Legislative Update - May 10, 2019

Dear neighbors,

It’s been a busy week here at the Capitol! With ten days remaining in the legislative session, my colleagues and I are working hard to finish on time and deliver a budget that works for all Minnesotans.

Now that the House and Senate have passed their budgets, members from both bodies are working together to settle differences between the two proposals. A conference committee has been formed for each section of the budget. Five members of the House and five members of the Senate serve on each conference committee. Their job is to consider both bills, hear testimony from Minnesotans, and compromise on a final budget.

I’ve been closely following many of the conference committees so I can keep you updated and make sure that we reach the best possible compromises.

I had a great time meeting with two groups of fifth graders from Matoska International this week! They’re working on Exhibition, their elementary school graduation project, and asked me a lot of good questions.

E-12 Education

The E-12 education budget is one of my top priorities. I’m excited about the House budget because it increases per-pupil funding by three percent in 2020 and another two percent in 2021! This funding would help all the school districts in our area, particularly those that are facing budget deficits. Since many communities make up for these deficits with operating levies or bond referendums, our budget would also cut costs for local taxpayers.

Under the House budget, funding for White Bear Lake Area Schools would increase by approximately $767 per student over two years. Schools in Mahtomedi and Mounds View would see about $797 and $563 more for each student, respectively, and funding for Stillwater Area Schools would increase by $587 per student.

The Senate E-12 education budget doesn’t do nearly enough to invest in our students. Here’s how much funding for schools in our area would increase under each budget:

Schools need adequate funding to support students inside and outside the classroom. The Senate budget increases per-pupil funding by just half of one percent in the first year and the second. That won’t help our schools keep up with inflation and rising costs and would lead to teacher layoffs and larger class sizes.

Our House budget provides more funding for special education and voluntary early learning opportunities for the youngest Minnesotans. It allows schools to invest in what’s working so students across the state get the world-class education that they deserve. I hope my colleagues in the Senate recognize the importance of these investments and work with us to find a consensus for our students.

The Star Tribune published an article about the differences between the House and Senate E-12 education budgets. You can read it here.

Legacy Conference Committee

I’m excited to be one of the five House members appointed to the Legacy Conference Committee! I look forward to discussing how best to invest our Legacy funds to ensure that we protect and enhance our natural resources, preserve our arts and cultural heritage, and support parks and trails.

I shared some of the highlights of our Legacy plan (which includes three of my bills!) on the House floor last Thursday. It passed the House on a 100 – 26 vote!

Upcoming Town Hall

Please join me for a town hall meeting on Tuesday, May 28. I’ll be at the White Bear Lake Library to hear from fellow community members and share updates from the Legislature. Majority Leader Ryan Winkler will also be attending. We hope to see you there!  

When: Tuesday, May 28 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Community Program Room, White Bear Lake Library, 2150 2^nd Street, White Bear Lake, MN 5510

Your input is an important part of the budget process! Please share your thoughts with me, your state senator, and other legislators.

Sincerely,

Ami Wazlawik
State Representative