Minnesota lawmakers put early focus on public safety bills

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota lawmakers on both sides of the aisle started the first week back at the Capitol highlighting different ways to retain and recruit more police officers. House Democrats’ public safety package includes $44 million to fund the hiring of beat cops and bolster investigations, along with $40 million in grants for violence prevention by community groups. Senate Republicans rolled out their own $65 million public safety package on Thursday. It includes bonuses and scholarships aimed at retaining and recruiting police officers. House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler says House Democrats will announce a proposal focused on police retention and recruitment in the coming days.