Dear Friends,
It was another busy week in St. Paul as the legislature now has a month to go until final adjournment. Much of our work is now focused on assembling, debating, and passing our supplemental budget and policy bills.
While much of our time is still being spent in committee hearings, I am always pleased to visit with local folks who take time to visit with me at the Capitol. Last week I was visited by a number of local teachers. Thank you for all you do educating our youth and strengthening our community!
Last year, the legislature made a significant investment in schools across Minnesota. This year, the House has put together a supplemental K-12 education bill that continues to build on last year’s successes.
Included in this year’s bill is a provision I authored that ends a fundamental disparity in revenue between metro and non-metro school districts.
In addition to this, the bill contains exciting and innovative ways to deliver broadband access to students through grant programs. Inner city, suburban, and rural districts can use the grants to purchase mobile hotspots for student use on buses and in schools.
Finally, our bill looks to address the teacher shortage in greater Minnesota by looking to attract and retain the best teachers for our students.
Staying in Touch
As is the case most Saturdays, I will be on legislative review this Saturday on KWLM. I encourage you to tune in!
I really enjoyed visiting with folks at the Sunburg Cafe this morning as we discussed roads, broadband, taxes and even presidential campaigns. I hope to return soon!
Also a reminder that Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center will be holding an Earth Day event from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm tomorrow morning.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or comments! I can be reached by phone at 651-296-6206 or via email at rep.dave.baker@house.mn.
Have a great weekend!
Dave