Dear Neighbor,
Another busy week at the Capitol is coming to a close. Work on the state budget continues so we can come forth with a formal proposal later this month. Other bills are advancing in the meantime.
One of those items is legislation I have authored to repeal party designation from House members. This would restore our system to the way it was for more than half a century – 1909-1974 – where there is no "D" or "R" behind a name. It would help take partisanship out of lawmaking and create an environment more like non-partisan city councils, county commissioners, and school boards. I really believe that we had better lawmaking before we had party designation, and retired legislators who I have spoken with agree. People I speak with really like this idea and let's hope it gains traction in the Legislature.
The biggest item to come across the House floor this week was House File 2, a bill which provides more local flexibility in personnel decisions at our schools. It seems most people are focusing on the scenario pertaining to layoffs, but a licensure provision seems to be more noteworthy in our area. The bill allows school districts to fill unmet teaching needs to maintain or expand academic opportunities for Minnesota students, and will help alleviate the teacher shortage that exists in some areas. The bill also requires school boards to set up policies that consider factors other than seniority, such as teacher performance, if layoffs are necessary.
Thanks again to all the residents of District 14B who continue visiting me at the Capitol. Just a few from this week were Christine Bakke from Saint Benedict's Nursing Home and other long term care providers, and STRIDE Academy in Saint Cloud. A top priority of the House Republican Caucus and myself is more funding for nursing homes and reform of their payment formula. It was good to receive input from Christine and others on this topic.
The other big news this week was the election of the U of M Regents. I did have a constituent, Steve Laraway, who ran for Sixth District Regent. Unfortunately, Steve was not confirmed but he would have been a great Regent and has been a great community leader.
Please stay in touch and I will have more budget news later this month as the House proposal takes shape.
Sincerely,
Rep. Jim Knoblach