Dear Friends,
Here is an update with the latest news from the Capitol.
Happy Easter!
I wanted to start by wishing you and your family a blessed Easter. I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend, and are able to spend time with your loved ones.
Easter is a time for faith, hope and renewal. I am joyous and thankful that He is risen, and for that and more we are truly blessed.
Happy Easter!
Student Safety
Earlier today, House Republicans introduced a school security package that puts the safety of Minnesota kids first. We introduce and expand on a number of key initiatives, provide additional funding, and give our school districts more flexibility to make safety and security decisions that best meet the needs of their students and schools.
Some key ideas in the bill include:
- Increasing Safe Schools Revenue which can help fund school resource officers, student support personnel, and other school security programs
- Expanding the use of Facility Maintenance revenue for building security upgrades
- Funding for more school-linked mental health programing to ensure better outcomes for all kids
- Providing state assistance for physical security audit grants for districts to review facility security and crisis management policies
- Training more teachers in suicide prevention, helping educators learn how to engage and assist students experiencing mental distress
I am excited we are advancing this multifaceted school safety proposal this session. It’s about partnering with our local communities and districts to keep our kids safe.
Ribbon Cutting for Minneapolis Veterans Home
I recently attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Building 22 at the Minneapolis Veterans Home. The ceremony honored residents and marked the completion of the final phase of updates to modernize the home. Residents are set to move into the new building this week.
I was honored to attend the ceremony and see the beautiful work done!
National Vietnam War Veterans Day
Today, we mark Vietnam War Veterans Day at the Capitol. I was honored to co-author legislation several years ago to designate this day in Minnesota, and the bill was signed into law by then Governor Tim Pawlenty. A constituent, Diane Finnemann, is the one who brought me the idea for the legislation in honor of her brother.
March 29th was chosen because on that day in 1973, the last remaining U.S. combat troops were withdrawn from Vietnam. Several members of the House including myself read a House Resolution on the Floor today to honor our Vietnam War Veterans.
I was also honored to attend a celebration for our Vietnam War veterans on Sunday at the Forest Lake American Legion. I listened to three “tunnel rats” tell their stories of bravery and heroism, and it was incredibly moving.
National Vietnam War Veterans Day is an important reminder to give thanks to all those who served bravely, and for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country during the Vietnam War.
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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