Friends and neighbors,
In the past couple of weeks, the load of bills on the Senate floor has been significantly lighter. In committee, however, legislation continues to go full speed ahead.
Safeguarding Minnesota’s Energy Future
A noteworthy bill that was recently heard in the Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate Committee is legislation, which I authored, to authorize a study of advanced nuclear reactors.
The Democrat’s 100% carbon-free electricity by 2024 mandate severely threatens our state’s reliable and affordable energy future. That is why, now more than ever, we must understand any potential benefits of emerging technologies to guarantee Minnesota can achieve its carbon goals. And I strongly believe that nuclear needs to be an important part of this conversation.
Nuclear power is a carbon-free, clean-energy source that serves as the most resilient form of generation. Yet currently Minnesota law prohibits even studying and discussing the many benefits of nuclear. Therefore, as the Democrats’ carbon-free mandate shutters conventional generation, like coal and natural gas, we must look to new, reliable energy sources to offset our losses.
Under my legislation, this study would evaluate system costs for ratepayers, reliability, impacts on the environment, and the effect on local jobs. It would not mandate the creation of any new nuclear, but instead, it would put nuclear on the table as a potential option. I hope to see this bill included in a larger energy package later in the legislative session.
Advocating for Homeschooling Rights, Privacy and Freedom
Additionally, a proposal that has been a great concern of mine is HF1269/SF 1311, which looks to make a variety of education provisions modifications. As a homeschool graduate, I am a strong advocate for homeschooling rights, privacy and freedom. This legislation, however, is a blatant attack on these basic principles, as it would require homeschool providers to submit their students’ standardized test scores to local school districts.
I have been in constant contact with homeschool families in our community and across the state, the Home School Legal Defense Association, the Minnesota Association of Christian Home Educators, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), and the bill’s author. And when this legislation was heard recently in the House, I was so grateful for the packed room of homeschoolers who pushed back against this intrusive proposal. Your voices were clearly heard, as it promoted MDE to discuss pulling this language.
On Wednesday, Feb. 15, when this legislation was heard in the Senate, many Minnesota homeschooling families once showed up to stand for their right to privacy. And I am pleased to share that the Senate Education Policy Committee deleted the new homeschool reporting provision being proposed by Governor Walz. Thank you to all the families who stood up for their core freedoms.
Looking ahead, there are a number of bills moving through committee that I also have a significant concern with. This includes the Democrats’ divisive election legislation, a second extreme abortion bill, full legalization of marijuana, and legislation to allow driver’s licenses for non-citizens and those in our country illegally. I will continue to share updates on these topics, which, from recent constituent conversations and emails, I know are significant to you.
Contact My Office
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.andrew.mathews@senate.mn or 651-296-8075.
Sincerely,
Andrew