Legislative UpdateDear Neighbors, What a month it’s been down at the Capitol. It seems like every day is a little bit different, and every day there is a new, weighty issue to consider. We are staring down a number of challenges in the coming weeks, including passing a balanced budget in the face of a $6 Billion deficit and numerous other challenges. But I’ve been heartened by the work, the conversations, and the moment we find ourselves in. I’m still so honored to have been elected in November and have the opportunity to represent you. This past week, I had the opportunity to meet with the administration of Chisago Lakes and tour the high school – primarily to learn more about their remarkable Career & Technical Education programs.  Chisago Lakes is pioneering some incredible programs – and helping the next generation of students be prepared for careers that cannot be replaced. Speaking of our schools, we were presented with the governor’s education budget yesterday – which, sadly, cuts funding for charter schools, special education, and non-public pupil aid. Last biennium, the government controlled entirely by the DFL gave schools a lot of money, but saddled them with onerous mandates. The result: our schools are having to cut teachers and increase class sizes. We have to unlock some of the dollars from last session and trust local schools to make the right decisions for their students. As is, I think the governor’s budget proposal is cruel and I let the Department of Education know. You can see the video here:  I also had a bill heard this week, alongside Wyoming Mayor Lisa Iverson, to get much-needed bonding funding for Wyoming’s public safety center. Right now, many of their first responders are underserved and unable to do their jobs well – because of their aging facilities. I’m hopeful we can bring some much-needed support to Wyoming going forward.  Minnesota government programs have been plagued by fraud. From Feeding our Future, to daycare fraud and beyond, we have to have better oversight of our programs. This week, we launched a fraud reporting portal: MNFraud.com – which gives Minnesota citizens and government employees a secure place to submit potential fraud to our newly-formed committee. In the first 2 days, there were almost 500 submissions through the site. Minnesotans are hungry for accountability in government. A couple other things that we voted through in the House: - Allowing law enforcement officers to keep their decommissioned badges (with the old Minnesota crest on them).
- Allowing gas stations to carry more motorsport fuel if they’re near a raceway.
The next few weeks are going to be full. There’s a lot to still accomplish – and we must figure out a balanced budget that addresses our looming $6 Billion deficit. I’ll be sure to keep you posted every step of the way! As a reminder I have a Townhall coming up this Tuesday evening in North Branch. The details are in the graphic below.  |