Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Legislative News and Views - Rep. Sandy Layman (R)

Back to profile

News From Representative Layman 6-30-2017

Friday, June 30, 2017

House Image

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It’s been great being back at home and seeing many of you around town. I have a newfound appreciation for summer in northern Minnesota following months during session of visiting only on weekends. During the month of June, I have been meeting with groups and individuals, providing post-session updates and hearing your ideas for the future. I’m planning to host another “Sit Down with Sandy” before the end of summer, and will keep you posted when I get everything finalized. Stay tuned!

July 1 marks the enactment for many of the bills we passed this year. One of the biggest changes is the increase in education funding and reform. Our bill puts $1.3 billion of new money in Minnesota schools including almost $4 million in new funding for our students and teachers in our district. We also passed important provisions to help ensure the very best teachers are in our classrooms helping our young learners. This is great news for our schools!

As a member of the Job Growth and Energy Affordability Committee, I was happy to see the significant investment we made to grow jobs in the state. Of the nearly $400 million total, $20 million will go toward broadband expansion in Greater Minnesota. Especially in our area, creating good-paying jobs and providing high-speed internet are extremely important goals.

At my Grand Rapids stop during the first round of “Sit Downs with Sandy,” I heard from a number of folks who were concerned with clean water. I was fortunate to be named vice chair of the Legacy Committee this year, and our bill goes to help clean water in a big way. Over $200 million of the $500 million bill goes straight into the Clean Water Fund protecting this precious resource.

These are just some of the changes we’ll start to see on July 1. For a longer list, please click here.

Lastly, I’d like to wish you a very happy Independence Day! We’re so fortunate to live in such an amazing, free country, and this is a perfect time to celebrate our history and independence. Enjoy the holiday, and be safe.

As always, please contact me if you need anything; I’m here to help.

Sandy