Dear neighbors,
I hope that you were able to enjoy some time outdoors this weekend! I spent Saturday morning at the annual fishing opener in Albert Lea. It was a great opportunity to enjoy one of Minnesota’s many beautiful lakes and spend some time with my colleagues outside of the Capitol. Taking the time to get to know other legislators makes bipartisanship more successful.
John Traxler, a Mendota Heights resident and the CEO of Captain Ken’s Foods, has catered the Governor’s Fishing Opener fish fry for eighteen years.
Thank you to the many volunteers who made the fishing opener a success!
Budget Update
There’s just seven days remaining in the legislative session. Now that conference committees have been formed and started their work, the challenge is setting budget targets for each section.
Negotiations between Governor Walz and leaders from the House and Senate are ongoing. We’d hoped to reach an agreement early last week to ensure a timely and orderly end to the session, but Senate Republicans have rejected compromises from the House and the Governor without offering any of their own. I hope that they’ll stop digging their heels in soon so we can get our work done on time and deliver a budget that benefits all Minnesotans.
Meanwhile we’re making progress in conference committees. I’ve been following that progress closely so I can keep you updated and make sure that we reach the best compromises possible.
E-12 Education
The E-12 education budget is one of my top priorities because schools across the state are facing significant deficits. Without increased funding, schools will have to layoff teachers, increase class sizes, and cut programs or rely on operating levies and bond referendums that increase costs for local taxpayers.
The House E-12 education budget invests in every student in every public school by increasing per-pupil funding by three percent in 2020 and another two percent in 2021. Unfortunately, the Senate budget doesn’t do enough to invest in our students. In the next two years, funding for schools in South St. Paul would total $2,082,577 under the House budget and $406,019 under the Senate proposal. The West St. Paul – Mendota Heights – Eagan district would receive $3,010,414 if the House plan were adopted. If the Senate plan is passed, these schools will get $601,415. That won’t help schools keep up with inflation and rising costs.
Our House budget provides schools with the funding they need to support students inside and outside the classroom. It also includes more funding for special education, early learning, and student health and safety.
The Star Tribune published an article comparing the House and Senate E-12 education budgets. It’s available here.
Upcoming Events
I’ll be at the Capitol working for our community this weekend, but there’s a lot going on in our area! I encourage you to check out these great events.
West St. Paul Days
The annual Celebrate West St. Paul parade will begin at 1:00 p.m. this Saturday, May 18. The parade will start at Wentworth Avenue W. and travel north on Charlton Street towards Harmon Park. The Harmon Park Festival will kick off after the parade and continue till 10:00 p.m. There will be fireworks, music, bingo, concessions, displays, and more.
On Sunday, stop by the YMCA between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. for all-you-can-eat pancakes and a silent auction with donations from local businesses. Tickets to the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast are $6 for adults and $3 for children under 12. The proceeds go towards scholarships for local high school students and youth programs like the YMCA and Dodge Nature Center.
More information is available at www.celebrateweststpaul.org.
Stride for Packer Pride
The 11th annual South St. Paul Stride for Packer Pride is this Saturday. This 5K and fun run helps South St. Paul students who are unable to participate in extracurricular athletics and activities for financial reasons. Visit www.strideforpackerpride.com to register, volunteer, or make a donation.
When: Saturday, May 18 at 9 a.m.
Where: Central Square Community Center, 100 7th Avenue N., South St. Paul, MN 55075
Boy Scout Troup 95 Bike Sale
Boy Scout Troop #95 will hold their annual bike sale on Saturday. The proceeds from the sale support troop activities. This is a cash-only event.
When: Saturday, May 18 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: Bethesda Lutheran Church, 2855 47th Street E., Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
As always, I appreciate hearing from you. Please share your feedback or any questions you may have with me at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn or 651-296-6828.
Sincerely,
Rick Hansen
State Representative