Dear Neighbors,
Friday is the start of a week-long legislative break for the Easter and Passover holidays. I hope that you are able to spend time this weekend with loved ones as we celebrate this important time of year. To you and yours, Happy Easter and Happy Passover.
I had a number of bill heard before committee this week. Here is a brief recap:
- House File 3001—this bill was heard in the Education Finance Committee on Tuesday and allows service cooperatives for school districts to enter into joint powers agreements with other governmental units.
- House File 4105—this bill authorizes bonds to be sold to design, construct, renovate, furnish, and equip capital improvements to the National Guard Readiness Center in Wadena.
- House File 4174—this bill was heard in the Transportation and Regional Governance Policy Committee on Wednesday. It would establish a portion of Highway 210 in Cass County as the “State Trooper Ray Krueger Memorial Highway.”
- House File 3009—this bill was heard in the Jobs Committee on Wednesday and would provide funding for grants to centers for independent living so that the centers can hire employees to provide services to veterans.
In addition to bill hearings, House Republicans unveiled legislation on Thursday that addresses the issue of safety in our schools.
School safety has been on the minds of parents and students alike following the tragedy in Parkland. After discussions with fellow policymakers, school administrators, and community leaders, it is clear that what we are proposing is a path forward that everyone can support. Investments in physical security at our schools and improved mental healthcare access for students are tangible steps forward that will improve the safety of our most precious resource, our children.
The following solutions, authored by House Republican members, are currently advancing through the public committee process:
- School resource officers, student support personnel, and other school security programs funded through increased Safe Schools revenue, including a floor level of funding for small schools.
- School building security upgrades, and expanded use of Long-Term Facility Maintenance revenue for security projects, including emergency communications systems.
- School-linked mental health programming to ensure better outcomes for all kids authored.
- Physical security audit grants to provide state assistance to review facility security and crisis management policies.
- Suicide prevention training for teachers to help educators learn how to engage and assist students experiencing mental distress.
- School-based threat assessment teams established to assess, intervene, and report threats facing students, teachers, and staff.
Staying in Touch
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If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government, please feel free to contact me at either 651-296-4293, or rep.john.poston@house.mn.
Have a wonderful Easter weekend,
John