Dear Neighbors,
The first month of the 2024 legislative session is coming to an end as we wrap up the first week of March. As always it is an honor to represent you, your family, and our entire region in St. Paul, advocating for our shared values and priorities. Together we can continue to build a stronger and more prosperous Northland for us all. Thank you for your support!
School Resource Officer Update
On Monday, the Minnesota House of Representatives approved a bill to improve school safety after a change in the law last year resulted in school resource officers (SROs) being removed from many schools throughout the state including some here in the Northland.
The issue traces back to an omnibus education bill that was enacted in 2023 that imposed certain prohibitions on the use of force in schools and created legal ambiguity for SROs, thus opening them up to possible litigation. Because of that, many school districts across Minnesota pulled SROs from the middle and high schools.
I am pleased that we were able to come to a bipartisan solution to this issue so that schools across Minnesota and in our region can bring School Resource Officers back. While it is disappointing that it took this long to come to a resolution, I am nevertheless happy and proud to support this legislation that will help make sure Minnesota’s schools are safe and that students can learn in a comfortable environment.
Update on Helium Discovery
Last week, I shared the news that helium had been discovered by Pulsar at the Topaz Project site near Babbitt.
I encourage you to read articles in the Ely Echo and the Mesabi Tribune to learn more about the discovery.
This is great news for the region, and I have started to work with officials and stakeholders to make sure that helium drilling can proceed here in Northern Minnesota safely and effectively and I am hopeful that we can source this gas and process it right here in the Northland.
Local Visits
Thank you to the many local folks who visited St. Paul this week to advocate on behalf of the issues that matter most to you!
Silver Bay Mayor, Wade LeBlanc, visited St. Paul this week to meet with Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar and myself about city priorities for this year.
Had dinner and met with a group of Lake County and Northshore officials to discuss ways we can strengthen the region.
A delegation from Cook County visited to discuss the proposed solid waste transfer facility in Grand Marais. I am proud to carry this legislation and am working to make sure we secure this funding.
I attended a rally in support of teacher pension reform. Strong and stable pensions are important for current teachers and help recruit new teachers to the profession.
Staying in Touch
Please be sure to reach out to me or my office if you have any questions, or comments, or would like to discuss your priorities. You can call me at 651-296-2190 or at rep.roger.skraba@house.mn.gov.
Have a great day!
Roger