Legislative UpdateHello friends, It has been a busy and eventful week at the Capitol as we continue making progress on key legislative matters. I want to take a moment to highlight some important upcoming deadlines that are guiding our work in committees. The first and second committee deadlines are rapidly approaching on April 4, followed by the third deadline on April 11. These deadlines mark the final opportunities for committees to take action on bills before our attention shifts to the budget. We are working hard to ensure that all necessary legislative business is completed on time. As we move forward, I will continue to share updates on our progress and the important issues advancing through the legislature. Education Press ConferenceYesterday, we held a press conference to discuss education, with a focus on Governor Walz's proposed funding cuts to our schools. These reductions move us in the wrong direction. Our focus remains on strengthening educational outcomes and ensuring students receive the support they need—goals that cannot be met by slashing school funding. Last session, numerous unfunded mandates were imposed, creating financial burdens that have made it harder for schools to function effectively. This has led to layoffs of teachers and staff, further straining an already challenging situation. Instead of cuts that jeopardize the future of our students and educators, we need real solutions that provide meaningful support for our schools.  Updates from the CapitolHF6 - Education Priority Bill. Although I am not the chief author, this bill is our most important and holistic education bill. This bill was heard in committee and tabled for future consideration. HF629 - Bonding for Blooming Prairie HF630 - Extension of Short-Call Substitute Teacher Program. This bill was laid over for possible future consideration. HF877 - Amending the Read Act. This bill was referred to Education Finance, and I am currently working with other representatives so that it will be ready for another hearing in the future. HF1128 - Requiring public high schools to participate in the direct admissions program. This bill was heard in Education Policy on Wednesday and refer to Higher Education. HF1170 - Bonding for the Minnesota BioImaging Center of the Hormel Institute HF1178 - Bonding for the Mower County FAARM program HF1381 - Out-of-field permissions exempted from limit on renewals HF1456 - Austin; local sales and use tax authorized HF1538 - Teacher apprenticeships funding provided, report required, and money appropriated. This bill was heard on Thursday in the Labor and Workforce Development Committee. It was laid over for further consideration at a later date. HF1959 - Teacher preparation program grant eligibility modified. This bill was laid over for possible consideration in the future. HF1960 - Displaced homemaker programs funding provided, and money appropriated. This bill was laid over for possible inclusion later in the session. HF2246 - Civic education grants funding provided, and money appropriated. For Youth in Government. HF2372 - Civic seal designation for high school students provided. This bill had a hearing on Tuesday in Education Policy. It was laid over for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill or further consideration in the future. |