Dear Neighbors,
The Legislature convened this week to an exceptionally busy 10-week schedule. Hundreds of bills have been introduced, many of them sent to the Education Innovation Policy Committee, which I chair.
My intention is to ensure that we do not place any more burdens on our schools that do not prepare our students for an excellent education that teaches them to be responsible citizens in our great state and nation.
That said, I also am working on an economic package for the Lake Mille Lacs area as well as other local bills and will meet with the governor's staff this coming week. As you know he had wanted to hold a special session last fall to provide aid, but we convinced him to wait until regular session. This undertaking is no small task so stay tuned.
On Tuesday, the House attempted to suspend the rules to take up legislation that would bring much needed relief to workers on the Iron Range who have been laid off.
Unfortunately, our DFL colleagues objected to a component of the bill that would have returned millions of dollars to small businesses by correcting the state’s over-funded unemployment insurance trust fund, which currently sits at a nearly all-time high of $1.6 billion.
While the aid for Iron Rangers has been put on hold for now, I am confident that we will be able to get these folks the benefits they so desperately need.
Please be sure to keep an eye on your inbox as I will be sending newsletters throughout session, keeping you updated on what’s happening in St. Paul.
As always, please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or comments about issues that are important to you.
Please contact my office via email at rep.sondra.erickson@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-6746 to discuss your ideas as to how we can make Minnesota a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Have a great weekend,
Sondra