Dear Lakeville Friends,
Spring is finally here! I hope you have plans to spend some time outside with your family and friends. After another week of committee hearings and floor sessions in St. Paul, I know I’m looking forward to some fresh air and warm weather.
Student Discipline
A main point of discussion this year is focused on renewed efforts to improve student discipline procedures in our schools. There are proposals on both extreme sides of this issue, but I think it’s best to look for a middle ground. Rep. Jenifer Loon authored a bill, HF3679, to increase safety in schools, and improve discipline policies. The bill provides more authority to local districts and teachers, and creates safer working environments for staff. It’s important to keep kids in the classroom to learn, but we must also ensure our teachers are empowered to promote safety.
In a non-budget year, we’re looking to pass more policy provisions like this. We can build off last session where we made changes to teacher licensure to attract a greater number of experienced educators to Minnesota, added $525 million in new E-12 funding, and provided more early education scholarships to help lessen the achievement gap. I’m proud of these reforms, and look forward to continuing to work for our schools.
MNsure
One issue still creating headlines and headaches throughout the state is our healthcare exchange, MNsure. It was recently reported that MNsure failed to send out thousands of tax forms, delaying when Minnesotans could file their taxes. Since we’re in the middle of tax season, you can imagine how frustrating this must be. Because of the glitch, House Republicans launched a website where you can post any issues or comments related to MNsure. If you’ve had trouble with MNsure in the last year, feel free to contact my office, or share your experience here.
Girl Scout Visit
A highlight of working in St. Paul is visiting with residents from our area. Last week, Girl Scouts from Lakeville stopped by to visit me at the Capitol. It was a great experience to spend time with them and help them start to learn about the state Legislature.
If you have a group – especially students interested in the legislative process – who is interested in visiting my office, please contact me to schedule a date and time. I’d love to hear from you!
Sincerely,
Jon Koznick
State Representative, Lakeville, 58A