Dear Neighbors,
This week I had the opportunity to speak with a teacher from our area who was visiting the Capitol with Education Minnesota. We agreed on the need to give Minnesota children a world-class education, but we had some different ideas on how to achieve that. Education Minnesota is asking for an additional $4.3 billion on top of the $19 billion already allocated to schools over this biennium. While I’m not opposed to increased funding for education, even if we use the entire $1 billion surplus, it leaves $3.3 billion unfunded. When I asked the teacher how to fund the rest, her response was to raise taxes another 5-6 percent. Minnesota is already one of the highest taxed states in the nation, and I believe raising taxes even more is the wrong way to address this issue.
I believe a better way to improve schools is to give parents a real choice on where their kids go to school rather than potentially forcing them into a failing school based on where they live. I also think we should allow opportunity scholarships so kids could go to a nonpublic school if that was a better fit for them. Education Minnesota opposes both of those ideas. I want to hear from you – do you believe our schools are underfunded? If so, how would you address it?
On Wednesday, Governor Walz gave his State of the State address. In it, he told a lot of stories, but didn’t include any policy. He talked about compromise, but it seems he would prefer that everyone else compromise to his position instead. It is so disappointing to see how far to the left this administration has run since the election. I hope Governor Walz decides to represent all of Minnesota instead of just the far left during negotiations at the end of this legislative session.
Today on the House floor, we will be voting on a bill to give illegal aliens driver’s licenses. This bill is problematic for many reasons. The bill normalizes breaking the law by being here illegally, it prohibits sharing information regarding whether a person is here illegally with law enforcement, and enables employers to continue illegal hiring practices. We need policies that are consistent with the laws of this country instead of creating more loopholes that encourage breaking the law.
Please Contact Me
If you ever have comments, questions, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government, please feel free to contact me. I can be reached via phone at 651-296-3201 or by email at rep.mary.franson@house.mn.
It’s an honor to represent the best!
