Friends,
It's been another busy week at the Capitol. Bills are being heard in committee and a few of the key ones I plan to focus on this session were introduced this week. In this week's update, I will discuss one of those bills as well as the February forecast that was released this week. Have a great weekend!
Legislation to Protect High School Students
After hearing about incidents of teachers victimizing students and prosecutors being powerless to charge them with crimes, I knew we had to do something to protect students. Parents need to know when they send their children to school those kids are safe and closing this loophole will help to do just that. It is unacceptable and wrong for high school teachers to be engaged in sexual relationships with students.
On Thursday, I introduced a bill that will protect high school aged students from predatory sexual behavior from teachers or others in a position of authority. Under this bill, it extends to high school students ages 16-21 the protections afforded to other minors from adults who may abuse or take advantage of their position of authority.
A KARE 11 investigation revealed multiple cases across Minnesota, including in Burnsville, where county prosecutors were not able to prosecute teachers who had entered into sexual relations with students at their school because the student was 18.
As an educator myself, it was incredibly disturbing to see reports of these incidents. I believe teachers need to be held to a higher standard and I am determined to make sure there are consequences for those who abuse the power and trust our parents and schools have given them. We must look out for the safety of our students.
Forecast: Surplus for Minnesota
The February forecast was released on Wednesday, February 28th, and showed a projected $329 million forecast. Tax reform and a responsible budget have combined with the hard work of Minnesota taxpayers to create a thriving economy in this state. I will continue to work to make sure Minnesotans keep more of their paychecks while keeping the state budget in a healthy state for years to come.
The $329 million surplus is an over half-billion dollar improvement from the November forecast that predicted a $188 million deficit.
As always, please continue to stay in touch to share your thoughts and ideas. You can schedule a time to meet with me in my office anytime by calling my office at (651) 296-9463 or share your thoughts via email by emailing me at rep.drew.christensen@house.mn.
Have a great weekend!
Drew