Dear Friends,
We have completed the second full week of the legislative session in Saint Paul. The Education Innovation Policy Committee, which I chair, has commenced its regular meeting schedule, as have all other House committees as bills begin to move through the hearing process.
House File 1, our MNsure relief and reform bill, is moving through the committee process. We attempted to pass these important measures during the first week of session, but House Democrats refused to declare an urgency, and the measure failed. I am hopeful that HF1 will be brought to the House floor this week or next for a simple majority vote.
Broadband Grant
Recipients of the State Broadband Grant Program were announced on Tuesday by Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith. I am very pleased that Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative was among the Greater Minnesota cooperatives to receive a grant for broadband infrastructure.
The $1.76 million grant will aid in improving educational opportunities, business development and health care in area, and in other parts of Aitkin County as well. It will bring broadband access to 763 households, and I am excited to see the positive impacts of such a substantial grant in our community for years to come.
Legislation
I led a legislative study group during interim, and last week we announced four recommendations that will provide the framework for the new proposal that replaces the Board of Teaching and the Department of Education Licensing Division.
The recommendations are as follows:
-A reformed governing entity that will consist of one body.
-The Board of Administrators will remain separate for now.
-The licensure system will consist of tiers that provide transparency and efficiency, as well as accountability.
-The present statutes will receive a lot of clean up to get rid of ambiguity and misunderstanding.
I will keep you updated on these issues and more as we move forward with the legislative session. Thank you for the honor of representing you, and please to not hesitate to contact my office with any questions or concerns that arise.
Sincerely,
Sondra