High Costs, Higher Burdens
As we head into the second half of session, Democrats have continued the trend of bringing forward unacceptable bills that come with high costs, and oftentimes higher burdens. We’re seeing this in the education policy…
Pratt bill creates “Shakopee Area Workforce Development Scholarships” to address workforce shortages in Shakopee
Senator Eric Pratt (R-Prior Lake) has introduced legislation that creates a Shakopee Area Workforce Development Scholarships pilot program. This unique pilot would create a scholarship program that would create a public-private partnership between local businesses, the…
Gruenhagen: Happy Easter!
Friends and neighbors, Easter is not just a special time to celebrate with family and friends. It is also a reminder of God’s amazing love for us through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.…
Senator Rasmusson authors bipartisan regulatory reform legislation
During the 2024 legislative session, a bipartisan group of legislators introduced legislation to make Minnesota more competitive from a business perspective. SF 4876, which Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) co-authored as the lead Republican, would help…
Senate Minority Leader Johnson State of the State response
“Tonight the Governor played his top ten list, and like many hits, the tune has gotten a little stale. “While education funding has steadily increased, too few dollars are reaching the classroom. Every kid…
Pratt bill addresses concerns with teachers’ pensions – receives first hearing
Amidst numerous concerns regarding changes to teachers’ pensions, Senator Eric Pratt (R-Prior Lake) and Representative Danny Nadeau (R-Rogers) introduced bipartisan legislation that addresses concerns raised by educators over excessive penalties and provides teachers a benefit that will increase…
Senator Coleman’s legislation to educate coaches on eating disorders passes committee, incorporated into education policy omnibus
On Thursday, March 14, the Senate Education Policy Committee heard legislation, authored by Senator Julia Coleman (R-Waconia), to educate Minnesota coaches on eating disorders. SF 3771 would require the Minnesota State High School League to provide school coaches…
Senate Taxes Committee hears Sen. Coleman’s legislation to provide a sales tax exemption for the Chanhassen Bluffs Sports Complex
On Tuesday, March 19, the Senate Taxes Committee heard legislation, authored by Senator Julia Coleman (R-Waconia), to provide a construction sales tax exemption for the upcoming Chanhassen Bluffs Sports Complex project. SF 3385 would exempt materials, supplies, and equipment used…
Koran: Protect Religious Freedom in Minnesota
Friends and neighbors — Over the last week, I’ve received numerous emails regarding what took place in a committee meeting while most of Minnesota was sleeping. Last week in the dark of night – after…
Senator Westrom makes a motion to give Minnesotans a voice on the new state flag
Watch Senator Westrom’s floor speech on SF 4771 On Thursday, March 21, Senator Torrey Westrom (R-Alexandria) made a motion on the Senate floor to immediately bring up for a vote a bill that would give…
Draheim: Repairing the damage to schools caused by last year’s mandates
Friends and neighbors, The Repair Minnesota session continues. This week we are talking about repairing the damage caused to schools by last year’s education mandates. Despite $2.2 billion in new education funding last year, school…
Giving Our Schools More Flexibility
Last week on the Senate floor we passed a bill that makes education forecast adjustments. There are no new provisions, it’s just correcting funding due to incorrect fiscal notes from last year. It does reflect…
Another Land Transfer Proposal
Once again, the same metro legislator who brought forward the White Earth Land Transfer is attempting to get another land transfer bill pushed through. Senator Mary Kunesh from New Brighton introduced a bill that transfers…
Lang’s “Isaac’s Voice” bill heads to the Senate Floor
Last Wednesday the Senate Judiciary heard bipartisan legislation authored by Senator Andrew Lang (R-Olivia) that requires the custodian of a petitioner’s minor children be notified of any order of protection lifted or placed upon the…
Senator Dahms: Senate GOP propose bill to put local schools in charge of funding, waive new mandates for three years
On Tuesday, March 19, Minnesota Senate Republicans presented a bill to give local school districts more options with state funding. Many schools across the state are facing budget shortfalls since the funding passed last year…
Eichorn: Repairing the damage last year’s budget did to schools
Friends and neighbors, Despite an additional $2.2 billion in education funding last year, school districts across Minnesota are facing crippling budget shortfalls. Why? Because Democrats also imposed over 60 heavy new mandates on schools. This…
Lieske: Giving Minnesotans a say in the flag debate
Friends and neighbors, Thursday on the Senate Floor I supported a motion to immediately bring up for a vote a bill that would give Minnesotans a voice on the new state flag and seal designs.…
Gruenhagen: Teachers should be able to intervene to prevent destruction of school property
Friends and neighbors – For months now I have been highlighting the Democrats’ misguided 2023 school resource officer (SRO) law that has jeopardized teacher and student safety. To recap: Last session, Democrats and Gov. Walz…
Senator Bruce Anderson’s legislation to address business fraud receives committee hearing
Friends and neighbors, This week marked the Minnesota Legislature’s first and second committee deadlines. Each year, lawmakers introduce thousands of bills, but far fewer receive enough support to become law. Deadlines are in place to ensure bills…
Senator Westrom: Senate GOP propose bill to put local schools back in charge of funding and waive new mandates for three years
On Tuesday, March 19, Senate Republicans presented a bill to give local school districts more options with state funding. “Our schools are being crushed by the costly and unfunded mandates that were passed by Democrats…