis Shank spoke with a theme of “working together in collaboration”. 

Congratulations to our 2019 MACPO Scholarship Winner

Ashley Brethorst

Ashley is a senior at College of Saint Benedict, majoring in Sociology.