Hello from the State Capitol,
This week in the House judiciary finance committee, we heard several bills that would ensure that our kids – from infants on up – are safe from potential abuse at childcare facilities.
Some of the provisions include background study requirements for childcare providers, requiring childcare centers to use video security cameras to monitor infants and toddlers, and requiring childcare centers to retain footage for 60 days after the recording.
Yesterday, a 23-year-old woman pleaded guilty to malicious punishment of a child under 4 years and third-degree assault after she was caught on tape slamming, shoving and dragging children at a daycare in Blaine last year.
99% of providers at daycare facilities are wonderful, caring individuals. But we do need to have measures in place to protect our babies when someone from that 1% loses control for whatever reason. These bills help address that need.
REPORT FRAUD AT MNFRAUD.COM
Addressing the fraud problem in our state has been a top priority for House Republicans this session. That’s why we introduced a new, secure website for whistleblowers to confidentially report suspected fraud within Minnesota state government this week.
MNFraud.com is designed specifically to collect tips from individuals who have firsthand knowledge of waste, fraud, or abuse in state agencies or publicly funded programs. Information submitted through the site is reviewed by the staff of the House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee. The information, including the identities of whistleblowers, is protected much as it would be on a secure-payment processing website.
To date, nearly $700 million in fraud has been uncovered in Minnesota, and there is likely much more waiting to be discovered. If you have knowledge of fraud in this state, please visit www.MNFraud.com and share your story.
SAVE OUR SCHOOLS
Governor Walz recently updated his budget recommendations, which includes $200 million in cuts to K-12 Education.
I spoke with the superintendent of Anoka-Hennepin School District, who tells me Walz's budget would cost the district around $20 million over two years.
This week, a Capitol press conference was held in support of saving our schools from the overbearing government mandates approved by Democrat leadership and Governor Walz last session. Schools are in crisis mode due to these mandates, as many are laying off teachers and staff to avoid going into debt.
House Republicans are offering a number of solutions that wouldn’t cost a dime. They include allowing schools (with school board approval) to delay implementation of some or all of the new mandates for up to three years so we can get a handle on these struggles; allowing schools to temporarily transfer funds between budget accounts; finding common sense efficiencies within the Minnesota Department of Education and funneling those dollars to our schools for students; and creating opportunities for schools to innovate locally.