Week of April 29th – May 3rd
Another successful civics class at the Shakopee Women’s Correctional Facility
For the second consecutive year, I had the opportunity to teach a civics 101 course at the Shakopee Women’s Prison for their annual Chautauqua. It was inspiring to see how passionate these women were about exercising their civic duty. Of all the issues we discussed, there was only one that got a rousing ovation: a bill to require that all Minnesotans learn cursive writing.
The Shakopee Women’s Correctional Facility has some truly dedicated individuals working to ensure that residents are able to return to life outside of confinement. A special thank-you goes to Andrea Smith, who organized the Chautauqua and invited me to teach the course.
A couple weeks after my visit, I received a stack of thank-you notes from the women who participated.
I found both of the letters posted above to be incredibly moving, and reading them only furthered my belief that these women deserve the right to vote upon release.
Students at the Capitol
A group of students from Eden Lake Elementary visited the capitol this week. I had a wonderful time answering their questions and getting them excited about government.
Appreciating workers
Wednesday was May Day, and I took some time to remember and appreciate all of the workers who make out state great. Next time you’re in St Paul, check out the Workers’ Memorial on the the capitol mall.
A busy week on the Senate Floor
 |
Yesterday, the Senate took up the omnibus E-12 Education budget bill. During debate, I offered an amendment to require that all high school juniors and seniors take a course in government. Promoting youth civic engagement has always been one of my top priorities in life, and I am proud to say that my amendment was added to the bill. You can view my floor speech by clicking on the photo above.
 |
Another subject of debate this week was whether localities should be able to set their own minimum wages. Various points of view were exchange as we discussed the meaning of things like the Interstate Commerce Clause and the US Constitution. Our discourse was lively, and it is times like these when I truly appreciate how great our system of government is. I argued that the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution is clear, and that localities are allowed to set their own minimum wages. You can view my floor speech by clicking on the photo above.
A third major issue discussed this week was the implementation of a statewide school voucher program. In my remarks against the provision, I made note of the fact that there is only a single “duty” in the state constitution given to the legislature: the establishment of a general and uniform system of public schools (Article 13). Vouchers violate Article 13, and will leave behind the thousands of kids who private schools refuse to accept. You can view my floor speech by clicking on the photo above.
Working on the Senate Floor this week was an absolute pleasure. During breaks, I got the chance to visit with our nonpartisan pages and ask them about their hopes and dreams, and tell them some of my classic jokes.
Celebrating Eden Prairie history
At last week’s 50th Anniversary of the Eden Prairie Historical Society, I also got to visit with Mayor Ron Case. We had a great time hearing from Justice Paul Anderson and others.