Friends and neighbors, 

On Monday, April 7, Senate Republicans unveiled our Students First plan. This legislative package refocuses our state’s K-12 education system on student achievement, safe classrooms, and informed parents. Additionally, our plan honors the Senate majority’s zero-dollar budget target by freeing up existing funds and addressing school safety concerns without increasing costs.

Despite more than a decade of historic increases in education funding, schools across Minnesota, including in our own community, are facing budget shortfalls, layoffs, and program cuts. This was emphasized when school officials from across the state testified before Senate education committees in January. They cited the strain caused by more than 80 new mandates passed over the last biennium—many of them unfunded.

To address these challenges, our Students First plan seeks to give school districts more flexibility to manage their resources. We have legislation to provide schools the option to waive mandates enacted after January 1, 2023. Another bill would waive any unfunded mandates—unless doing so would compromise financial accountability or student safety. This would allow our districts to prioritize classroom needs and student outcomes.

In addition to providing flexibility, the Students First plan includes an important measure to enhance school safety and parental involvement. In February, a Republican-led Senate committee hearing focused on safety concerns and the need for communication with families when adverse or violent incidents occur. Our legislation would ensure schools have the tools and discretion to create safe learning environments and keep parents informed.

Key provisions in the Students First package include:

• Senate File 1489: Allows school boards to waive costly mandates passed after January 1, 2023.
• Senate File 1141: Allows school boards to waive any unfunded mandates, unless doing so would impact financial accountability or student safety.
• Senate File 676: Prioritizes student safety and strengthens parental involvement by ensuring schools have the flexibility to respond to safety incidents. 

Constituents at the Capitol

We had many great constituent meetings this week!

On April 4, I had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the Local 49 Union of International Engineers. We had a thoughtful discussion on protecting pensions. I am deeply appreciative that they came to my office to bring this issue to my attention. Their advocacy is certainly inspiring.

Later, I had the privilege of meeting with advocates from Education Minnesota as a part of the Pensions Day of Action. During this discussion, they provided valuable insight into why improving teacher pensions is necessary. Their passion in advocating for teachers is encouraging.

My office is always open to constituents, and I encourage you to stop in the next time you’re in St. Paul! Your insight and perspective are invaluable as we work together to address the issues that are pertinent to our community.

Contact Me

 I want to hear from you, my constituents, on issues that are important to you. Please feel free to reach out to my office with any concerns or ideas you may have. You can contact my office at Sen.Bruce.Anderson@mnsenate.gov or 651-296-5981.

Sincerely,

Bruce Anderson