Week of March 11th – 15th
Bills pick up steam as first deadline passes
Today is the first of our legislative deadlines to make sure we get our work done on time. All bills must be heard in either the house or senate to advance further in the process. We’ve seen many bills ranging from education policy to gun violence prevention get heard this year, and I’m looking forward to further discussions.
Talking policy on Your Legislators
I had the opportunity this week to be featured on Pioneer Public Television’s episode of Your Legislators. We had insightful discussions regarding Pre-K education, health insurance, and infrastructure. You can watch our conversation by clicking HERE.
Hornets sting Eagles, Senator bakes a cake
Eden Prairie High School and Edina High School faced off this week in the State Boy’s Hockey Championship. While Edina came away with the victory, I am incredibly proud of everyone on both teams for the amazing seasons they had. Before the game, Senator Franzen and I made a wager that whoever’s team lost had to bake a cake. For my first ever cake, I’d say it turned out pretty well!
Talking financial literacy with high school students
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Students from Burnsville High School came by my office this week to research one of my bills. We had a thought-provoking discussion on Senate File 19, which would require that all students take a course in personal finance education.
Another former student testifies in committee
I was greeting by another former student this week. Kara Cisco (formerly Tiggas), testified before the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday. She is now an educator, and helped my fellow legislators and I learn about student testing.
Remembering the importance of math on Pi Day
Pi day, March 14th, was this week! While I often talk about things related to government and social studies, we also need to remember to appreciate math. Whether we’re calculating that the Constitution was signed in the twelfth year of our independence, or adding together all of our state’s elected legislators, we cannot forget the importance of arithmetic. Check my video out on this by clicking HERE!
Lots of constituents at the capitol
Constituents from Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action came by this week. We had a powerful conversation about gun violence prevention, including bills on universal background checks and red flag laws. I am an author on both bills. Let’s get these done.
The Chiropractic Association had their day on the hill was this week. It was a pleasure to learn more about their field. Our conversation included a thoughtful discourse on the provider tax.
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Tuesday was Disability Day at the Capitol. One of our top priorities is stopping the 7% cut to disability services to help all Minnesotans live with dignity and a sense of purpose.
Private College day at the Hill was this week. A few constituents from St. Katherine’s visited to discuss the State Grant Program, of which I am a strong supporter.
Hunger Solutions day at the capitol was also this week. We examined food insecurity and looked at policies to ensure that Minnesotans of all income levels have access to proper nutrition.