Politics & Government
MN Legislature Sends $4.3 Million To Attorney General's Office
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said the funding is needed to hire more full-time criminal prosecutors.
ST. PAUL, MN — The Minnesota House on Monday night passed legislation that will send $4.3 million in state funding to Attorney General Keith Ellison’s Office.
Ellison, who has pushed for the funding since his first term in office, says the money will go to hiring seven more full-time criminal prosecutors. The prosecutors will be able to assist county attorneys on especially complex or large criminal cases.
"The final passage of this bill is a long time coming. It is a yes to county attorneys, communities, and victims who need justice and closure," Ellison said in a news release.
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"With these resources, I’m looking forward to greatly expanding our partnership and helping them bring more justice to our communities."
Republican opponents said language in the bill was too vague and should have been specific for violent and financial crimes.
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Chair Moller, if the funds had been specified for crime, I would 100% be a Yes vote. The vague language, “related initiatives” broadens the AG’s discretion. I just wish the bipartisanship you allow in Public Safety was also displayed on the floor for this bill.
— Elliott Engen (@elliottengenMN) February 7, 2023
The measure ultimately passed with rare bipartisan support by a vote of 73-55. It had already passed the Senate by a vote of 35-32.
Gov. Tim Walz is expected to sign the measure into law.
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