Dear neighbors,
I hope you’re enjoying the warmer weather we’ve had lately. The Legislature has returned from the annual spring recess, and my colleagues and I have begun discussing budget legislation on the House floor. The last weeks of the session will be action-packed, so please stay tuned for updates.
Supporting Minnesota Students and Schools
On Tuesday, the House approved an E-12 education budget that makes honest investments in every student in every public school. Inadequate funding has forced our schools to layoff teachers, increase class sizes, and raise costs for local taxpayers. All Minnesotans deserve a world-class education, so my colleagues and I are committed to raising per-pupil funding by three percent in the first year and another two percent the next year.
Our Eagan schools have recently faced challenges that have resulted in budget cuts. The Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan district, for example, is considering a levy to make up for a significant budget gap. Our budget will rebalance the state investment in our schools in the next budget years and into the future. It would increase funding by approximately $701 per student in ISD 191, $490 per student in ISD 196, and $591 per student in ISD 197.
The budget also expands students’ ability to earn college credits and develop skills through career and technical education programs, preserves access to voluntary pre-K for 4,000 young learners, and helps improve student health and safety. A fact sheet about the E-12 education budget is available here.
Ensuring a Secure and Prosperous Future
As Chair of the Commerce Committee and a member of the Energy and Climate Division, I’m particularly proud of our jobs and energy budget. This legislation would give all Minnesotans access to paid family and medical leave and earned sick and safe time. Workers would have the time to take care of themselves and their families, and it would help small businesses attract and retain employees. The budget also strengthens protections against wage theft and invests in support and training for Minnesota workers.
The energy portion of the budget ensures that electricity is reliable and affordable. It would reduce our state’s dependence on fossil fuels and encourage the use of clean energy alternatives. It also provides new opportunities for consumers to conserve energy and save money by switching to cleaner electricity.
Eagan News: Free Paper Shredding Event
The City of Eagan has partnered with Dakota Valley Recycling to host a free paper shredding event this Saturday, April 27. Residents can bring confidential documents or other papers to be destroyed. Learn more about the event here.
When: Saturday, April 27 from 9am – 1pm
Where: Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan, MN 55121
I’ll be spending the majority of these last weeks of session discussing legislation on the House floor. There will be lots of news, so please stay in touch.
Sincerely,
Laurie Halverson
State Representative