WHAT’S NEW?
Anyone paying attention to political news both nationally and in the State of Minnesota this last month is being forced to see a shocking amount of our tax dollars being wasted due to fraud and abuse. As people are struggling with high property taxes and grocery and gas costs, seeing that our government systems have been running seemingly unmonitored, unchecked and in extremely inefficient ways is frustrating.
A reminder, in Minnesota’s state government at least $640 million, but more likely over $1 billion has been stolen from taxpayers. Yet we don’t see the Governor Walz administration holding people accountable or implementing new systems to avoid the continuation of this waste of dollars.
American Experiment is a great resource for local Minnesota news and you can find their fraud tracker here.
No business could operate this inefficiently and yet this week, every Democrat on the state government committee voted against a bill requiring state employees to report suspected fraud. The disconnect of the elected Democrats is startling.
House Republicans did advance two bills that take a series of steps to stop fraud that's running rampant in Minnesota. Learn more here.
SEEKING TO HELP OUR SCHOOLS AND OUR STUDENTS
Recently I joined other lawmakers at a meeting of southeastern Minnesota school superintendents. The overall message we heard from them is that they are struggling, and they need help.
Schools are feeling the pinch of more than 65 new mandates that were approved by Governor Walz and an all Democrat-led legislature last session. They’re also seeing far too many students falling through the cracks.
The statewide numbers are dismal. Less than half of Minnesota’s students can read at grade level. Statewide proficiency in science and math is even worse.
It’s clear that changes are needed, which is why I’m supporting an education reform proposal that ensures schools have the tools they need to succeed, and the time needed to focus on core academic subjects.
First, the plan addresses literacy by improving the recently enacted READ Act which is over regulated and underfunded. It would repeal some of the new requirements that were included in the 2024 session that have political or ideological purposes that distract from the core mission of education. The proposal also restores the expectation that our teachers are not only properly prepared to provide reading instruction grounded in the science of reading, but that ability is verified by teacher assessment.
Second, the bill focuses on empowering schools to be innovative. The revisions we propose will shift the mindset from one of schools always forced to seek permission from the state to a mindset of trusting our locally elected school boards, educators, and parents.
Finally, the legislation would provide flexibility for school boards in both funding and relief from the more than 65 new mandates imposed on our schools in the previous biennium. Under this section, school boards would be allowed to transfer any funds that are not otherwise encumbered or limited by federal law, so long as the transfer does not inadvertently trigger additional state aid or increase a local levy. It also would allow school boards to delay implementation of many of the new mandates imposed during the 2023-24 legislative biennium.
In contrast, Governor Walz’s education plans include cuts to teacher pay, professional development and services to children with special needs. It would also deny certain textbooks to school-age children, yet it would give more money to state bureaucrats to micromanage our schools.
In my opinion, real solutions are needed for our kids. Statewide education needs to allow flexibility and innovation. It needs to empower local schools and local control. But most of all, it needs to focus on the core priorities of learning – reading, math and science, and helping every student become proficient in these subject areas.
Moving forward, expect House Republicans to continue focusing on solutions that will prioritize the needs of students and local schools – not an already bloated state government.
LOCAL VISITORS
It was fun to meet up with a large group of Red Wing students with Rise Up in St. Paul this week.
Bailee O’Reilly was also in town for Physical Therapy Day at the Capitol.
Thanks to all who stopped by!
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO?
Do you enjoy pickleball?
Sign up and help support a great organization in Red Wing. First Choice Clinic provides assistance to moms and families who need extra help during their pregnancy.