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St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - Waseca Police Officer Arik Matson made an appearance at the Minnesota Capitol this morning.

Matson, who is continuing his recovery from a nearly fatal shooting a year ago, was on hand at a press conference to show his support for a piece of legislation that would toughen the sentences for people convicted of attempted first-degree murder of a police officer, judge, prosecutor, or correctional officer. Under existing state law, the recommended sentence is 20 years in prison with an opportunity for release after serving two-thirds of the prison term. State Senator John Jasinski of Faribault and State Representative John Petersburg of Waseca, who are both Republicans, today introduced a bill that would make the crime punishable by a sentence of life in prison with the possibility of release after 30 years behind bars.

Matson was joined by his wife Megan at today's State Capitol press conference. “Every day gets a little easier for our family, and we appreciate the support of the community as we move along in our journey. This legislation will help make sure law enforcement members and their families will have the full support of the justice system with them when a person tries to keep that law enforcement officer from ever seeing their family again.”

The man convicted of shooting and critically wounding Officer Matson is currently serving consecutive sentences that total 35 years in prison for his conviction on two counts of first-degree attempted murder.

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