Early Childhood Education – 2008
May 22, 2008 Education, Health Care, News, Transportation
This has been called one of the most productive legislative sessions we’ve seen in many years. As you know with the tremendous work of members and staff we were successful in passing increases for transportation, education and nursing home workers. We balanced a $1 billion budget deficit, and passed property tax relief, as well as two bonding bills.
I wanted to update you on a few of the early childhood accomplishments, as well as some unfortunate cuts that took place this session.
1: Attached to the education bill was language to include legislators and parents on the federally mandated early Childhood Advisory Council. This will enable the Advisory Council to look at how to create an early childhood system so all children will be ready for kindergarten by 2020. A note of thanks goes to Rep. Sandy Peterson for her work as co-chair of the Early Childhood Caucus.
2: One million dollars was included to reimburse school districts for early childhood developmental screening. Rep. Erin Murphy carried this legislation as well as legislation to create a childcare task force that will look at ways to create efficiencies in the childcare system to better serve families.
3: I worked on passing the ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education) license bill that will provide relief to Greater Minnesota communities that are unable to find licensed early childhood educators.
Unfortunately, there were several areas where we went backwards this session. The Governor vetoed $2 million in early childhood bonding, which would have provided communities with the opportunity to improve their early childhood facilities, as well as co-locate those facilities to provide easy access to families. In addition $9 million was cut from federal money meant for the basic sliding fee waiting list. There are 4,000 families waiting for childcare services, the highest we’ve seen in years. Sadly, $250,000 was cut from the pre-kindergarten allowance program that we passed last session. This will result in fewer children receiving quality early childhood experiences. I am disappointed we were unable to hold early childhood learning harmless this session. Since Early Childhood Learning and Care is a top priority with me, I will continue to fight for more funding so the future stars of our state will be fully prepared for school.
SMIF Seeks AmeriCorps Members
May 21, 2008 Economy, Jobs, News
April Johnson knows first hand the joy of being part of a child’s success as she serves as an AmeriCorps member at Faribault’s Three Rivers Head Start. She spends her days helping young children learn to read. She also relishes their smiles as they enjoy a favorite story for the fourth or fifth time. The smiles – and the improvement in the all-important language and literacy skills – are the success markers for April. They are what energize her as she steps through the door every morning.
This year of service will also make a difference in April’s future. As she puts her elementary education to practical use as an early literacy tutor, she is gaining invaluable work experience. She expects this experience will stand out on her resume as she seeks her first elementary school teaching position. One thing for sure, she knows the memories will last a lifetime!
Currently SMIF is looking for more people like April to serve as AmeriCorps LEAP Initiative Members for the coming year. If you or someone you know is looking for a rewarding life experience, consider applying with SMIF as an Americorps LEAP member. To learn more about qualifications and to explore this unique opportunity, contact Janet Lundstrom at 507-455-3215 or janetl@smifoundation.org. You can also click here and visit or forward this link to someone you know. Help us help more children realize their full potential – contact us about serving or refer someone you know to our AmeriCorps LEAP Initiative. Transform several lives in the process!
End of session and beyond
May 21, 2008 Education, Health Care, News, Transportation
The 2008 session ended in the midst of the State’s celebration of its 150th birthday. This photo shows the rare occasion where the chandelier of the rotunda was lit. Saturday’s session began at 10:00am and ended at 4:30am the next day. We started up again later on Sunday at 1:00pm. As you might imagine I am still somewhat sleep deprived, but I am pleased that in spite of the late hours we did manage to pass some legislation that will benefit the people of Minnesota. We were able to give schools an increase of $51 per student and passed a cost of living increase for nursing home workers as well the bonding for a Central Corridor transit plan and a new State Park at Lake Vermilion.
The last week included the celebration of state hood with a flyover of world war two planes, protest by Dakota band members, a civil war artillery battery and marchers, which I managed to capture below.
Late in the night Rep. Rukavina gave a stirring speech that was punctuated by fireworks that rumbled and shook the building. When we adjourned at midnight we listened to the parting speeches of retiring members. Here you see Rep. Patti Fritz saying good bye to retiring legislator Neva Walker.
Tomorrow I will leave for New York to bring home the last items left in my brohter’s apartment. I hope to be back in time for the memorial day celebration but we will see. After that, it will be months of door knocking and marching in parades. Hope to see you on the campaign trail.
MN Bell Museum of Natural History
May 19, 2008 News
I received an e-mail from Mr. Edward Davis, a member of E-Democracy.org. He is helping to promote the online video contest hosted by the Bell Museum of Natural History as part of the Minnesota Sesquicentennial celebration.
Mr. Davis writes: “The museum is looking for videos that celebrate the natural places in Minnesota and the efforts to take care of them. Basically, the contest entails producing a 1-5 minute video of a person’s experience in Minnesota’s natural world and their efforts to preserve it. To submit the video, you simply upload the video to YouTube with the tag of MyMinnesotaMinute. The website http://minnesotaminute.org/ has more details. Please forward this information to anyone you know that may want to produce and share their video experience and add to the Sesquicentennial celebration.”
If you have videos that you think might be appropriate for the Sesquicentennial celebration, take the time to upload them.
Lawmakers Beat the Clock
May 19, 2008 Education, Health Care, News
On Sunday, May 18th, the 85th MN Legislature and the Governor agreed on the Omnibus Budget Bill (HF 1812.) The deal was reached just hours before the clock ran out on the 2008 session.
With a group of Civil War re-enactors singing songs from the 1850-60′s era in the Rotunda, Rep. Lyndon Carlson, (DFL 45B), presented the bill which he called a balanced budget and urged its adoption. Ironically, his fortune cookie from lunch that day read “You shouldn’t overspend at the moment. Frugality is important.” Several lawmakers responded, including Rep. Seifert, (R-21A), saying the bill is a good first step in balancing the budget for the future and urged support. Rep. Pelowski, (DFL 31A), said the bill was cutting health care to pay for education funding increases and property tax reductions.
The bill cuts $355 million and uses $500 million of reserve funds.
Some of the highlights of the bill, of which I voted for, are as follows:
1. Caps property taxes at 3.9% with guidelines for some exceptions.
2. Invests $70 million in the Central Corridor Lightrail project.
3. Provides $64 million in additional local government aid (LGA) and will offer $20 million in property tax refunds to the neediest homeowners.
4. Sets aside $20 million to buy land for a new State Park on Lake Vermillion.
5. Gives more money for K-12 education and nursing homes. Schools will get an extra $43.8 million in funding ($51/student).
6. Provides health care coverage for an estimated 12,000 uninsured Minnesotans and at the same time reduces health costs by 15% by improving quality of some services.
In the end, negotiations produced a budget both DFLers and Republicans supported. As Speaker of the House, Rep. Kelliher, (DFL 60A) said, looking back on the 2007/08 sessions, “I think we have been the most productive Legislature in a very, very long time.”
Winding Down of the 85th Legislature
May 17, 2008 News
Minnesota’s 85th Legislature is winding down. We are told that negotiations with the Governor are close to a settlement. Unfortunately, I can’t say much about the details yet but we are looking at a late night tomorrow, Saturday, May 17th, to finish up our work. We are confident we will be done Sunday.
Minnesota’s Sesquicentennial will also be winding down on Sunday, May 18th. There will be a lot going on this weekend and many of you will be participating in the final day celebration of 150 years of Statehood. I hope you have a wonderful time enjoying the festivities.
Statehood Day, May 11th
May 10, 2008 News
This Sunday, May 11th, is Statehood Day; the beginning of a whole week of commemorations for Minnesota’s big 1-5-0.
The Minnesota Statehood Week Kickoff Ceremony begins at 3:30pm, Sunday, May 11 at the State Capitol in St. Paul. It marks the beginning of Minnesota’s 150th anniversary of statehood.
Don’t miss the Sesquicentennial Wagon Train as it treks down Summit Ave in St. Paul and arrives at the State Capitol at 3:30pm. Get the whole family there early to watch as 20 wagons and 100 horses parade to the Capitol to herald the start of Statehood Week.
The first 250 people to arrive at the State Capitol Grounds May 11th will receive 1 free bus pass compliments of Metro Transit. Use it to return to the Capitol on Saturday, May 17th or Sunday, May 18th for the Statehood Weekend Festival.
Join us at all or one of the Capitals for a Day during Statehood Week:
Bemidji – May 12
Thief River Falls – May 13
Detroit Lakes – May 14
New Ulm – May 15
Winona – May 16
Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18, is the Minnesota Sesquicentennial Weekend. See the 26 plane fly-over at the State Capitol on Saturday the 17th at 12:30pm and be present on Sunday, May 18th for the “Official Statehood Commemoration Ceremony,” at 6:58 pm concluding with Fireworks over the Capitol, presented by Target at 8:45 pm. For more info go to the official website.
“Defenders of Democracy Day,” Monday, May 12
May 9, 2008 News
In recognition and appreciation of their many contributions and personal sacrifices in the defense of Americans’ freedoms and liberties, there will be a special exhibit of our nation’s Declaration of Independence at the Minnesota History Center (MHS) on Monday, May 12, exclusively for “veterans, service members, and their families.” This special “Defenders of Democracy Day” is sponsored by the Baker, Wadd & Williams law firm and the American Legion Department of Minnesota.
“Defenders of Democracy Day” will be at the Minnesota History Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Limited parking will be available.
The event features an exhibit of a rare, original printing of the Declaration of Independence, as well as key Minnesota historical documents on display as part of the state’s 150th year anniversary of statehood. The popular exhibit “MN 150,” a showcase of 150 individuals, events, and inventions that shaped our state, will also be open to guests.
The Legion, as well as several other service organizations, will have representatives available to speak with veterans and service members in an information center.
Property Tax Relief (HF1222)
Star Tribune editorial writer and columnist Lori Sturdevant wrote in an editorial piece on April 27 that homeowners’ property taxes over the last 6 years have increased, on average, 82%. In the upcoming year, taxes are forecast to increase 7.7%. These increases are forcing many homeowners into difficult financial problems.
This Legislature is committed to helping those who cannot afford these increases to stay in their homes. Two DFL legislators, House DFL tax chair Ann Lenczewski (DFL Rep for District 40B) and property tax division chair Paul Marquart (DFL Rep for District 09B), are working together and have co-authored a bill (HF1222). According to Sturdevant, “Lenczewski and Marquart proposed to ease the property tax burden on homeowners least able to bear it, by putting the state’s property tax refund program, or “circuit breaker,” on steroids. It would bulk up state refunds to homeowners whose property tax burdens are disproportionately high relative to their incomes, making it big enough to block next year’s expected property tax increases for a majority of Minnesotans.”
Review HF1222 and follow it through the Legislature. Go the MN House website and type “HF1222″ in the search for bills by number.
