Dear Neighbors,
Ten weeks to go until we are constitutionally required to adjourn on May 21 and the snow is still coming! A big thank you to all of our neighbors and friends in our community who plow our roads, clear our sidewalks, and help neighbors with their driveways and steps. Helping to keep each other from crashes and falls is important. Here’s an update on another safety issue and other things happening in Saint Paul:
Ending Senseless Gun Violence
Minnesotans have joined a nationwide movement to end senseless gun violence. Last week we saw rallies at the Capitol, press conferences, and requests for House Republicans to hold committee hearings on bills to prevent gun violence. This year, due to a rarely used procedural motion filed by Rep. Pinto, the Public Safety Committee heard two common sense gun safety measures we are working on--a bill to expand Criminal Background Checks (HF 1669) and another to allow for Gun Violence Protective Orders (HF 1605). Republicans in the Public Safety Committee effectively blocked the bills by voting to ‘table’ them.
Minnesotans deserve meaningful action to keep our children and Minnesotans safe. I’ve heard from you and I’m committed to helping pass this important legislation for our community.
Minnesota Students’ Graduation Rates at All-Time High
On Tuesday, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) announced that our state’s high school graduation rate has hit an all-time high of 82.7 percent. The report also mentions that achievement gaps among students of color and Caucasian students are improving. In fact, the graduation rate among kids of color has increased by 11 percentage points since 2012. Although this is significant progress, Minnesota has more work to do to ensure all students statewide receive an excellent education and have the support they need to succeed in school and in life.
State Budget Forecast
On Wednesday, Minnesota Management and Budget announced an estimated budget surplus of $329 million. The state budget forecast reflects current law, and is based on the most recent information about the national and state economic outlook.
While this seems like a large surplus it is less than 1% of our budget. Minnesota’s budget remains relatively stable, yet federal uncertainty threatens the economic outlook for our state. It’s important to be prudent with wise budgeting and smart investments for our kids, students, senior citizens and working families.
I hope you will stay in touch as the pace continues to pick up at the Legislature. Our first bill deadline is Thursday, March 22. Your voice matters and I’m proud to represent you and the community in which I grew up. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any assistance to you on state matters.
Sincerely,
Connie Bernardy
State Representative