Week of February 18th – 22nd
Building a more educated citizenry
On Monday I presented my bill for a requirement for high school students to take a Civics class to graduate. It is of utmost importance that our children are taught about civic virtue and political efficacy. An informed citizenry is vital to the continued success of our state, and is also required by Article 13 of the state constitution:
“The stability of a republican form of government depending mainly upon the intelligence of the people, it is the duty of the legislature to establish a general and uniform system of public schools.”
Thank you to Eden Prairie High School students Kendra Fischer and Sydney Lewis for testifying in support of this legislation.
Returning to students at Gatewood Elementary
Last year, myself and other public servants visited Gatewood Elementary School in Minnetonka to read to students. It was great to return there earlier today for a round two. The students were engaged and excited to see us.
A week full of constituent visits
The Hopkins Schools Legislative Action Coalition had their annual visit to the Capitol on Thursday. It was nice visiting with them on the floor of the Senate.
A tour group from Cherrywood Pointe in Minnetonka also visited this week, and I had a great time meeting them along with my colleague, Senator Paul Anderson, in one of my favorite rooms at the capitol.
MN State College Student Association had their day on the hill as well this week. I could not be more proud of them for getting involved to make the world a better place.
I also got to speak with the heads of the 9 Mile Creek Watershed District and the Riley & Purgatory Creek Watershed District this week. They are both doing great work to preserve our lakes and steams.
Greg LaFrance, a local businessman, stopped by for MN Independent Community Banker day on the hill.
Governor Walz releases budget, proposes strong investments in public education
On Tuesday, Governor Walz unveiled his budget, including a historic investment in the basic education funding formula, which will guarantee that every student in Minnesota gets a world-class education. His budget also invests in vital support services, such as counselors and social workers, that provide valuable assistance for thousands of students to ensure they reach their full potential. We must also make sure that Minnesota’s teachers reflect the growing diversity of our student population, and I’m happy to see funding to support the recruitment of more teachers of color.
I look forward to the rest of the legislative session, knowing that the governor is prioritizing the needs of our students. You can view more of my thoughts in this week’s video by clicking HERE.
A forum with the Eden Prairie Somali community
Last weekend, I was invited by a group of constituents to hear about some issues facing Eden Prairie’s Somali community.
Representative Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn was also in-attendance, and we had a great time speaking with our constituents.
Former students at the Capitol
Nora Sandstad, a former student and current Duluth School Board member was here for Duluth & St Louis County Day on the Hill this week. It was great to see a former student.
Wendy Webster, another former student and current community education director for St Anthony – New Brighton Schools, testified before the Senate Education Committee this week. The work she is doing is incredible, and she did a great job helping to teach the committee members about the work she does.
Meeting the high school pages
The House high school pages stopped by the Senate this week. It is great to see the next generation getting involved. I love seeing the looks on their faces when I thank them for not letting school get in the way of their education.
A legislative breakfast with Eden Prairie business owners
Earlier this morning, Senator Melisa Franzen and I joined business owners for the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce’s annual legislative breakfast. We both learned a lot from their expertise. Thank you to Pat Mulqueeny for inviting us, and to everyone who organized this important event.