Dear Neighbors,
The 2024 legislative session is officially underway, and I am looking forward to another busy year representing you, your family, and our communities in St. Paul.
As a results-oriented legislator, I remain committed to fighting against extreme political agendas and bringing people together to strike a balance in state government that keeps Minnesota moving forward.
Last session was a cornucopia of the majority party’s agenda that far-too-often missed the mark of serving people, in favor of bigger government. Minnesotans are feeling the impacts of this one-sided overreach and are left wondering what’s going on. How can the legislature have spent the $18 billion dollar surplus and increased taxes by $10 billion, but there’s no relief for seniors, wages for childcare, disability services are not better, and school budgets are worse off?
It's unbelievable that we now face a projected budget deficit. It’s irresponsible, and it’s clear that we need balance in St. Paul now more than ever.
I will continue to provide that balance and common sense we need in state government while advocating for the priorities of our community.
Building Strong Schools
Earlier this week, I joined with my Suburban Solutions Caucus colleagues in unveiling the first pillar of our education proposal. The legislative package includes House File 3553, authored by Rep. Ben Bakeberg, providing more flexibility in funding for schools. House File 4007, authored by Rep. Andrew Myers, increasing the special-education cross-subsidy by 6%, bringing it to a full 50%, and House File 3808, authored by myself, which provides an opportunity for teachers to retire at 62 years old.
Through the many conversations we have had with educators around the state, it became clear that the education policy approach of last session, which included new mandates on schools and educators, has resulted in significant challenges for both. Academic excellence is driven by good schools and good teachers. Flexible funding empowers good schools, and certainty around retirement benefits helps attract and retain teachers to the profession. Our proposal is a commonsense approach to addressing many of the needs we have heard about first-hand from the boots on the ground.
Our next pillar is focused on empowering families with more options for dependent care that will directly impact the cost of childcare and partner with providers, allowing them to innovate and drive down the cost of care.
Staying in Touch
Stay tuned for more updates on what’s happening at the legislature in the days and weeks ahead.
Until then, please be sure to contact me to share your questions, comments, and concerns. I can be reached at 651-296-4315 or rep.danny.nadeau@house.mn.gov.
Have a good day,
Danny