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State Representative Chris Swedzinski
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-5374
For more information contact: House GOP Communications 651-296-5520
Session update
Chris’ Capitol Connection
This week has been busy as we continue to review the budgets in our committees we are looking for ways to make tax cuts, and make sure that our students are taken care of as well.
Documentary on Ghent
"Ghent U.S.A." the documentary on Ghent, MN will start at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Silver Dollar Bar in Ghent. The bar will be open from 5-10 p.m. that day. More information in the Marshall Independent below:
http://goo.gl/JCo4s
Budget
In the Education committee members have worked very hard to protect our students and make sure to provide the best education for them. This bill prioritizes schools and makes good reforms to education. It provides stable, equitable funding for schools across the state. This bill also creates new accountability programs and relieves schools of costly mandates. This bill provides for Increases in per-pupil funding by $126 through 2014, the budget also adds funding for small schools with less than 1,000 students.
The taxes committee has been working very hard and has come up with a budget early this week that will provide tax cuts to lower and middle class Minnesotans. Minnesota consistently rates as having one of the worst business tax climates in the country. This targeted tax relief will help improve our rankings, making us more attractive to businesses looking to relocate. It will also give Minnesota businesses more capital they need to expand and create new jobs. After decades of uncontrolled spending growth, we don’t need to raise taxes. A key element of economic recovery is putting more money back into the economy. The best way to do that is to put it into the hands of the taxpayers. Our budget provides tax relief to lower and middle income Minnesotans.
The Agriculture and Rural Development committee passed their budget bill as well. We know that Minnesota’s agricultural industry a vital component of our state’s economy. The bill presented, prioritizes funding to maintain the integrity and safety of the food supply in Minnesota.
In the Jobs and Economic Development committee a budget was passed where we prioritized our spending to focus on workforce development programs that are needed to help Minnesotans get back to work. It also focuses on programs that are delivering outcomes for the investments we are making. We also protected the most vulnerable in our housing programs – the mentally ill and family homeless prevention.
Committee Updates:
Education: Teacher tenure revamp proposed
A proposal heard in the House Education Finance Committee could establish a statewide teacher evaluation and appraisal process and radically change teacher tenure. HF945, sponsored by Rep. Branden Petersen (R-Andover), was laid over March 16 for possible inclusion in an omnibus bill. Sen. Gen Olson (R-Minnetrista) sponsors a companion, SF636, which awaits action by the Senate Education Committee. “This bill is all about effective performance management and the bottom line is effective teachers to improve student academic achievement and growth,” Petersen said. It moves from a “last in, first out” concept to one based on merit.
I always appreciate your input. If you could please fill out this online survey, if you haven’t already, I would greatly appreciate your feedback. www.surveymonkey.com/21Asurvey
As always I am here to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office with questions or concerns.
Best,
Chris
News Items
- News from Representative Swedzinski - Memorial Day - (Posted: 2012-05-25 00:00:00)
- News from Representative Swedzinski - (Posted: 2012-04-20 00:00:00)
- News from Representative Swedzinski - (Posted: 2012-04-13 00:00:00)
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