To the editor:

The Veterans Restorative Justice Act came up for a vote in the most recent special session of the Minnesota Legislature. The bipartisan bill, which had support from a number of national veteran’s organizations, would have expanded veteran’s courts throughout Greater Minnesota. It also would create alternative sentencing options for veterans with service-connected mental health conditions who commit lower-level crimes.

Every single Minnesota senator voted to pass this. It passed in the Minnesota Senate 67-0. Everyone agreed this a good idea. It went to the House and looked like they were finally going get some things done. But then at the last minute, House Republicans decided to play games and added amendments to the bill. Without enough time to read through the amendments, the bill died when the special session ended.

This was politics at its worst. What role did Chris Swedzinski play in this? We don’t know because he hasn’t commented on it. He needs to be held accountable for all the times he has contributed to the gridlock in St. Paul. Let’s elect folks who are transparent. Please vote for Doria Drost for our next Representative.

Abbie Menze

Marshall