Local Legislators Gear Up for Productive Session After Tense Start
Despite a rocky beginning, local lawmakers are focused on key goals for the session ahead
Albert Lea, Minnesota, Legislature, Budget, Education, Public Safety, Fraud
Albert Lea: So, the legislative session kicked off with a bit of tension, but local lawmakers are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work. They’ve got some big plans for the months ahead, covering everything from education to the budget.
One of the main tasks on their plate is to approve a budget. Rep. Peggy Bennett from District 23A is stressing the need for responsible spending. With the state facing a potential deficit, she’s all about making sure taxpayer dollars are used wisely.
Recently, Governor Tim Walz laid out his two-year budget proposal, which includes some cuts to keep that deficit in check. Bennett believes it’s crucial for legislators to be more careful with how they allocate funds, especially after years of heavy spending.
She’s also looking to tackle some issues with the state’s government structure. Bennett wants to reform those big omnibus bills that often hide controversial measures. She thinks it’s important for transparency that these bills are debated separately.
On top of that, she’s got a bill aimed at ensuring nonprofit grants for schools are used effectively. There’s been a lot of fraud in the state, with billions lost to scams like Feeding our Future and Medicaid fraud. Bennett is determined to fix that and make sure the funds reach the people who need them.
With inflation still a concern, she’s also pushing to make Minnesota more affordable. Bennett wants to repeal the automatic gas tax increase and the new delivery tax, plus the state tax on Social Security for seniors.
As a former teacher, she’s particularly passionate about education. She’s heartbroken that so many kids can’t read at grade level and plans to propose legislation to help schools focus on academics. She believes in local control but also wants accountability through testing.
Public safety is another priority for her. Bennett feels that more areas in Minnesota are becoming unsafe, and she wants to ensure that policies are in place to protect both businesses and homes.
She’s also got her eye on some water treatment projects in local cities, even though it’s not a typical bonding year. Bennett is committed to working with her colleagues, despite the current political disagreements.
District 23B Rep. Patricia Mueller is also ready to dive into the session. She’s focused on education and wants to make it easier for teachers to enter the profession. Mueller is excited about discussing alternative pathways for aspiring teachers, similar to a program in Tennessee.
She believes that by pairing new teachers with experienced ones in a paid apprenticeship, they can ease into the job without uprooting their lives. It’s all about making the teaching profession more accessible and professional.
Mueller is also keen on exploring options for students who might not want to pursue a four-year degree. She’s looking at models from other states to create pathways into skilled jobs, which could be a game-changer for many students.
She’s keeping an eye on the READ Act, which aims to improve reading levels among kids. However, she feels there’s not enough research backing it up and wants to address that issue.
Mueller is also concerned about overregulation affecting schools and is advocating for more funding to go directly to them. She’s got a lot on her plate, but she’s excited about the potential changes this session.
Rep. Gene Dornink is also focused on the budget, emphasizing the need for responsible spending after years of high expenditures. He believes that the current split in the House could lead to more collaboration between parties.
Dornink is pushing for a bonding bill to support critical local projects, including water treatment facilities. He’s also looking to address fraud and waste in government spending, ensuring that taxpayer money is used effectively.
Despite the rocky start, Dornink is optimistic about what can be achieved this session. He’s committed to being a voice for his community and making sure their needs are met.
Sarah Stultz and Eric Johnson contributed to this story.