Dear Friends,
Today legislators received an update on Minnesota's budget situation. The February forecast from the Minnesota Management and Budget Office revealed that Minnesota has a $1.869 billion surplus for the 2016-2017 budget cycle. It's good to see continued improvement and strength from Minnesota's economy. We have to remember that it's the hard work of Minnesota taxpayers, not government, that generated this surplus.
Now it's time for legislators to get to work crafting our budget for the next two years. We will be looking at ways to invest in priorities like roads and bridges, long-term care and nursing homes, as well as ways to give families some of their hard-earned tax dollars back to them in the form of tax relief.
I will keep you updated on the budget situation as it moves forward in the next several weeks.
Addressing Minnesota's Teacher Shortage
This week I introduced legislation aimed at addressing Minnesota's teacher shortage. School districts across Minnesota are struggling to find licensed teachers to fill open positions in certain subject areas, and there's a shortage of special education teachers that impacts schools not only in Greater Minnesota, but the Metro as well.
We need to do more to attract quality teachers to all parts of Minnesota. Students deserve a well-rounded education, and unfortunately with the existing teacher shortage, some students don't have the same opportunities as students with fully-staffed schools in other districts.
My bill would offer student loan forgiveness to teachers for up to five years who teach in areas identified as "teacher shortage areas" by the Commissioner of Education. I'm proud to have a great group of bipartisan co-authors on this bill.
KTTC featured my bill earlier this week on the evening news. You can watch the story by clicking here or on the image below.
FFA Students
It was great to visit with several FFA groups from around District 27A at the Capitol yesterday. FFA students are our future leaders in farming and agriculture, and it's great to see so many students engaged and active in FFA activities.
Congratulations to Albert Lea Wrestling
The Albert Lea Wrestling Team finished their season yesterday as the runners-up for the state class 2A championship, ending the season with a 35-2 record. Congratulations to all the wrestlers, coaches, and families on an incredible season that has been a great source of pride for our community.
Pizza with Peggy
I will be holding a listening session at Jake's Pizza in Wells on Saturday, March 07 from 12:00PM-1:30PM. I hope you'll consider stopping by to share your thoughts on session so far, and what issues are on your mind. I plan to hold additional listening sessions in other parts of the district in the coming weeks.
You can find full details, RSVP (not required), and invite your friends to the event on my Facebook page here.
Hawthorne Elementary Visit
Today I was the mystery reader for Mrs. Shahan's first grade classroom at Hawthorne Elementary School in Albert Lea. I not only enjoyed reading a book to the class, but also had a great time teaching them about the Minnesota flag, including the Great Seal of MN. It was so fun for me to be with the kids. It not only brings back good memories of my teaching years, but also reminds me of the greatest influence in what motivated me to want to serve in the Legislature in the first place - our children. There is nothing more precious!
Stay in Touch
I always am interested in hearing your feedback, comments, and questions. Your emails, phone calls, and conversations help me better represent our community. Email me at any time at rep.peggy.bennett@house.mn or call 651-296-8216. You can also stay connected with me on Facebook by liking my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/reppeggybennett or follow me on Twitter at @PeggyABennett.
Have a great weekend!
Peggy Bennett
State Representative, District 27A