Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It is wonderful news that North Branch Public School finances have improved enough to return to a full five day school week next year.
Even prior to being elected as your state representative in 2011, I heard from so many parents who were concerned with how the four day school week and longer school day would affect their children. I also heard from school board members and school district leadership regarding Minnesota's broken education funding formula—w here some school districts receive sixty percent more than lower funded districts like North Branch.
Since then, one of my top priorities has been to help low funded districts like Chisago Lakes and North Branch receive more equitable funding. In keeping with this promise, bills were developed with the help of North Branch's Legislative Action Group with a goal to ensure all students have access to a quality education.
Since 2011, an improving Minnesota economy and a lower unemployment rate have given state government the resources to pay back the school shift and provide funding necessary to help North Branch schools and other school districts across Minnesota. I was elected to help solve problems, whether it be the $6 billion dollar budget deficit, inequitable school funding, the green acres issue that affected our farmers a few years ago or the multitude of other items that affect our state.
I am very happy for North Branch families.
Survey
As your state representative, I do my best to represent your interests in St. Paul. I would love to hear your opinion on several major issues happening this year at the Capitol. If you could take a few minutes to fill out my survey, I would very much appreciate it.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Barrett2014
Your input is valuable to me!
Local Sports
As the winter sports season winds down, I think this is a great time to complement all the sports teams and athletes in my district on fantastic seasons! There are so many student-athletes in our area who should be acknowledged not only for their skill, but for their dedication and hard work. As a local basketball referee this winter I saw many of these gifted athletes play.
Special recognition should go to:
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The North Branch girls’ gymnastics team for making the state tournament
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The Chisago Lakes High School girls basketball team for making the state tournament
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The Chisago Lakes High School boys’ hockey team for making the state tournament
I apologize to the teams and athletes that I have not specifically mentioned who are also deserving of recognition. Competing in athletics is a great way to build character and learn teamwork. Balancing the demands of academics and athletics is never easy, and I commend our local athletes for their commitment.
Well done to all our teams and student athletes this season!
As always, thank you for the honor of representing you. If I can ever be of assistance to you on a matter of government, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Bob