Dear Neighbors,
I hope you had a great Easter! Both of my kids were able to join us this weekend, and it was great to have the whole family to celebrate. Also, happy Passover to all who celebrate! Now, if only the weather would cooperate with our spring holidays.
Caring for Seniors
While we visited my parents in Iowa, I was reminded of the importance of caring for our senior population. Many families have loved ones in assisted living or nursing homes, and we all want the best care for them as they age. That's why I support a bill, HF3308, to protect older and vulnerable adults in our state. The stories of mistreatment in some facilities is nothing short of heartbreaking. We have to make sure our loved ones are cared for wherever they live.
School Safety
Last week, I joined other House Republicans at a press conference to talk about a number of bills we’d like to see passed to make our schools safer. As a parent, I always wanted to know my kids were safe when they went off to school. I fully support the measures we’re moving forward to help create safer environments in classrooms. Improving building security, using more funds for safety personnel, and addressing mental health in schools are all important ways to increase safety for Minnesota students.
The plan includes bills relating to:
- 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.
- 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.
Governor’s Tax Increases
Recently, Governor Dayton unveiled his budget proposal and it’s not a pretty sight. Hidden beneath the rhetoric is a $1 billion tax on Minnesotans’ doctor visits as well as almost $50 million of fee increases at the DMV. When we have a surplus, this is simply the wrong thing to do to our residents. When we come back from break, House Republicans will have our tax conformity proposal where we’ll focus on holding Minnesotans harmless instead of trying to raise their taxes.
Please Contact Me
Though we’re on a short break for Easter and Passover, I hope you’ll continue to call or email my office if you need anything.
Peggy