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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Jeff Howe (R)

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The latest developments at the Capitol

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Dear Neighbor,

Congratulations to Eagle Scout Brockten Vavra and everyone else who has worked so hard to pave the way for a new veterans memorial to be built at the Paynesville American Legion. The public is invited to attend a groundbreaking at 3 p.m. Saturday and I hope you can attend.

Coincidentally, I served with Brockten's father, John Vavra, in Iraq. John was one of my mechanics and a top-notch recovery operator (tow truck). He also deserves some credit for the good work his son has done in achieving Eagle Scout status and on this project as he is a great mentor for his son to follow.

As for news from St. Paul, bills related to fireworks and fantasy sports were passed the House earlier this week. The Fireworks Freedom Act legalizes the sales and use of aerial and audible devices such as bottle rockets and firecrackers from June 1 to July 10 each year. Local governments could prohibit sales if they choose to do so.

The fantasy sports bill which passed affirms the legality of fantasy sports in the state since current law does not specifically address this subject fantasy sports are lawful. It also includes consumer protections so Minnesotans have confidence in the games they choose to participate in.

Legislation I authored to resolve a Q Comp funding issue in the Rocori school district is in a package of education bills that soon should arrive on the House floor.

Q Comp, or Quality Teacher Compensation, is a voluntary program school districts can enter as a way to factor student performance into teacher pay, shifting away from the traditional steps-and-lanes scale. Rocori applied, was told by the Minnesota Department of Education it would receive state funding, and began implementing the program. Then MDE's Q Comp pool ran dry before Rocori received its funding.

The same thing happened to Buffalo and my legislation also provides the Q Comp funding that district should have received (a total of $240,000 between the two districts). What is especially troubling is Buffalo has gone through this situation twice. A separate provision I have authored aims to stop this trend by holding MDE accountable in the future. That measure stipulates that if MDE miscalculates its Q Comp appropriations and leaves districts short, the agency must make internal budget adjustments to make up the difference. The intent with this legislation is to incentivize MDE to develop new policies and safeguards to make sure this doesn't happen again.

A press conference pertaining to broadband expansion in Greater Minnesota took place at the Capitol this week. In addition to an influx of federal money for high-speed internet, the state will continue its Border to Border Broadband program and provide funding in addition to the $10 million allocated last year. Our proposal this year is in the $35 million range but, with the addition of Federal money, provides over $100 million to expand broadband in our state.

We also are continuing to move forward legislation to help resolve a water issue in Cold Spring. I will pass along more information on that as the omnibus bill it is in comes to the House floor.

Good Luck,

Jeff