Democrats are calling for quick action on police reform measures when Governor Tim Walz calls lawmakers back into special session likely on Friday. Senate Republican Majority Leader Paul Gazelka responded earlier that people should not expect reforms “to be done in the next week. We fully vet issues to make sure we get it right, because it’s not just for now. This is for a generation to come.” Democratic Senator Ron Latz from Saint Louis Park responds, “If his position is that he needs more time, well they’ve had three-and-a-half years and they’ve done nothing.”
Governor Tim Walz told Republican lawmakers last week as the Twin Cities reeled from riots, “You’re gonna get to see an opportunity… how serious people are about getting this done…. Yes or no, put your money where your mouth is and send it forward.”
Latz said to Gazelka, “I’m not particularly optimistic, but if he wants to show us good faith, then set forth a time line and a plan to give these proposals serious vetting that he claims needs to be done.” Republican leaders did not respond to a request for comment.