Capitol Report: Penalties for Disruptive Protesting; Hiring Veterans

In the wake of recent protests and demonstrations in the Twin Cities, Republicans have authored several bills that would raise penalties for disruptive protesting. One bill would increase the charge for protesting on freeways, at airports, or blocking transit to a gross misdemeanor. Another bill would allow state agencies to sue protesters convicted of a crime for the recovery costs related to the demonstration. Hearings are underway in both the House and Senate, and Capitol Report Moderator Shannon Loehrke highlights the debate.

To delve into the issue further, Shannon talks with Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen, R-Alexandria, who is sponsoring who is sponsoring both bills in the Senate. Senator Dan Schoen, DFL-South St. Paul, is a law enforcement officer who has dealt with protestors. He also joins Shannon to offer his perspective on ways to best address disruptive protests.

Finally, According to data collected from 2011 through 2015 by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, the unemployment rate for Minnesota veterans is nearly 4.5 percent, though in some counties, it is as high as 15 percent. A bill moving through the House and the Senate would provide tax incentives for employers who hire military veterans. Senate Michael Goggin, R-Red Wing, author of the measure, discusses his proposal.