Neighbors,
We finished our work on time and with great bipartisanship, taking the lead on many issues that impact our community and our children’s future.
We passed reforms that give control back to local governments, protect constitutional rights, and provide quality care for our elderly and vulnerable. Most importantly, we raised spending on education without raising taxes, and we held the line on Governor Dayton and the DFL’s gas tax increase.
Several of my provisions have been signed into law by the governor, including an act that will ensure that all custody and parenting time decisions reached by the courts are in the best interests of the child, and more strongly take into consideration the role of both mom and dad in their children’s lives. I have worked on this legislation for several years, and am thankful to the governor and my colleagues for their support. Governor Dayton also signed several bills that I coauthored.
The governor has vetoed our E-12 Education, Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, and Jobs and Energy omnibus bills. These were good bipartisan bills with strong provisions for our district and our state.
In particular, I am disappointed by Governor Dayton’s veto of our E-12 Education budget. Our budget included an average funding increase of $205 per pupil, along with reforms that would help us attract and retain quality teachers. Governor Dayton vetoed our bill over pre-K funding; however, we provided additional funds in our budget for pre-K scholarships and school readiness programs – giving parents and students options for pre-K programming. Yesterday, Speaker Daudt toured a local private pre-K program with monetary policy analyst Art Rolnick, who noted that our plan of targeted pre-K scholarships is the best option for closing the achievement gap.
Due to Governor Dayton’s vetoes, we will be returning to St. Paul for a special session to tackle these issues. We will continue to work with bipartisanship at the forefront to guarantee legislation that puts Minnesota families first.
Lastly, I hope to see many of you at the Summer Concert Series at the Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park! I am looking forward to having the opportunity to hear local musicians and enjoy the great weather at the performance pavilion.
Please continue to stay in touch throughout the interim and as we return for a special session. You can reach me via phone at (651) 296-5813, or via email at rep.peggy.scott@house.mn.
Enjoy your week,
Rep. Peggy Scott