Dear Neighbors,
I continue to work with colleagues to gather support for my Mille Lacs economic relief bill. As you recall, the bill received its first hearing last week in the House Mining and Outdoor Recreation Committee.
Dave Orrick had a piece in the Pioneer Press about the bill’s first hearing. You can read his piece here: http://www.twincities.com/2016/03/25/mille-lacs-walleye-impact-were-hurting-should-state-offer-aid/
For additional information regarding the current walleye situation on Mille Lacs, I encourage you to read a piece by Dennis Anderson in the Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/dnr-chippewa-talks-on-mille-lacs-should-be-public/373513881/
On Tuesday, the House approved legislation that would allow Minnesota to prepare for the implementation of REAL ID.
The bill, which passed with broad bipartisan support on a 125-2 vote, gives lawmakers and state agencies the ability to research and discuss REAL ID and how we can best comply with federal ID standards while still protecting Minnesotans’ private data.
Rest assured, Minnesota will be brought into compliance in advance of the 2018 deadline.
On Thursday, the K-12 education policy bill received its first hearing in the Education Innovation Policy Committee. As chief author of this bill and chair of the Education Policy Committee, I am proud of the reforms and policy provisions in this bill that will empower students, teachers, and parents while continuing Minnesota’s tradition of educational excellence.
Key provisions in the bill include:
- Prohibiting the state from developing, coordinating, assisting with, or using statewide student surveys
- Preventing state colleges or universities from requiring a student or prospective student to take remedial courses if the student received a college-ready MCA score in the subject area
- A number of innovative career and technical education programs
- Establishing a legislative study group on education licensure
- Directing the Board of Teaching to submit a written report to the legislature
- Directing the commissioner of education to develop and publish a detailed security plan that combines administrative, physical, and technical safeguards
I am honored to have been selected to receive an Honorary Minnesota FFA Degree at the 2016 Minnesota FFA Convention for my involvement in agriculture education and the FFA.
This is a great honor as I have long been a supporter of Ag education in our schools and I am looking forward to being honored at the FFA’s reception in April.
That’s all for this week’s update. Please be sure to contact my office via email at rep.sondra.erickson@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-6746 if you have any questions or comments related to state government. It would be great to speak with you.
Have a great weekend,
Sondra