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State Representative Patti Fritz
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8237
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
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REP. FRITZ ENCOURAGED BY COMMON GROUND WITH GOVERNOR
ST. PAUL – Representative Patti Fritz (DFL-Faribault) said she was encouraged today when Governor Pawlenty outlined his four top priorities in his State of the State speech; better government, education, health care and energy.
"The priority bills we unveiled last week focus on these exact issues," said Fritz. "If we agree on what's important, I'm optimistic we can make good progress."
While the Governor focused on education, his plan diverged from the proposals introduced by the House. For one thing, instead of all-day kindergarten being made available for every district in the state, he proposed a $4,000 per child scholarship program for at-risk students.
He also tied school funding to performance. His plan gives every school district a 2% funding increase for each of the next two years; the districts can earn an additional 2% by meeting certain criteria, such as getting a 3-star rating on certain test scores.
"A performance bonus should be an added incentive above adequate funding, not instead of adequate funding, " said Fritz. "If school districts are unable to meet this criteria, they'll be facing two more years of funding that doesn't cover their costs.
I'm in favor of sustained, adequate funding that will support our schools without relying too much on property taxes."
Fritz is also concerned about the Governor's push for college-credit classes in high school. He has proposed giving any students who take rigorous college-level courses the chance to earn college credit, as well as receive scholarships and get at least one year of free college.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for many students, in many schools," said Fritz. "But what about those students who attend a school that doesn't have the capability to handle these changes, such as some of our rural schools?
Those students deserve the same opportunities."
A top priority for Fritz is property tax relief. The Governor's plan to address this issue is to put a cap on how high property taxes can go.
"While we certainly do not want to see property taxes go up anymore, this cap undermines local control by tying the hands of city, county and school officials," said Fritz.
In the face of cuts to Local Government Aid (LGA) that undermined schools, city services and infrastructure, property taxes were one of the few options cities had to fall back on, according to Fritz.
"A cap alone does not pay for schools, roads or public safety services such as police and fire departments," said Fritz. "I'm hopeful the Governor's cap is tied to restoring LGA funding or some other equitable funding."
Fritz said she is also pleased with the Governor's call for renewable energy and his proposals to help veterans.
"From what I heard today, I think the Governor and the Legislature agree on the priorities of our state," said Fritz. "The challenge now is to work out the details so we can pass some good legislation that will benefit all Minnesotans."
News Items
- STATE REP. PATTI FRITZ PARTICIPATES IN START OF LEGISLATIVE SESSION - (Posted: Jan 9 2013 3:32PM)
- Rep. Fritz: Homeowners, Farmers Need Property Tax Relief - (Posted: 2012-05-01 00:00:00)
- Rep. Fritz: Let’s Vote on a Bonding Bill that Benefits All - (Posted: 2012-04-19 00:00:00)
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