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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Sondra Erickson (R)

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RELEASE: Rep. Erickson Issues Statement Regarding Comments from Governor Dayton

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

ST. PAUL, MN—Representative Sondra Erickson, R-Princeton, is calling on Governor Dayton to apologize for his remark during Tuesday's press conference alleging that Republican legislators "hate public schools."

"As a public school teacher with nearly four decades in public school classrooms, I am disappointed with Governor Dayton's disrespectful remarks. Minnesotans expect their public officials to respectfully debate the issues facing our state without resorting to personal attacks. Republicans and Democrats passed a bipartisan budget that underscored our commitment to students and teachers including significant investments in proven early learning programs. Teachers deserve nothing but great respect because of their dedication to prepare our children with knowledge and skills for the future. Closing the achievement gap requires only the highest regard for those who teach and lead our children. I respectfully request that the governor apologize for his remarks."

Governor Dayton's remarks came at a press conference Tuesday where he pledged to veto the bipartisan E-12 Education budget passed by the DFL-led Senate and the Republican-led House earlier this week. The bill contained more than $400 million in increased education funding—more than was initially proposed by either the House or the Senate—and included significant investments in early learning programs including early learning scholarships, school readiness aid, and more.

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