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Politics Friday
Mike Mulcahy and Maja Beckstrom

Politics Friday with Mike Mulcahy: Two lawmakers share their views on tackling crime

A collage of two portraits, side by side.
Rep. Carlos Mariani (left), DFL-St. Paul, chair of the Minnesota House Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Committee and Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Jeremy Miller, R-Winona.
Courtesy of Minnesota Legislature file

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Violent crime is up in Minnesota and on the minds of politicians. 

The number of murders in the state set a record in 2020, according to the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Arson, armed carjackings and bias crimes also increased. 

In 2021, the city of St. Paul set a record for murders, while Minneapolis nearly matched one. And Minneapolis reported more than 600 carjackings — up from 388 the year before.

So what's driving the increase and what should be done about it? Proposals are being debated at the Minnesota Capitol and crime will likely be a big issue going into the November election campaigns. DFL leaders in the House have proposed increased funding for crime prevention, including community policing and opioid response. Republican leaders are focused on longer prison sentences and boosting the ranks of police with scholarships and retention bonuses. 

Friday at noon, politics editor Mike Mulcahy talked with two top lawmakers about their approach to addressing crime and whether they can find common ground. Plus, a conversation about this week’s forecast showing a $9.25 billion projected budget surplus with MPR News reporters Brian Baskt and Tim Pugmire. 

Guests: 

  • Rep. Carlos Mariani, DFL-St. Paul, chair of the Minnesota House Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Committee.

  • Senate Majority Leader Jeremy Miller, R-Winona.

Use the audio player above to listen to the program.