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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Tama Theis (R)

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Capitol Update from Rep. Tama Theis

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Dear Neighbors,

As we head into a long holiday weekend, I wanted to take the opportunity to wish you and your family a Happy Easter and a blessed Passover.

I look forward to celebrating Easter with my friends and family, and hope you are able to enjoy time with your loved ones as well. Also, if you’re traveling over the weekend, please stay safe on the roads!

Happy Easter!

Student Safety

Earlier today, House Republicans unveiled a legislative package that will help improve school security, address student mental health and most importantly, help keep Minnesota kids safe. Our comprehensive proposal will provide approximately $50 million, giving our districts more funding and flexibility to do a wide variety of safety measures.

For example, increased Safe Schools revenue can be used to hire school resource officers and other support personnel, and there will be a floor level of funding for smaller school districts which is very important. We also are proposing to expand the scope of Long-Term Facilities Maintenance Revenue to allow school districts to fund building security upgrades like limited access entryways or emergency communication systems; provide funding for districts for physical security audits to help schools better assess where they can make safety improvements; increase funding for mental-health grants to bring more mental health professionals into our schools and ensure better outcomes for all kids; and fund suicide prevention training for educators to better identify and engage students facing mental distress.

School and student safety has been one of the top priorities we’ve been working on this session, and I think for Central Minnesota schools, and for schools across our state, this is an important package that will have a meaningful and positive impact, helping keep our kids safe.

At the Capitol

House Image

Boys and Girls Clubs were at the Capitol this week. It’s a great organization, and I am so thankful for the work they do in our community and across the state.

House Image

Education Minnesota was at the Capitol, including some great teachers from St. Cloud. So grateful for our dedicated educators in Central Minnesota!

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It’s an honor to be your voice at the Capitol. Have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Tama