Rep. Pelowski Continues Call to Replenish State Patrol Fund

Rep. Gene Pelowski

(KWNO)-Rep. Gene Pelowski DFL-Winona is continuing a push to replenish funding for the state patrol.  

State Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington asked lawmakers for funding for 25 new troopers and their equipment this week. He said increased traffic fatalities caused by excessive speed make the situation more urgent. 

Pelowski pointed out that Minnesota had to import troopers from Ohio and Nebraska to help with security during the Derek Chauvin trial and unrest in Brookly Center following the shooting of Daunte Wright.  

Pelowski said the House overwhelmingly voted to replenish the fund. 

“We need to replenish that fund and we need to make sure it’s sustainable,” Pelowski said in an interview on KWNO’s In the Know Thursday. “We’ve had a number of law enforcement officials either quit or retire because of the events of last year. So, this is something that needs to be addressed.”  

Listen to the full interview with Rep. Gene Pelowski below.