SE Twin Cities

Minnesota State Representative Terry Stier (R-Belle Plaine) has called for bipartisan reforms to address public safety concerns in the state following a violent incident at Annunciation Church. Stier emphasized the need for practical solutions that address core issues such as mental health, school security, and accountability within the justice system.

“If we are serious about protecting Minnesotans, we need a multi-layered approach that deals with the real problems: untreated mental illness, gaps in school security, and a justice system that too often fails to hold repeat offenders accountable,” Stier said. “Simply pushing more gun restrictions might sound good in a press conference, but it does not stop evil people from committing these crimes.”

Stier outlined several measures he believes would improve public safety. These include expanding school safety funding to non-public schools—a step he says was overlooked when Democrats did not extend security funds beyond public institutions in 2023—and providing grants for school security enhancements such as those included in the SHIELD Act (HF 15). He also supports giving schools more flexibility in using existing funding for safety improvements and ensuring School Resource Officers are available to all schools.

Additionally, Stier advocates for changes to healthcare policy by repealing or amending prohibitions that restrict doctors’ medical judgment on certain issues. He calls for increased funding for mental health treatment facilities and implementing mandatory minimum sentences for repeat gun offenders and individuals who enable violent crimes through straw purchases.

“These are solutions that can earn broad support and make a real difference,” Stier continued. “Minnesotans deserve better than partisan fights and political theater. They deserve policies that protect families, support law enforcement, and hold criminals accountable.”

Stier concluded by expressing willingness to collaborate across party lines: “We can either keep scoring cheap political points or we can get serious about passing policies that will save lives. I’m committed to the latter.”