Week of March 9 – 13
Reducing screen time and helping our youngest learners
This week, a bill I’ve been working on with State Representative Kelly Morrison was featured on Good Morning America. Aimed at helping brain development of 0-5 year olds, the bill would reduce screen time use in schools for pre-k and kindergarten students. It would also start a PSA campaign to help parents learn the risks of screen use with developing young minds.You can view the story online by clicking HERE.
Thank you to our constituents Lisa Venable and Judy Stoffel who brought the idea to our attention and have been leading the way on this.
Students at the capitol
Lots of young people came to visit the capitol this week, including a massive group from Eden Prairie High School. It was awesome getting to speak with them in the Governor’s Reception Room.
Governor Walz happened to stop by during our time there, and I truly hope that it was a memorable experience for the students.
I met with this week’s House high school pages as well. Their questions were thoughtful, and I know they will remember their week here for the rest of their lives.
A group of government students at Burnsville High School also visited this week. They were researching my bill to require all students to take a course in financial literacy, and it was wonderful to hear their thoughts on the idea.
Constituents from Gustavus and St Kates came in to meet this week as well. We talked about how the State Grant Program has made their college experiences possible. One student was grateful that it allowed her to “study with my future partner instead of my future competitor.”
Mitigating the coronavirus, and staying positive
Earlier today, the governor declared a state of emergency and issued new guidelines for mitigating the spread of COVID-19. This was preceded by a bipartisan funding bill we passed earlier in the week to help us keep Minnesotans safe during this pandemic. Please make sure to limit large gatherings and wash your hands thoroughly. More info on the new guidelines can be found by clicking HERE.
In these times of social distancing, you may find yourself sitting at home a lot. If you start feeling a little bored, I hope you find the opportunity to pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read and spend some quality time with one of our many great authors. I recorded my weekly video on this subject. You can check it out by clicking HERE.
Another week of constituent visits
One of my first meetings this week was with a constituent named Phillip Ernst, about issues relating to gun violence. He knew I was a supporter of red flag laws, and we went in knowing we disagreed. Still, I was grateful for the pleasant and informative conversation. We both want to make the world a better place, and I deeply appreciate his activism.
Housing day at the capitol was this week, and a large group came in to advocate for a robust bonding bill that funds affordable housing. This is something we all agree on, and we can get this done.
Mental health day was this week as well, and I had a great conversation with three constituents about the critical services that all Minnesotans need access to.
I finished off the week by meeting with a group who was here for credit union day at the capitol. One of the subjects we discussed was how to prevent scams, and what legislation we can pass to help protect people.