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Becca Dair @beccadair.bsky.social · 20d

Latz dismisses the working group sounding a bit defeated.

Becca Dair @beccadair.bsky.social · 20d

Latz - “sounds like there may be some bipartisan consensus for moving forward with fleshing out” Mathews’ proposal. No other GOP proposals offered.

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Becca Dair @beccadair.bsky.social · 20d

Says we have to take a holistic approach - “an integrated web of policies that focus on harm reduction.” There are things we can do to reduce risk & harm. “We also have to talk about the guns.”

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Becca Dair @beccadair.bsky.social · 20d

Westlin says we need to look at research to ensure we’re not engaging in “security theater”. research shows rate of death almost 3x greater in schools with an armed guard present. Shes not opposed to the idea for schools that want it. But it isn’t the end-all-be-all.

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Becca Dair @beccadair.bsky.social · 20d

Boldon is open to school security efforts & mental health funding. Says she is open to the concept & wants to keep discussing. BUT doesn’t want to walk away from the working group without addressing GUNS.

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Becca Dair @beccadair.bsky.social · 20d

Says quicker response time could save lives. I’d like to point out that less lethal weapons would also save lives. If response time is the issue, wouldn’t weapon firing rate also be an issue???

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Becca Dair @beccadair.bsky.social · 20d

Latz offers Mathews an opportunity to present his proposal. Mathews says it’s simple & doesnt require having language formed yet. Suggests legislature consider having funding available for any school in the state to have an SRO.

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Becca Dair @beccadair.bsky.social · 20d

Mohamed reminds the panel that she is a survivor of war and of gun violence. Latz recognizes no consensus on the ban proposal.

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Becca Dair @beccadair.bsky.social · 20d

Latz says he wants it to be a bipartisan issue. Heintzman asks why some members of DFL caucus would object. Latz admits in 2023 or 2024 they didn’t have 34 strong, but wants this to be bipartisan. Mohamed pushes back on previous GOP comments.

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Becca Dair @beccadair.bsky.social · 20d

Says DFL could’ve passed this bill when they had majority, but now they’re blaming GOP. Heintzman asks if DFL is 34 strong on the issue; if yes why didn’t they pass it; if no why would any DFL object?

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Becca Dair @beccadair.bsky.social · 20d

I just struggle to understand why we wouldn’t want to make it harder for people to get ahold of guns to massacre people. Its mind-numbing to hear these arguments.

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Becca Dair @beccadair.bsky.social · 20d

Says the weapon he carried in war isn’t the same as the gun he has in his safe, and anyone who doesn’t understand that should go take a class. He doesn’t believe Mohamed’s bill will make changes. Those who are law abiding don’t do those things.

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Becca Dair @beccadair.bsky.social · 20d

Howe says Sen Mohamed’s statements really really upset him. His son went through a school shooting & was deeply affected. He says he’s calmed down from a few minutes ago. Still heated though.

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Becca Dair @beccadair.bsky.social · 20d

Mathews making disingenuous statements. Says states with this ban have had gun deaths since implementing (I mean, duh. No one is saying this would end gun violence. Ban was specifically proposed stating it won’t end deaths but would reduce devastation).

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Becca Dair @beccadair.bsky.social · 20d

Mathews pushes back on Mohamed’s comments about GOP not caring or what their motivations are. Says someone can get around it. But I think there’s a point to be made here that “shortening the fuse”, as a DFL member said, has value. I lock my bike up even though I know someone could use bolt cutters.

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Becca Dair @beccadair.bsky.social · 20d

Says he has no issue with mohamed bringing it up & is glad for the opportunity to talk about it, but he can’t support it.

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Becca Dair @beccadair.bsky.social · 20d

Brings up the school in Lakeville that was “hardened”, says that should be our priority.

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Becca Dair @beccadair.bsky.social · 20d

“I would do anything for my children or my neighbors children. I just don’t think this bill is gonna do what you think it’s gonna do” - Draheim

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Becca Dair @beccadair.bsky.social · 20d

Draheim - “nice discussion, I appreciate it” seems to be trying to play the nice guy. but says the devils in the detail & there are problems with the bill regarding constitutionality. Says in his district the majority of the emails (100:1) are in opposition of this bill.

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Becca Dair @beccadair.bsky.social · 20d

Says that the GOP won’t act because they don’t care about protecting citizens, only care about power. She is speaking directly to Minnesotans. Asking the public to speak up. “What will you tell the mother who goes home to her child who has nightmares about what happened.”

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Becca Dair @beccadair.bsky.social · 20d

She thanks everyone who is pushing for action. Mohamed thanks everyone who spoke Monday & to the families who suffered through this tragedy. 60% of Americans support a ban on assault weapons. Says that this body won’t act unless the public does. Makes a plea for the public.

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Becca Dair @beccadair.bsky.social · 20d

Boldon referencing Annunciation parent testimony & those from healthcare workers who spoke on the devastation these weapons cause to small bodies. She asks members to try to put themselves in the situation of Annunciation parents & what they would think then.

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Becca Dair @beccadair.bsky.social · 20d

reponse to concept of hardening schools - not shown to lower risk, puts some kids at higher risk, has mental health impacts. “We’re in a moral moment & I have moral clarity about what we need to do” - Westlin

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Becca Dair @beccadair.bsky.social · 20d

The audience is pretty desperate for this bill. I’m struggling to hear DFL’s pleas & see the absolute apathy from the GOP.

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Becca Dair @beccadair.bsky.social · 20d

Gustafson saying we have to address guns, and this bill wont prevent a shooting but CAN limit damage from shootings.

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