Hello Neighbors,
I hope you had a wonderful Labor Day weekend. I enjoyed spending time in Cloquet at one of the longest continually held Labor Day Parades in the country!
Now that school is back in session, I wanted to share a bit more about what we accomplished this year to support K-12 education.
Also, I recently had the opportunity to visit Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College and Pine Technical and Community College with a legislative bonding tour. I was impressed with all of these quality educational and workforce development opportunities in our communities.
Funding for education
The good news is that whether your child attends college or grade school, the budget we passed this year will make their lives easier.
Funding for K-12 and higher education institutions has always been bipartisan. This year was no different. The Senate worked with the House and the Governor to to make sure students of all ages, locations and income levels have an opportunity to succeed.
How local schools will be impacted
K-12 education
The K-12 education bill increased funding by more than $1.25 billion – a total commitment to schools of more than $20 billion! With that level of resources, schools everywhere will have the tools they need to provide a first-class education to your student.
Highlights of the bill:
- Provides 2% annual increases to the per pupil education formula – a top priority of school groups and educators
- Adds $90 million to help districts cover rising special needs education costs
- Improves PSEO opportunities by requiring districts to provide information to students earlier in the year
- Strengthens instruction and support for students with dyslexia
49ers
I had a great time touring the operating engineers training facility in Hinckley. It was informative to experience the type of hands-on training provided by experienced operators in the heavy equipment apprenticeship program.
Bonding Committee visits
The Senate Capital Investment Committee visited several projects in the area last week. The Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD) in Duluth, whose coverage area includes Carlton, Cloquet, Scanlon, Thomson, and Wrenshall, is requesting funding to design, purchase, and install new engine generators that will convert biogas produced during wastewater treatment into electricity and heat that the facility can use
I am thrilled the bonding committee is taking time to explore important projects in our area. WLSSD is one of the state’s largest wastewater treatment facilities. Installing these new generators will allow WLSSD to significantly expand a process they are already doing on a small scale, all while helping them control costs and keep rates in check for their customers.
Interim President Stephanie Hammitt welcomed us at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College
We then visited Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College in Cloquet, and heard about the importance of higher education asset preservation and learned about a water infrastructure improvement project for Twin Lakes Township. The Twin Lakes Township water project has been in the works for so long, it is well past time we get that done, so the township can improve water quality, fix odor and taste issues, and guarantee reliable water for its residents.
PTCC President Joe Mulford greeted Sen. Carla Nelson, Sen, Scott Newman, Sen. David Senjem, Sen. Jason Rarick and Sen. John Jasinski during the recent bonding tour
The last stop for me on the tour was to Pine Technical and Community College (PTCC). PTCC plans to construct almost 30,000 square feet of technical and trades laboratories, classrooms, and office spaces. The college also hopes to renovate more than 15,000 square feet of existing space for health science programs.
PTCC President Joe Mulford, gave Senators an overview of the welding program
PTCC is such an incredible training ground for high-demand, high-growth technical and trade jobs. Their planned renovations will help them improve access to great careers, expand their visibility, and continue to be a statewide leader in workforce development.
Stay in Touch
I’d like to remind residents that I am always available to answer your questions or concerns. Please email me anytime at sen.jason.rarick@senate.mn or call my office in St. Paul at 651-296-1508.
Thank you for giving me the privilege of serving you in the Minnesota Senate!
Sincerely,