Friends and neighbors –
This week, the Senate’s education committee reviewed a big education proposal from the governor that would make dozens, if not hundreds, of school policy changes – many of which are the source of serious concern. I will give you a few examples:
- The bill establishes ‘ethnic studies’ with a Critical Race Theory definition, creating a damaging narrative of oppressors and victims. The bill requires ethnic studies to be embedded in all academic standards.
- It does very little to keep prevent another Feeding our Future food program scandal.
- It takes away local control and empowers the state education bureaucracy
- Grants immunity to teachers from any discipline for incorporating controversial curricula like CRT
There is bipartisan agreement about the importance of a great education and amazing public schools. But this bill has its priorities backward. There are a lot of areas where we are failing our kids – only about half of Minnesota students are reading at grade level, for example. Instead of focusing on the fundamentals, like improving student literacy, this bill is loaded with controversial, divisive social justice programs. It is just the wrong approach, plain and simple.
One good thing about the bill: I received a lot of emails and calls about onerous new homeschool reporting requirements that were in an early version of the bill. I am glad to say the public outcry was successful, and Democrats removed that provision from the bill.
No bonding before returning the surplus
This week, the Senate’s bonding committee unveiled a massive bill to borrow $1.9 billion for a variety of state projects. There are some important, critical projects in the bill but also some projects of questionable urgency. The debate over specific projects can come later, right now my biggest issue with the bill is, once again, the Democrats’ backward priorities.
We have a $17.6 billion surplus, the largest we have ever had. Everywhere I went while campaigning, I heard ‘give it back.’ Virtually every day since I have been in the Senate, I have heard ‘give it back.’ Yet here we are, more than a month into session, and we are debating a bill to run up the state’s credit card instead of planning how we are going to give back the surplus.
Minnesotans are still feeling the strain of expensive everything. We should be working every single day to give you relief as quickly as possible.
Contact me
Your feedback, ideas, and concerns are what allow me to serve you to the best of my ability. Please share your thoughts with me any time at sen.bill.lieske@senate.mn or 651-296-5101.
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It is a privilege to serve you!