Greetings friends and neighbors,
I hope you were able to enjoy a safe, healthy, and happy Thanksgiving with your friends or loved ones.
Recently I attended the National Conference of State Legislatures’ annual, bipartisan legislative summit. It’s an opportunity for legislators from both parties across the country to gather and exchange ideas, collaborate on best practices, and learn from each other.
With the 2022 legislative session just around the corner, it is likely that states will be facing many of the same challenges. The insight gained from these meetings will be beneficial for everyone, regardless of their party affiliation.
I was particularly interested in the sessions on data privacy. This has long been a topic that has interested me; the privacy of everything from our health records to our votes is especially important as our world has become more digital over the last couple of decades. Here in Minnesota, one thing I’ll be working on is strengthening our laws around genetic data privacy, particularly how our genomic data is collected, stored, and used for research and other clinical applications.
Make your voice heard about changes to state social studies standards
One issue I’ve frequently heard about from you is the draft social studies standards being considered by the Minnesota Department of Education under the direction of Governor Tim Walz. The proposed changes have drawn criticism for advancing a political agenda instead of focusing on critical historical events like the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I and II, and the Holocaust, or important historical figures like George Washington or Thomas Jefferson.
In the most recent budget agreement, we convinced the governor to postpone the implementation of new academic standards for two years. But the effort to eventually adopt these standards is continuing behind the scenes.
That’s why it is important for you to make your voice heard. The Dept. of Education is currently accepting public comments on the proposal to change and create new social studies standards. You can submit your comments here: https://education.mn.gov/MDE/about/rule/rule/k12social/
The public comment period closes on January 14, 2022, so you have a little bit of time. I would also encourage you to share the link with as many of your friends and family members as you can. Public participation is critical to preventing these radical changes.
Contact Me
As always, If you have any questions about the social studies standards, data privacy, or any other legislative issue, feel free to contact me any time at sen.mary.kiffmeyer@senate.mn or 651-296-5655. It is a privilege to serve you!
Sincerely,