Dear Friends,
Here is an update with the latest news from the Capitol.
Come to Veterans Day on the Hill this Monday, March 12!
Don’t forget that on March 12, Minnesota veterans are having their day at the Capitol. I will be speaking during the rally in the rotunda which starts at 10 AM.
I would encourage all of our veterans and those interested in veterans’ issues to come down to the Capitol and make your voice heard! You can find out more details here.
I hope to see you there!
Veterans Committee Update
Work continues in the Veterans Affairs Division this week, and we heard several more bills that are priorities for Minnesota’s veteran community.
One of the bills heard on Monday was a small technical bill I authored clarifying that the Adjutant General is responsible for operating the Military Department and military reservations of the state, as opposed to simply protecting them. This clarifies their authority which supersedes local ordinance rules.
School Safety
This week, the House Education Finance Committee heard legislation that will expand the use of long term facilities maintenance revenue to include security improvements for schools across the state. That could include a variety of security upgrades to keep kids safe like emergency communications systems or building enhancements. Additionally, this funding, which includes state dollars, allows school districts to fund their priorities on what they see are the top needs for their schools instead of a mandate from the state.
This program is just one aspect that we are examining at the Legislature to improve school safety and keep kids safe this session.
At the Capitol and in the Community
Hosting the FFA students from Forest Lake High School on Tuesday with their teacher, Mike Miron. Forest Lake’s FFA chapter has earned many state and national honors. What a great group of students!
As pictured in the Pioneer Press. I was honored to be one of 37 officials selected to officiate the state wrestling tournament earlier this month.
A special congratulations to State Wrestling Class AAA Champions Forest Lake High School freshman Derick Cardinal and Stillwater High School sophomore Reid Ballantyne. The Stillwater team also won the Section 4AAA to qualify for the State Team competition. Forest Lake was runner-up to Anoka in the section 7AAA tournament.
Way to go to all the great student competitors!
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As always, thank you for the honor of being your state representative. Please contact me with any questions or input you may have; I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Bob