Dear Neighbors,
The end of the legislative session is close! Session ends at midnight on May 21st and there’s still a lot of work to be done. I am continuing conversations with my colleagues because I hope we can avoid the hectic end of session that we’ve seen the last few years. It seems every year it's increasingly harder for legislative leaders to find a compromise. While I have many concerns, I remain hopeful the Republican leaders can find agreement with Governor Dayton quickly!
Business Tours at Uponor and Post Consumer Brands Cereal Highlight Job Creation Programs
This week I visited Uponor North America and Post Consumer Brands to see firsthand how crucial the Minnesota Investment Fund and the Job Creation Fund were to their ability to retain and create high-quality jobs in our community. These programs provide grants to help add new workers and retain high-quality jobs throughout Minnesota. The programs focus on industrial, manufacturing, and technology-related industries to increase the local and state tax base and improve economic vitality statewide.
Unfortunately, Republican leaders made more than $20 million in cuts to both programs two years ago, and made even more cuts in the Jobs and Energy Omnibus bill that passed off the floor last week. Rest assured, I voted no on this bill.
When businesses like Uponor or Post Consumer Brands are considering major expansions, they consider every state as an option. Minnesota’s strong investments in education and programs like the Minnesota Investment Fund and Job Creation Fund mean Minnesota is able to attract and retain thriving businesses. We must continue our partnership with our business community, or they may leave and take the careers that Minnesota’s families depend on with them. Learn more about my tour at Uponor here.
National Teacher Appreciation Week and Emergency School Funding
This week is National Teacher Appreciation Week. Everyone has a story about a teacher who positively impacted their life and shaped their future. I spend each Friday in classrooms to meet the teachers who are educating and impacting our students. Being in the classroom is a great way to see firsthand the great work happening in our schools, and understand what our teachers and students need. This week, I’m highlighting a local teacher every day so more people can hear about the amazing work they do. Here are some of the teachers I want to recognize:
Recently, we learned that dozens of school districts all over Minnesota are facing immediate budget deficits that could result in teachers and support staff being laid off, larger class sizes, and significant cuts to school programs. ISD196 alone faces a $12 million budget gap. To bring attention to the need for emergency funding, Governor Dayton and I visited Parkview Elementary on Wednesday to see learn about the programs that are at risk if Legislative leaders take no action. You can read more about Governor Dayton’s proposal here and about the classroom visit he and I took to Parkland Elementary here.
Happy Birthday Minnesota Zoo!
The Minnesota Zoo turns 40 this year! To celebrate four decades of connecting people, animals and the natural world to save wildlife, I presented the Minnesota Zoo with a bipartisan resolution celebrating all the Minnesota Zoo has accomplished in the last 40 years—and the bold new vision they’ve committed to. As a state zoo, we know the Minnesota Zoo can only achieve their vision with support from the state. I was concerned to see that the proposed bonding bill only funds 1/3 of the zoo’s request. I’m hopeful our House Resolution raised awareness amongst my colleagues about the importance of fully supporting our zoo. Here is a picture of me with John Frawley, the Minnesota Zoo’s director, and Rep. Wills with the Resolution after it was presented to the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Coffee and Conversations: Economic Development
This week’s Coffee and Conversations will be focused on economic development and what I’ve learned from our business community. It will be this Saturday May 12th, at 10:30 AM at the Dunn Brothers in Apple Valley (15265 Galaxie Ave, Apple Valley, MN 55124). I’m looking forward to talking with those who can attend.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. It’s an honor to represent you in the Legislature.
Warmly,
Erin