Dear neighbors,
Thanks to those of you who joined us last Saturday for coffee and conversation at Dunn Brothers. I rely on folks in Rochester to offer their views on the issues legislators are discussing at the Capitol, and these discussions are most helpful. Please feel free to join us every “Second Saturday” of each month at Dunn Brothers (120 Elton Hills Dr NW).
Rochester Day at the Capitol
It has been another whirlwind week in St. Paul. This was a special week because we hosted Rochester Day at the Capitol on Wednesday. Hundreds of Rochester residents came to the Capitol to participate in meetings with their elected officials and also promoted our city at the celebration we host for legislators and lobbyists who work on the issues that affect our community.
Committee & Bill Progress
I was busy last week with committee hearings, constituent meetings and floor sessions every day, and I expect that fast pace to continue. Because it can sometimes be hard to follow what is happening here in the flurry of activity, I wanted to keep you updated on a few interesting bills that I’ve been moving through the committee process this week:
You can click on the photo below to watch my video update from the Capitol:
School Funding Equity (HF 2585)
Rochester Superintendent Michael Munoz joined me last week to testify on a bill that would change the funding formula for school districts that include parts of cities of the first class (Rochester, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Duluth). We’d like to see Rochester school kids get the same amount of funding as students in the seven county Twin Cities area. Currently Twin Cities schools get $424/pupil from the formula and Rochester schools get $212/pupil. You can read more about our testimony in the Post Bulletin story on the hearing.
Greater MN Angel Investment Credit (HF 2633)
A bill I’ve authored to help Greater Minnesota see more of the benefits of the “angel investor” tax credit received it’s first hearing in the Jobs committee last week. This bill would broaden the scope of new businesses that qualify for the tax credit to include agricultural businesses and makes employee compensation more competitive for differences in greater Minnesota’s economy. It is a bipartisan bill that will hopefully put about $5 million towards new business development in Greater Minnesota.
Health Screening for Newborns (HF 2526)
This bill relates to Newborn Screening Program. The bill extends the storage beyond the arbitrary 71 day level currently being enforced, and clarifies the difference between the Newborn Screening Opt-Out and research using blood spots, which continues to have an Opt-In written permission requirement.
Improved Alzheimer’s Care (HF 2437)
This is a bill to ensure that certain long-term care facilities in Minnesota have staff that have been trained on how to best interact with and treat residents suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
Student Foreign Language Proficiency (HF 2004)
Last week in the Education Policy committee my bill that would give school districts and charter schools the option of awarding bilingual and multilingual seals to high school graduates who can demonstrate proficiency in both English and other languages was heard. These seals would be placed on students' transcripts and diplomas. The Post Bulletin has more information about the bill.
I’ll update you on other bills, and the actions of the legislature in general, in future e-updates! It’s such an honor to represent you in St. Paul, and I appreciate hearing from you on any legislative issue. Please contact me at rep.kim.norton@house.mn or 651-296-9249.
Sincerely,
Kim Norton
State Representative