Dear Neighbors,
It was another busy week at the Capitol as committee hearings kicked into high-gear. Committees are where the vast majority of legislative work takes place as lawmakers and testifiers review and assess proposed legislation prior to approval for further consideration.
My bill HF2768 pertaining to sexual exploitation education had its first hearing on Tuesday in the House Education Innovation Policy Committee. I was joined at the hearing by my co-author, Rep. Laurie Pryor and members of the group Girls United MN.
The impetus for the legislation was generated by Girls United MN founder, Jessica Melnik. Jessica and a group of Hopkins High School students were motivated to pursue this issue in depth after learning that a student from their high school had been trafficked a couple years prior to their time at the high school.
The bill allows school districts to include sexual exploitation prevention instruction in a health curriculum. The Minnesota Department of Education will be tasked with establishing the age-appropriate instruction for use by school districts across our state.
I will keep you updated on this legislation as it continues through the legislative process.
Here, I am picture with Chair Erickson, Rep. Laurie Pryor and students from Girls United MN
On Wednesday, state economists released their annual February forecast that revealed the state is looking at a $329 million budget surplus. This is great news and a dramatic turnaround from the budget forecast in December that predicted a $188 million deficit. In total, the state has had a $517 million reversal in the budget outlook from last November and economists are attributing the turnaround to state and federal tax reform.
This is good news for Minnesota families as we continue to see the benefits of tax reform.
Finally, I will be hosting a town hall on March 10th at 10:00 am. I encourage area residents to attend and share their thoughts and concerns with me. The event will take place at the Shoreview library and is free to attend. I hope to see you there!
Town Hall Details
Saturday, March 10th
10:00 am
Shoreview Public Library (4560 Victoria St N, Shoreview, MN 55126)
Staying Connected
Stay tuned for more information about these topics and more as the session progresses.
Thank you for allowing me to represent you at the capitol. For any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government, please feel free to contact me at either 651-296-0141 or rep.randy.jessup@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Randy