Dear Friends,
Deadline week is about to come to an end. Today marks the day where a bill must be heard in committee if it is going to move forward this session. Friday also marks the beginning of the Easter/Passover holiday break. No official business will take place at the Capitol now until April 7.
MY BILL THAT WOULD RESTORE LOCAL CONTROL FOR HEALTH STANDARDS
This week, in the Education Policy Committee, I brought forward my bill (HF3550) that would restore and clarify a local school district's authority over health education standards. It would allow local school districts to choose between state or locally developed health standards (or a combination thereof) rather than current law that will force every public school to adopt the statewide mandates.
There are many areas of near universal commonality in health education. However, unlike other academic areas like reading and math, health education contains some sensitive and politically charged topics such gender identity and sex education which deeply impact family values and diverse cultures. Forcing universal one-size-fits-all standards in these areas has the likely potential of creating dissension and controversy between parents and schools that local educators do not want or need.
Allowing schools to choose between state or locally developed standards rather than requiring automatic adoption of statewide mandates is a good compromise and the right thing to do. This choice will allow for quality health standards that fit local community needs.
Sadly, the bill failed to move out of committee on a 7 to 7 partisan tie vote.
Please watch my bill closing comments to hear my thoughts on this subject by clicking here.
IMPORTANT ANTI-FRAUD MEASURE FINALLY MOVES FORWARD
It took a while, but the plan to create an independent Office of the Inspector General (OIG) that would investigate fraud in our state was approved in the House State Government Finance Committee this week. The legislation would give the OIG real investigative powers and enforcement authority, and most importantly, would not be controlled by the Governor’s Office.
With an estimated $9 billion already lost to fraud, we need to get moving on an anti-fraud agenda. The Senate passed this bill overwhelmingly last year and it’s time for the House to catch up.
ANOTHER HURDLE CLEARED FOR ANTI-GROOMING LEGISLATION
My legislation that seeks to prevent grooming in Minnesota’s schools was unanimously approved in the House Education Finance Committee this week, and now heads to the House Ways and Means Committee for discussion. Ways and Means is waiting for a fiscal note to determine the small financial component included in the bill.
The legislation strengthens protection for students against sexual grooming by providing clear field trip supervision rules, improves mandatory reporting and mandated reporter training to include grooming, and creates a new felony penalty for grooming. It allows grooming of children and youth to become a more chargeable and recognizable offense.
Anti-grooming legislation is also moving forward in the Senate. To watch WCCO’s latest update on my bill, click here.
LOCAL VISITORS
This week, I had a number of local visitors at the Capitol. First, a large group of local farmers and agriculture people with the Minnesota Farm Bureau.
Our farmers are amazing people who contribute greatly to this state in food production and so much more. I always value hearing their opinions about agriculture laws and other areas of government that impact farming.
I also had a visit from some Albert Lea city council members and city manager.
We discussed the wastewater treatment plant project and sales tax components that are moving through the legislature. Lastly, (and sadly I have no photo), I had visit from local motorcyclists for A.B.A.T.E. Day on the Hill. These people are motorcycle enthusiasts who value freedom and love to ride the streets and highways of Minnesota. Thank you to all of these local visitors who help me gain important perspectives for current and proposed Minnesota law!
Have a good weekend!
Peggy