Dear neighbors,
This week I’m highlighting some of the work I’m doing to benefit Minnesota children and those who take care of them, in addition to sharing my regular updates from the Capitol. I recently introduced legislation to make schools safer for our kids and reduce paperwork for child care providers. I’ve also lent my support to legislation that supports parents and ensures that all children get off to a great start in life.
Safe Schools
Kids deserve to feel safe in school. I’ve introduced legislation (HF 566) that would require school boards to establish school safety assessment teams. These teams would conduct safety assessments of each school in the district, establish guidelines for recognizing threatening or concerning behavior, and determine a procedure to address students’ behavioral or mental health issues. This proposal would make our schools safer and help students who are struggling get the support they need.
The Education Policy Committee heard and approved the bill on Wednesday. Audio of the public hearing is available here.
Streamlined Paperwork for Child Care Providers
On Tuesday, my proposal (HF 1684) to review child care licensing and background study requirements received its first public hearing. The plan would also establish an electronic record system. Child care providers work long hours and often spend lots of time on paperwork. While some of this work is necessary to ensure that children are receiving high quality care, we should identify and eliminate unnecessary and duplicative requirements. We can do better by our child care workers and the children for whom they provide care.
The bill passed out of the Early Childhood Finance and Policy Division on Tuesday. You can listen to the hearing here.
Great Start for All Minnesota Children
The Early Childhood Finance and Policy Division heard the Great Start for All Minnesota Children Act (HF 1) for the first time yesterday morning. This plan would invest in prenatal care, expand home visiting programs, and increase support for early learning and development. I was happy to support this proposal to give our youngest Minnesotans a great start in life. Watch the hearing here.
Equal Rights Amendment
All Minnesotans deserve equal rights under our Constitution. Yesterday the House passed legislation (HF 13) to put the Equal Rights Amendment on the ballot in 2020. This will give Minnesotans the chance to vote on enshrining gender equality in our state constitution. I’m thrilled to celebrate this accomplishment on International Women’s Day.
Water Gremlin Update
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Department of Health held their second public meeting on the Water Gremlin air emissions last night. Officials shared more information about the settlement with Water Gremlin. Details on that agreement are available here. If you weren’t able to make it, a video of the entire meeting is available here.
It’s clear that community members are concerned and frustrated. I will continue listening to feedback and advocating for everyone who’s been impacted.
I always appreciate hearing from constituents, so please feel free to share your questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Ami Wazlawik
State Representative