Dear Neighbors,
We are drawing closer to legislative adjournment and the end of the 2017 session. Here is the latest update from the Capitol.
Budget Bills Sent to Governor
This week the House and Senate began passing our compromise budget bills, sending them to Governor Dayton for approval. We believe these bills, which include $1.15 billion in middle-class tax relief, $1.14 billion in increased education funding for our students and schools, and a transportation plan that infuses more than $5 billion into transportation infrastructure will improve the lives of Minnesotans. These bills also include a number of provisions championed by Governor Dayton and legislative Democrats.
Our goal continues to be completing our work on time and getting a budget passed that will be signed into law by adjournment.
I will keep you updated as we work toward a final compromise.
Higher Education
I served on the Higher Education conference committee over the past several weeks where we were able to come to a compromise position between the House and Senate. In all, the agreed-upon bill provides $3.2 billion in General Fund appropriations over the next two years—a $125 million increase over the current biennium. The main focus of the bill is to address affordability, accessibility and accountability in Minnesota higher education institutions.
One highlight of the bill is the tuition freezes and reductions at MnSCU schools. Students at two-year colleges will see a tuition freeze under our legislation for the 2017-18 school year and a one percent reduction in the 2018-19 school year. Four year university students would see a tuition freeze in the 2018-19 school year.
Notably, I believe this will help students, but it does not solve the issues facing our higher education system. Higher education costs in our country have increased at a rate higher than inflation in the last decades. While causes for this are debatable, I think it is clear that one of the primary factors is the increased amount and accessibility of financial aid from the government. When students are able to borrow as much as they need for college, there remains little incentive for colleges to maintain or lower tuition. That is, if a college knows a student will be able to finance their education with loans and grants, they can continue to increase costs, and they do. So while we are taking steps to help students here and now, there remains much work to be done to address the core issue.
Also, the bill requires the U of M to obtain approval from an institutional review board or fetal tissue research committee before conducting research on aborted babies. While I believe the practice should be banned entirely, this is at least a step in the right direction.
Other notable items in the budget bill include prohibiting mandatory student activity fees at public post-secondary institutions, expanding opportunities for students with learning differences to make college more accessible, and funding cancer, spinal cord and traumatic brain injury research.
Response to MN Department of Education "Toolkit"
This week, I, along with several other legislators, signed a letter to Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius expressing our opposition to the Minnesota Department of Education’s planned distribution of their “Toolkit,” meant to help address gender identity issues in schools. Personally, I believe that the Department’s resources would best serve Minnesota’s children in other areas, instead of advancing a progressive social agenda which many experts consider harmful. I believe discussions regarding gender identity should be left to parents.
If you believe state resources should be focused on ensuring all of our kids, regardless of background, receive the best education possible, and not in promoting a controversial and progressive social agenda, I encouraged you to contact the commissioner at mde.commissioner@state.mn.us and share your concerns.
National Teacher’s Week
This week is National Teacher Appreciation Week, and I would like to take a moment to thank all of the wonderful educators in our community. We are blessed to have so many world-class teachers right here in Minnesota dedicated to teaching the next generation, inspiring students and preparing them for a great future. As a product of the public school system, I am personally grateful for the dedication and work of so many wonderful teachers that impacted my life.
Thank you teachers!
Happy Mother’s Day!
I wanted to take a moment to wish all of the great mothers out there a Happy Mother’s Day! I hope you enjoy your day and are able to spend time celebrating with your loved ones.
I do not know where I would be without my mom—her support, love and prayers have helped me become the person I am today. Thanks mom!
Around the Community
Talking about Alzheimer’s: Every third Tuesday of the month through May, caregivers and others are welcome to share their experiences and gain a better understanding of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and how it affects family, friends, and our community. It takes place from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Rum River Library, 4201 6th Ave. in Anoka.
Property Tax Help: Volunteers are available to help senior citizens and Minnesotans with disabilities apply for their homeowners/renters Minnesota property tax refund. You will need to bring your federal form 1040 or records showing your 2016 total household income, a copy of your 2017 real estate tax statement if you’re a homeowner, and a certificate of rent paid for renters.
Next date: May 16 from 1:00-4:30 p.m. at the Anoka County Government Center (2100 3rd Ave., Room 715).
Foster Hope: To address our foster care shortage, Anoka County has partnered with groups to help families in crisis and provide information about foster care in the community. You can go to www.anokacounty.us/foster for more information.
Statehood Day
This great photo from House Photography captured the lit up chandelier in the Capitol Rotunda. It is lit only once a year to celebrate Minnesota’s statehood day which is May 11th.
St. Paul, the territory and later state capitol, had a population of just under 10,000 people at the time of Minnesota’s statehood in 1858. This is compared to almost 300,000 now 159 years later.
Staying in Touch
Please know my office is available should you need assistance on a matter of state government. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-1729 or via email at rep.abigail.whelan@house.mn. I also welcome your input and ideas on legislation and matters moving through the Minnesota House. I am here to serve you! Thank you for the honor and privilege of being your state representative.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Abigail