Dear neighbors,
Education
The House Education Innovation Policy Committee voted on a bill (HF 998) that would require the Minnesota Department of Education to conduct an independent cost-benefit analysis to evaluate the “economic and educational effects” of conforming Minnesota's special education laws with minimum federal requirements.
This concerns me in that such an analysis would provide an argument for cutting back the many innovative and supportive provisions Minnesota has for students and young adults who are struggling with various disabilities. The progressive investment that Minnesota has in place provides the support system to assist our youth and community members to reach their potential. Small investments we make along the way will pay dividends for generations to come. I have heard from many of you that you oppose this bill and so do I.
Youth Conservation Corps and AmeriCorps
This week I was left with exciting information about great programs for our youth and young adults. Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa are seeking applicants for more than 700 young folks (age 15-26) to assist in restoring natural resources, removing invasive species and a number of other projects that make Minnesota such a great place to live. The mission of YCC and AmeriCorps is to help young people from diverse backgrounds become more connected to the environment, engage in conservation and our communities, and be prepared for future employment. To find out about these opportunities for youth and young adults, click here. To apply, click here.
Regents
A joint convention of the House and Senate met Wednesday night to elect Regents to govern the University of Minnesota. This year, four Regents were elected, one each from the 2nd, 3rd and 8thCongressional Districts and one at-large to serve six-year terms. The Regent Candidate Advisory Council interviewed 17 candidates and forwarded twelve candidates to the Joint Legislative Committee. The Joint Senate and House Committee devolved into partisan nominations, including purity test questions about fetal tissue research and the surprise recommendation of non-vetted candidate and former Republican House Speaker Steve Sviggum.
In the end, only two of the candidates supported by student groups were elected. Those elected (or re-elected) were Steve Sviggum, General Mills CEO Ken Powell, health care executive Darrin Rosha and Minnesota Power’s David McMillan.
Real ID
On Thursday, the House voted on HF 3 (Smith), the Real ID bill. It would bring Minnesota into compliance with the federal Real ID requirements, allowing Minnesotans to board airplanes and enter Federal and military facilities. The bill included an unrelated provision that would prevent undocumented immigrants from being able to obtain a legal driver's license. Rep. Mariani offered a DFL alternative which was a clean vote for Real ID, without the lawful status language, which failed by a vote of 74-57.
The bill passed 72 - 58. The Senate companion does not include the anti-immigrant provision.
Israel Bill
Also on Thursday, the House voted on HF 400. HF 400 would prohibit Minnesota from contracting with any businesses that discriminate against Israel. The bill passed 98 - 28.
This bill would prohibit the state, including colleges, from entering into contracts or doing business with entities that are perceived to be discriminating against Israel. The Minnesota branch of the American Civil Liberties Union has stated that, “this violates both the U.S. and Minnesota constitutions." As a Legislator I took a vow to protect all of our freedoms and if I were to support this bill, I would be in constitutional violation; freedom of expression and in opposition to the US Congress' right to regulate foreign commerce. I cannot abide discrimination in any form and this is why I did not support this bill.
JRLC's Day on the Hill
Joint Religious Legislation Council held their Day on the Hill this past week. It was their annual policy briefing and lobby day focusing on the JRLC issues that are being debated and voted on at our State Capitol. Clergy and lay people from across the state attend Day on the Hill to support interfaith commitment to social justice and to participate in the lawmaking process.
SD 41B Town Hall Meeting
Please join Senator Carolyn Laine and me for Town Hall discussion on Saturday, March 11th, 1:30-3:00 pm. This gathering is for residents of District 41B: St. Anthony Village, southern New Brighton, Hilltop, and Columbia Heights.
Best,
Mary