Dear Neighbors,
I would like to take a moment to update you on a few legislative items I am working on with my colleagues at the Legislature.
Student Support Services Personnel Act
Minnesota has one of the worst student to counselor ratios in the nation. Furthermore, Minnesota ranks last in the U.S. for education funding allocation toward student support staff. Given these appalling statistics, I signed on to HF 2045, the Student Support Services Personnel Act.
HF 2045 aims to address this disparity, not only among school counselors, but school psychologists, nurses and social workers as well. If this became law, state grant funding would be matched by each district in the first four years. Moving forward after that, school districts would cover three-quarters of that budget.
This bill would benefit all Minnesota students by closing the achievement and opportunity gap, providing more resources for post-secondary schooling and job training, and directly supporting students suffering from mental health issues or personal matters at home.
The Senate companion bill, SF 1364, received a committee hearing this year, but HF 2045 has yet to be heard in the House. Both versions have bipartisan support and I am hopeful we can make progress on this important matter.
Next Generation Main Street Act
When small businesses thrive, Minnesota thrives. House and Senate legislators joined small business owners today at a press conference to push for the passage of the “Next Generation Main Street Act”. After hearing the challenges encountered in daily operations from several small business across the state, initiatives were included in the proposal that would reduce costly audits, simplify tax filing and make it easier to transfer their businesses to a next generation owner.
HF 3388 which I have authored, is included in the “Next Generation Main Street Act”. It ensures that every person who starts a small business in Minnesota is contacted and provided information about the resources available to them, so they are set up for success early on in their entrepreneurial endeavor.
Constituent Serves as Guest Chaplain
House members were pleased to welcome Reverend Robert Braudt from River Hills United Methodist Church to the Capitol today. Reverend Braudt is a constituent residing in Burnsville and gave an excellent prayer before we started the House floor session.
Please always feel free to contact me on any issue; I welcome your input anytime. I can be reached at 651- 296-3533 or by email at rep.sandra.masin@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Sandy Masin
State Representative