End of Session 2019
Session ends in compromise
The legislative session ended a week ago, and I am incredibly proud of the work done by activists and legislators to find common ground. Together we saved MinnesotaCare, provided necessary funds to education, addressed our state’s opioid epidemic, and prevented distracted driving. There is still a lot of work left to do though, from gun violence prevention to transportation to environmental protection. I remain optimistic that we can address these next session.
During the last days of the session, a few of my fellow members and I walked around the Capitol in a spirit of collegial bipartisan friendship. Along with Senators Kent Eken and Jason Rarick, I got to check out some of my favorite art and architecture pieces at the Capitol.
The constitutional convention is known as a bundle of compromises. Compromises between rural and urban, north and south, large and small states. The state legislature and the governor were able to come together in a very proud moment of compromise this year.
Visiting the high schools
Last Friday morning, before the special session began, I met with a student group at Eden Prairie High School. We had a thoughtful discussion about about the importance of our youth getting involved and finding a cause they can believe in.
I went back to Eden Prairie High School again this past week, to speak with students during their AP Political Science (APPS) class, which I once taught and helped create with a colleague of mine.
The following day, I went to Minnetonka High School to visit their 9th grade civics classes. Getting back into the classroom was a perfect way to follow-up a productive legislative session.
Educators making their voices heard
During the last weekend of the legislative session, educators form across the state came to the Capitol to rally for adequate education funding. Because of their activism, we were able to secure a 2% increase in the general education funding formula for both 2019 and 2020.
Meeting the 2019 Teacher of the Year
Jessica Davis, Minnesota’s 2019 Teacher of the Year also came to the Capitol near the end of session. Her enthusiasm and exuberance are a model for all of our state’s educators.
Students at the Capitol
A group from Girls United visited the capitol during the closing days, to lobby legislators on ending sexual exploitation and harassment of young women in schools. I’m so sorry to everyone who ever had to put up with the ‘boys will be boys’ mentality. They are making the world a better place, and I deeply appreciate it.
One of the students happened to be in a class I visited this past week when I went to Minnetonka High School!
Another reunion with a former student
At the TwinWest legislative breakfast this morning, I got to hear from capitol reporters Tom Hauser, Mary Lahammer and Briana Bierschbach. After the panel, A former student named Briana Nord walked up to me and we had fun catching up.