DFLers decry public safety cuts, but acknowledge similar past budgetary moves

Senate DFLers are upset with cuts contained in the public safety omnibus bill that’s slated for a vote on the Senate floor today. In particular, Democrats take issue with a 50 percent reduction in funding for the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and a $6.5 million transfer from the Fire Safety Account, which pays for firefighter training.

Sen. Ron Latz, of St. Louis Park, the ranking minority member of the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, predicted the cuts to the human rights agency would “begin the dismantling” of the department. “That’s unconscionable,” he said.

However, Latz acknowledged that DFLers similarly raided the Fire Safety Account last year to close the budget deficit. He blamed that action on Gov. Tim Pawlenty‘s unwillingness to support any tax increases. “We’re in a different situation now,” said Latz.