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State Representative Pam Myhra
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4212
For more information contact: House GOP Communications 651-296-5520
Session Update
Email Update
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your continued interest in my work at the Capitol on your
behalf.
The state's February budget forecast is out today; the biennial state revenues are projected to
increase 8.8% to $33.5 billion, however, state spending is projected to increase an unsustainable 29% to
$39 billion. Republicans are committed to live within our means, set clear priorities, and not raise taxes.
Republican's will have a full budget proposal by March 25, 2011.
Much of last week was devoted to listening to testimony in committee on
Governor Dayton's proposed state budget and bonding bill. As a Tax Committee
member, I heard Assistant Commissioner for Tax Policy, Mr. Massman, explain
the governor's $4.1 billion increase in taxes. As an Education Finance
Committee member, I listened to MN Department of Education Commissioner,
Brenda Cassellius, explain the governor's cuts to existing education
programs and introduction of new programs. As a Capitol Investment Committee
member, I heard proponents state their case for funding of their capital
improvement project proposed in the Governor's bonding bill, House File (HF)
607.
Of key importance, last Monday, February 21st, my first chief-authored bill
(HF 638) was introduced. HF 638 establishes an A-F grading system for
Minnesota schools based on student proficiency and learning gains. HF 638
also establishes an incentive program for schools receiving an "A" grade,
improving at least one letter grade in the previous year, or maintaining a
more than one grade level improvement for two years. HF 638 is modeled after
Florida's school grading legislation, which has demonstrated a phenomenal
improvement in their educational achievement.
Also, last Monday, the House of Representatives and the Senate met in joint
session to elect four members to the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota. The following individuals were elected to six year terms: Steve
Sviggum, 2nd Congressional District; David Larson, 3rd Congressional
District; David McMillan, 8th Congressional District; and Laura Brod, Member
At-Large.
During floor session last Thursday, with a vote of 124-4, the House passed
HF 57 to establish the sale and possession of synthetic marijuana as a
crime. Also, last Thursday, with a vote of 107-22, the House passed HF 141
to increase the penalties for intentionally and without justification
causing the death or great bodily harm to a police dog.
This evening there will be a presentation by the Foundation for Excellence
in Education on the "Florida Formula" (Florida's A-F school grading system)
at 5:00 PM in room 15 of the Capitol. Also, at 8:15 Thursday morning, my A-F
school grading bill will be heard in the Education Reform Committee.
Please make plans now to attend my "Day at the Capitol" on Saturday, March
26th. The event will start at 11:00 AM in room 500S of the State Office
Building. A light lunch will be provided, as well as a tour of my office,
and a free tour of the historic Capitol building. If you would like to
attend, please RSVP to my Legislative Assistant, Mitzi Ellis, at
Mitzi.Ellis@house.mn .
Again, thank you for following my legislative work. You are welcome to
contact me with your comments or concerns.
Sincerely,
Pam
P.S. Please follow this link to John Gessner's article in the February 25,
2011 issue of Thisweek Burnsville regarding my work at the Capitol.
News Items
- April 12 Legislative Update - (Posted: 2012-04-12 00:00:00)
- April 10 Legislative Update - (Posted: 2012-04-10 00:00:00)
- Join Rep. Pam Myhra for a Day at the Capitol! - (Posted: 2012-03-16 00:00:00)
- Archived News Items
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