Neighbors, We are in our sixth week of the legislative session and the pace is steady, but we are accomplishing many items on our priority list. Here is my latest update from the Capitol: In the CommunityI met with Rochester teachers last week. Our discussion reinforced the challenges they face, and it was helpful to hear firsthand about their priorities. I was interested to talk to them about the House DFL proposals at the Capitol. I am deeply grateful for everything out educators do to work with our kids and give them the best education possible. On Friday, I met with folks from Madonna towers to hear about how the workforce shortage combined with rates for assistive living services on the elderly waiver are affecting residents and staff. I appreciate hearing directly from those who take such good care of our vulnerable neighbors – and those receiving the care.  My Committee ActionKIMT recently interviewed me for a story about HF18, legislation which would fully fund Minnesota’s special education cross-subsidy. Special Education services in Minnesota are under-funded by an estimated $780 million per year. When Congress initially passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) they committed to cover 40% of costs associated with Special Education, but they have never come close to meeting that commitment. Regardless, Minnesota school districts would still be short an estimated $128 million per year - the state’s share of the cross-subsidy. House File 18 would increase a school district’s annual cross-subsidy aid from 6.43% of their initial cross-subsidy to 100%. I am co-author of this bill. The non-partisan Session Daily featured a story about HF813, another bill I am authoring, to reduce chronic staffing shortages for direct support professionals. Here is a video clip of the bill presentation in the Human Services Policy Committee. Community ChatJoin me at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 11 to discuss the legislative session. I hope to see you there!  Stay Connected with the LegislatureIt is easy to stay connected to news from the State Capitol. The Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website. Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so call or email any time. You can find my information on my House website. You can also like my Facebook page, and follow me on Twitter. It is an honor to represent you at the State Capitol. Sincerely, Kim Hicks State Representative |