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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Bob Dettmer (R)

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Legislative Update

Friday, March 20, 2015

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Here is an update from the Minnesota House.

Military Higher Education Bill Passes House

On Thursday, my bill HF 841 passed on the House Floor. This bipartisan bill expands grant and scholarship opportunities for active military members who reside in Minnesota by expanding residency requirements to include them.

For our men and women who are stationed in Minnesota and are looking to also receive a higher education, they can be limited by statute residency requirements, even though they are living here. If signed into law, these military men and women would be eligible to apply for the State Grant Program, Child Care Grant Program and Indian Scholarships Program.

I am pleased this bill passed the House with such strong bipartisan support!

Governor Releases Supplemental Budget

With the February forecast revealing Minnesota's surplus grew from $1 billion to $1.9 billion, the governor released an amended budget that increased his general fund budget recommendations from $42 billion to $43 billion for FY 2016-17.

Governor Dayton spends all but $13 million of the surplus, and still wants to raise the gas tax and metro area sales tax to pay for even more spending for transportation. I believe we can fund all of our priorities including roads and bridges, education and nursing homes without having to come back to you for even more money.

The House will release its budget targets for each fiscal committee next week.

Congratulations to the FLHS Ski Teams

Today I am presenting House Resolutions to the Forest Lake High School Boys' Nordic and Alpine Ski Teams, who both took first place in the state championships.

Additionally, I am also presenting a House Resolution to Forest Lake High School student and Triple-A Award Winner Michael Palo. This award is given to students who exhibit excellence in academics, athletics and the arts.

We are proud of our Forest Lake students who have shown dedication and commitment to their sport and their academics. Well done!

Physical Education Standards Bill

My bill, House File 498, would help fight childhood obesity by updating our statewide standards for physical education in schools and by recommending specific athletic benchmarks for children at different grade levels. I introduced HF 498 to help our schools monitor the quality and quantity of physical education classes Minnesota students receive.

Research has shown that physically fit kids do better academically, and that's why physical fitness classes add real value to a child's education.

You can read more about my bill here.

Fundraiser for American Legion Post 225

A recent charity event to raise money for the American Legions' Fourth of July Celebration took in $7,000. Many folks including myself took a pie in the face to help out a good cause.

The Forest Lake Times covered the event, and you can read more about it here. It was a great time for a great cause!

As always, thank you for the honor and privilege of being your state representative. If I can ever be of assistance to you or your family on a matter of state government, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Bob