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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Regina Barr (R)

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Legislative Update: Budget Work Continues

Friday, May 5, 2017

Friends, 

This week the House & Senate reached agreement on all of our budget bills. Unfortunately, due to Governor Dayton's unwillingness to fully participate in the process thus far, negotiations between House & Senate leadership and the Governor will continue. We are committed to getting Minnesota's work done and the Governor will have budget bills on his desk with plenty of time to sign. Have a great weekend! 

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Rep. Barr with community educator advocates from Inver Grove Heights 

Education Conference Committee Report 

The House and Senate conferees came to an agreement early this week, setting the stage for Governor Dayton to finally enter into negotiations about our education budget bill. The bill has five key reasons the governor should support it, including two of his own provisions (underlined below) that the House & Senate included. The bill: 

  1. Invests in our schools. Minnesota schools will see more than $1.1 billion in increased funding to ensure that every child in Minnesota has access to a great education.
  2. Places More Dollars in the Classroom. Focusing the vast majority of new funding on the per-pupil formula will ensure education resources are put where they're most effective—in the classroom helping students and teachers.
  3. Commits to Early Education. Our littlest learners are prioritized thanks to more than $300 million in early education funding—including flexible funding for all schools with Pre-K programming.
  4. Tackles the Teacher Shortage. Key reforms and innovative grant programs will help schools retain the best teachers and address teacher shortages in Greater Minnesota by recruiting the next generation of educators.
  5. Keeps Kids Safe. Testing for lead in schools will ensure Minnesota kids have clean drinking water.


Inver Grove Heights Comprehensive Plan 

To get feedback from community members for the 2040 Inver Grove Heights Comprehensive Plan, they have launched an online map and survey where everyone can contribute their comments about what works in the city today and what needs improving for tomorrow. Take the online survey today. The first public meeting will take place: Tuesday, May 23rd 6:30pm - 8:30pm Inver Grove Heights Community Center, Community Room.

On this day in History 

In 1961, NASA launched the Freedom 7 space capsule making Alan Shepard the first American in space. Ten years later he became the 5th American to walk on the moon. 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas with me. You can schedule a time to meet with me in my office any time by calling me at 651-296-4192, or share your thoughts by emailing me at rep.regina.barr@house.mn.

Have a great weekend,


Regina