Neighbors,
The legislative session has begun to ramp up, and we have had several late nights at the Capitol as we work to prioritize your needs and ensure a clear future for our state.
Creating a Bright Future for Our Students
Last night, we passed HF2 on the House floor. Like many of you know firsthand, a good education is the building block for future success. Our bill allows school districts to put students first by ensuring that the best teachers are in each classroom. We believe that school districts function best when they are able to create individualized standards for teacher retention and layoffs, rather than relying on seniority. Our bill gives school districts the freedom to implement their own policies. Additionally, our bill increases the pool of quality teachers by allowing school districts the opportunity to hire subject matter experts out of the community, and fast-track licensure for out-of-state teachers that have the desire to teach in our schools. I’m confident that this bill contains good policies that will secure our student’s right to a quality education in every district and every classroom.
Transportation Bill Heard in Taxes
HF710, my transportation bill, had its second hearing in Tax committee yesterday. My colleagues and I in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle believe that it is time to deliver on a transportation promise made seven years ago in the 2008 transportation plan. We can target funding for Greater Minnesota and five suburban counties by reallocating revenue from the Motor Vehicle Lease Tax to county roads and regional bus systems in Greater MN. We can increase funding in these areas without raising taxes or increasing fees. This bill is being considered as a part of a larger transportation package for the biennium. I’m looking forward to further discussion on my bill and its inclusion in a final transportation package. Here is a quick article that mentions the lease revenue from my bill under consideration.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Lakeville North Boys Hockey on your undefeated season! It has been fun to follow the season and keep an eye on the game from the floor session on Thursday night. Awesome job! Good luck in the rest of the Minnesota State High School Hockey League tournament. You’ve made us especially proud, as we are of all our students.
Please contact my office to discuss your thoughts on the legislation presented before the House. I often reserve time on Fridays to meet in Lakeville, and I would be honored to tour your business or meet with your group. You can schedule an appointment to meet with me by calling my office at (651) 296-6926, or by emailing me directly at rep.jon.koznick@house.mn.
Go Lakeville!
Rep. Jon Koznick