REBUTTAL - Wynia
Ann Wynia (wynia@Free-Net.Mpls-StPaul.MN.US)
Fri, 4 Nov 1994 17:56:12 -0600 (CST)
Preventing and reducing the incidence of crime in Minnesota was a top priority
for me while serving in the Minnesota legislature. I believe my record speaks
for itself. Following are some of the measures I supported during my tenure in
the legislature:
* H.F. 59, the Omnibus Crime Bill, increased penalties for murder and
criminal sexual conduct, allows courts to increase sentences given to dangerous
offenders, pattern sex offenders and career criminals, and increased maximum
statutory sentences for child abuse, parental kidnapping and manslaughter, in
addition to toughening penalties for many other crimes.
* H.F. 700, the Bias Crime Bill, increased maximum penalties for crimes
committed because of the victim's race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, physical or mental disability, or national origin.
* H.F. 1754, expanding the rights of crime victims, by allowing victims to
recover restitution ordered in juvenile delinquency proceedings, the costs of
returning an abducted child to their home, the proceeds of commercial
exploitation of a crime, and requiring prosecutors to notify a domestic assault
victim of a decision not to prosecute the case.
* H.F. 1923, providing that persons convicted of theft will be liable to
the owner of the property for the value of the property plus up to 100% of the
value in punitive damages.
* H.F. 704, requiring the courts to impound the license plates and
registration certificates of any motor vehicle owned or leased by an individual
who is convicted of three DWI's within a five-year period, or a fourth DWI
conviction within a ten-year period.
* H.F. 350, extending the statute against third-degree murder to include
causing the death of another by illegally selling, giving, or administering
illegal drugs.
* H.F. 147, expanding the crime of witness tampering to include attempts to
coerce a person to testify falsely, or to give false information to law
enforcement.
* H.F. 593, increasing penalties for "white collar" criminal offenses, such
as theft by fraud, swindle, false representation, medical assistance fraud and
credit card fraud.
* H.F. 200, strengthening child abuse investigations by requiring that oral
reports of abuse be followed within 72 hours by full written reports, and
requiring that local law enforcement agencies and local welfare agencies
coordinate their investigation activities.
* H.F. 277, expanding the requirement that professionals in health,
education, child care, law enforcement and social service report child abuse or
neglect that they know or have reason to know of, to any such abuse or neglect
within the preceding three years.
Congressman Grams points out that "Above all, the federal government can and
should play a role in controlling crime."
Unfortunately, my opponent voted against the recently passed crime bill -- the
toughest crime bill to come before Congress in decades. It toughens penalties
such as the three strikes and you're out provisions, it calls for juvenile boot
camps, more cops on the streets, the Jacob Wetterling missing children act, the
anti-violence against women act, and tough prevention programs.
Congressman Grams goes on to point out that he voted against the bill because it
contained numerous duplicative social welfare programs. These crime prevention
programs may be "social welfare" to Congressman Grams, but where I live they
save lives, make neighborhoods safer, and keep families together.
If elected, I will continue to work for the safety of all Minnesotans.
Ann Wynia
DFL U.S. Senate Candidate