In This Edition:
- Budget Forecast
- Education Finance Committee
- MNLARS Update
- Congratulations EPHS Girls’ Hockey!
- Around the Capitol and Community
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Here is an update with the latest news from the Capitol and around the community.
Budget Forecast
On Wednesday, Minnesota Management and Budget released the February Economic Forecast showing a $329 million budget surplus. This is an improvement of more than $500 million from November, and demonstrates that meaningful tax relief at the state and federal level are helping spur positive economic outcomes for citizens and taxpayers.
Tax revenue projections have increased and government spending projections have decreased since the previous forecast, with surpluses projected in Fiscal Years 2020-21 as well.
I am optimistic about the health of our economy and state as a whole, and will continue to champion policies that limit government growth and put more money back in the pockets of taxpayers.
Education Finance Committee
The safety and well-being of our children is paramount, and always one of my top priorities as a parent, as the state representative for Eden Prairie and as the Chair of the House Education Finance Committee. The horrific actions of a deranged gunman in Parkland, Florida has shaken all of us to our core, and I can’t imagine the pain the parents, students and family members in their community are experiencing.
As discussed at my town hall meeting last Saturday, we owe it to our children to examine all factors contributing to this tragedy and work together to find solutions the Legislature can take to try to prevent these kind of tragedies in the future. This includes addressing mental health needs, improving school safety, and more fundamentally how we treat one another and care for those at the fringes of our society. The topic of guns has received most of the attention in relation to this issue, and I want you to know I am open to this discussion. I believe both gun rights supporters and gun control advocates need to come to the table to have a respectful conversation about workable solutions that will actually have an impact on this crisis without unduly infringing on the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun owners. I think we can all agree that we want to see an end to gun violence. Please know I am listening, and I appreciate all the sincere comments and suggestions you have shared with me.
This week the Education Finance Committee held two hearings on mental health in our schools. Over the past four years, the Legislature has stepped up our commitment to helping schools address the increasing need for mental health services for our children. We have funded grants to mental health providers who have entered into cooperative agreements to provide services to children in school. We have also provided grants for staff training on evidence-based practices to improve mental health, as well as address a variety of mental health challenges and staff safety. We have more than doubled our funding commitment to school-linked mental health grants for our students and schools since 2015, bringing the annual funding rate from $5 million to $11 million. There is still more work to do to increase access to mental health care services for the students who need it, particularly in areas where mental health care professionals are in short supply. Be assured I am continuing to look for solutions to this critical issue which has been communicated to me as a top priority for schools all across our state when I meet with school officials from all corners of Minnesota.
Mental health is an important issue to address, particularly as a component to larger issues including school safety and positive outcomes for Minnesota students. The Education Finance Committee will be holding additional hearings on what we can do to improve school safety next week, and I will share more with you as legislation and proposals move forward.
MNLARS Update
As I shared in my previous legislative update, since its failed launch last summer, the new Minnesota Licensing and Registration System (MNLARS) has been an expensive disaster. Taxpayers have spent $93 million to build the program, and now the Administration is requesting another $43 million to fix it, including $10 million immediately.
Legislation was introduced this week that will require the Administration to find the first $10 million in additional funding from within the executive branch. The bill would give Governor Dayton the authority to make those reductions and reprioritize funding. I believe this is a commonsense solution that protects taxpayers.
Minnesotans deserve a working licensing system, and I will keep you informed on updates as we continue to address the MNLARS mess this session.
Around the Capitol and Community
Thank you to everyone who attended my town hall hearing on February 24. I appreciated the input, ideas and lively discussion we shared about priorities for our community and state. If you were unable to make it, or have further ideas or input throughout the legislative session, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. I am here to serve you!
With constituents from Lead MN who attend Hennepin Technical College.
Rep. Anselmo and I with kids from the Edina and EP Robotics teams. They visited the Capitol on Monday for STEM Education Day. Amazing what they do, and a very cool demo with their robots!
Congrats EPHS Girls’ Hockey!
Congratulations to the Eden Prairie High School girls’ hockey team for placing fourth in the Class AA State Tournament. I had the opportunity to attend the game against Andover on Thursday, and I was so proud of our team performance that evening, and throughout the tournament. Way to go, Eagles!
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If you need assistance on a matter related to state government, or have questions, comments or suggestions about what is happening in the Legislature, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. I am here to serve you!
Sincerely,
Jenifer Loon