Dear Neighbors,
This week, the House took substantial steps forward in addressing the MNLARS debacle that has affected Minnesotans across the state. By an overwhelming bipartisan 124-6 vote, the House approved $10 million in emergency funding that will help address the issues that have plagued the system since its rollout last July.
Included in the funding are performance metrics that will help promote transparency and ensure that the project is on track.
I am eager to put the MNLARS disaster behind us. Minnesotans have already spent nearly $100 million over ten years to build this system. They deserve a DMV that works for them. I am hopeful that these reforms and this emergency funding will get the project back on track.
The push to improve safety at our schools continues to gain steam at the Capitol as I had a bill heard before the Education Finance Committee on Wednesday. House File 3676 allocates $2 million for grants to school districts to contract for audits of their physical security and their crisis management policies.
This is another important step in helping to secure the safety of our schools and students. These audits can help reveal potential deficiencies in a school’s physical security. Additionally, helping schools to implement crisis management policies will help them be better prepared if tragedy were to strike.
I am encouraged by the push for school safety measures and am hopeful that we will be able to accomplish a great deal on this front during this year’s session.
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