Dear neighbors,
The legislature is just about to start its Passover/Easter recess. I am looking forward to spending this time in our community and I hope you are able to find time with friends and family over the coming days. Here are a few updates from the Capitol.
State Contracts Finally Approved
After a long delay, contracts were ratified for 30,000 state workers and were signed by Governor Dayton. These contracts were negotiated and approved last year, but held up for almost six month by Republican leadership. After months of waiting, nothing was changed and the contracts were approved, but Minnesota families were forced to anxiously wait. No family should ever have their livelihood threatened in such a way. It’s nice to see that we’re finally doing right by the people who plow our roads, inspect our bridges, protect our environment, monitor health emergencies, and respond when our state is in crisis.
Prekindergarten Funding at Risk in Bloomington Schools
This week Gov. Mark Dayton called on the Minnesota Legislature to protect prekindergarten programs from being eliminated for 4,000 students at more than 59 school districts and charter schools across the state. These schools stand to lose state funding unless the Legislature takes action to protect prekindergarten investments for Minnesota four-year-olds. Without any action, Bloomington Public Schools would lose $280,229 in prekindergarten funding which would stop 46 local 4-year-olds from enrolling in prekindergarten programs in the fall of 2019 unless the school district raises or finds additional funding.
Governor Dayton’s supplemental budget proposal would secure permanent pre-k funding for 59 school districts and charter schools, which were only provided temporary funding by the Legislature last session.
I know every child deserves a quality education, no matter where they live or how much their parents make. We know the proven benefits when we invest in our earliest learners. I’m committed to helping every four-year-old in Minnesota get off to a great start. Thank you, Governor Dayton, for your leadership and support.
Child Advocacy Day
Today I was able to read to several kids who benefited from early learning opportunities.
It was so much fun to meet them and it was such a great reminder of what Minnesotans value: our kids.
Please let me know if you have any questions. It is an honor to represent and serve our community at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Andrew Carlson
State Representative