Friends and neighbors,  

The latest statewide test results from the Minnesota Department of Education once again show a concerning trend: student performance is remaining stagnant. More than half of public school students still don’t meet basic proficiency in reading or math.   

Remember, behind these statistics are real children across the state whose futures are in jeopardy if we can’t help them. It is a crystal clear signal that we need to refocus on the fundamentals of math, reading, and science. 

Education funding has long been a bipartisan priority, with both parties supporting record increases in education funding. Despite that reality, we are still not seeing the progress that children deserve. We have to ask ourselves: Are we truly giving our teachers and schools the tools they need to succeed?   

We need to move beyond the idea that simply pouring more money into the system is enough. We also need to ease the mandates that have pushed school budgets into the red and empower educators with the flexibility to do their jobs. And we need accountability, so we know our investments in education are actually producing results. 

Our children’s future – and the success of our state — depends on their ability to read, write, and perform basic math. These skills form the foundation for all future learning and success. It’s our duty to ensure that every student in Minnesota can master these critical skills. We need to do a better job than we have been doing. 

Contact me  

If you have any questions about any issues we are working on at the legislature, feel free to contact me any time at sen.john.jasinski@mnsenate.gov or 651-296-0284. 

And you can always get the latest news from St. Paul on my Facebook page at fb.com/SenatorJohnJasinski. 

It is a privilege to serve you!

— John