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News from Rep. Peggy Bennett 02-13-2015

Friday, February 13, 2015
Dear Friends,
 
This week, I presented my first bill in committee during Thursday's Education Innovation Policy Committee. My bill, HF500, would make it easier to keep criminals out of the classroom who have been convicted of serious child-related sex offenses.

This bill would also save tax dollars and staff time by automatically denying appeal requests for those convicted of child-related sex crimes rather than going through a costly and time-consuming appeal process before the State Board of Teaching which would result in a license being denied anyway.

Under current law, offenders convicted of child-related sex crimes are still entitled to an appeal hearing to determine whether a teacher can keep their license.

Minnesota automatically denies appeal hearings for those convicted of child abuse already, so this would simply add sex offenses to that list as well to save time and money and keep these dangerous criminals out of the classroom.

My bill heads next to the Education Finance Committee, and I will keep you updated on its progress as it continues through the process.

Salary Increase Update

Republicans and Democrats in the Senate voted yesterday to delay the pay increases approved by Governor Dayton for six months yesterday. The House is expected to act on the salary increases next week.

People I've been talking to are frustrated by news of these salary increases, and don't think it's right to be handing out such large increases, some of which are more than some people make in an entire year! Some of the salary increases totaled more than $35,000 on top of their six figure salaries. Compare that to the median income for families here in our district of $44,813, and you can see why people are upset.

As always, please don't hesitate to contact me with your questions, comments, and concerns. You can reach my office by email at rep.peggy.bennett@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-8216. You can stay in touch on Facebook and Twitter as well.

Have a great weekend!

Peggy Bennett
State Representative, District 27A
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