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State Representative Gene Pelowski Jr.
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8637
For more information contact: Chris Shields 651-296-8873
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PELOWSKI CALLS GOVERNOR'S BUDGET A POSITIVE START
ST. PAUL -State Representative Gene Pelowski of Winona responded cautiously to the Governor's budget proposals.
"From the surface it looks like a positive start, we share similar goals on issues such as education and health care," Pelowski said.
Pelowski, a member of the House Education Finance Committee, did have some questions on the Governor's education plans. Specifically on making higher education affordable.
"We should consider his idea to reward high school students who take Advanced Placement courses with scholarships. However, his budget proposals for MnSCU and the U of M will likely make tuition increase by more than the expected 4 percent next year."
Pelowski also had serious questions about attaching performance standards for schools to get additional funding.
"When talking about education, the Governor likes to talk about the 'three Rs,' rigor, relevance, and results," Pelowski added. "But anytime someone mentions 'rigor' with education, I see rigor mortis. When he says 'rigor', it means he's attached strings and bureaucratic mandates to education funding."
Pelowski, a high school social studies teacher when he's not at the Legislature, did applaud Pawlenty for a $38 million plan for technology improvements in K-12 schools.
"Technology is a powerful gateway for students to get excited about learning," Pelowski added. "I see it every day in the classroom with my own students."
Ultimately, Pelowski said, the Legislature will have to judge whether the Governor's budget plans will be effective.
"I'm looking forward to honest discussions in the Legislature on these, and other proposals offered in the Legislature."
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News Items
- REP. GENE PELOWSKI: MINNESOTA STATUTE 12A IMPROVES STATE DISASTER RECOVERY PROCESS AND DISASTER RELIEF PACKAGE - (Posted: 2012-08-24 00:00:00)
- REP. GENE PELOWSKI AND SEN. JEREMY MILLER SUPPORT TWO-BRIDGE PROPOSAL - (Posted: 2012-08-23 00:00:00)
- REP. GENE PELOWSKI: STATE DISASTER RECOVERY PACKAGE SHOULD FOLLOW PROCESS OUTLINED IN 12A AND INCLUDE PUBLIC INPUT - (Posted: 2012-08-16 00:00:00)
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