Dear Neighbors,
Here is an update from the Capitol.
New Laws Take Effect
July 1 marked the start of a new fiscal year, and a number of new laws took effect including the supplemental budget bill passed earlier this year.
You can read about all the new laws that took effect this month here.
Teacher Licensure
Many school districts in our state, especially in Greater Minnesota, are facing teacher shortages in key licensure areas. That’s why it is frustrating that the Board of Teaching (BoT) has come under fire for the second time this year for failing to operate its alternative teacher licensing program.
Last week, a Ramsey County District Judge ruled that the state agency was in contempt of a previous court order for blocking an application submission for licensure. Not only has BoT not been complying with the judicial order, but they have not adhered to state law.
House Republicans have led on the issue of teacher licensure reform, working to help more qualified, quality educators teach in our classrooms. The House Education committees also held a hearing earlier this session and questioned the BoT on their failure to comply with state law, after a nonpartisan Office of the Legislative Auditor report identified a number of serious problems.
Making sure every child has access to a quality education starts with great educators in our schools. We need to make sure that Minnesota teacher licensing is a clear process for applicants and that state agencies are following state law.
Rogers Takes the Top Spot
Rogers, Minnesota is a great place to live, raise a family and start a business. It looks like that news is spreading, and Rogers is the fastest growing city in the state.
Part of that growth comes from the annexation of Hassan Township, but even then many more people are moving into the community. The population is expected to be 18,000 by 2030.
I am proud to represent Rogers—the fastest growing community in the state! You can read the feature story on Rogers in the Star Tribune here.
Peppin's MinnTriv
Thank you to everyone who participated in the last Peppin's MinnTriv quiz!
"Funkley is the smallest incorporated town in Minnesota with a population of five" was the answer to the trivia question: Minneapolis has the largest population in our state, but what incorporated town in Minnesota has the fewest people and how many people live there according to the 2010 census?
Congratulations to Teresa Lunt from Maple Grove for having the first correct response.
Here is this week's question: Where is the highest point of elevation in Minnesota and how high is it?
Reply to this email with your answer, and I'll share the winner of the Peppin MinnTriv question in my next legislative update.
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As always, if you have any questions or concerns on an issue relating to state government, my office is available to help. My direct line is 651-296-7806. My email address is rep.joyce.peppin@house.mn and my mailing address is Room 459 State Office Building, 100 Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55155.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Joyce
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/34A