Greetings,
Thank you to the students and staff from Paynesville schools who were kind enough to recently host Sen. Michelle Fischbach and me. A highlight was seeing how the technology referendum people in the district approved is being phased into action to put new power in the hands of students. The digital era we live in certainly has changed how students learn from the time the Senator and I were in school and it is good to see Paynesville is taking advantage of the tools that are available today.
On a somewhat related note, a huge tip of the cap goes to Paynesville junior Jared Campbell for earning a 1450 out of a possible 1520 on the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test – placing him in the 99th percentile nationally. The exam tests for reading, writing and math and can be considered a dry run to help students prepare for official college assessment exams such as the ACT or SAT. Nice job, Jared, your future is bright.
Also, congrats to the Kimball high school robotics team for taking first place in its recent state tournament. Good luck at the world championships in Louisville!
As for news from the Capitol, most of our efforts remain on getting bills through the committee process. A bill I authored to name a section of Highway 23 in honor of Army hero and Paynesville graduate Kenneth L. Olson cleared its first committee this week. Sen. Fischbach is carrying the companion bill and had a hearing as well.
Another bill I authored to streamline the system of property tax exemptions for disabled veterans is advancing through the House. It would save counties time and money and also simplify the process for veterans by not forcing them to apply for the exemption every year, as is the current case.
Lastly, I have requested a committee hearing for a bill I have authored to help protect students from suffering losses of time and money after a number of for-profit colleges closed in recent months.
Federal sanctions put the squeeze on these institutions and students are left in the lurch, facing obstacles to enrolling at other colleges and universities, encountering issues in transferring credits they paid for, and losing financial aid, just to name a few.
The students are not at fault here and corrective action is appropriate. My bill would facilitate re-enrollment and credit transfers, while also extending eligibility for state financial aid programs. The clock for GI Bill students, who have limits on using their awards, would be adjusted so lost semesters aren’t held against them.
Look for more news on this issue as things develop and, as always, your feedback is welcome.
Regards,
Rep. Jeff Howe