Dear John, it's the Family Beacon, your weekly source for news on the issues that matter most in Minnesota and beyond! This week:
We need your help to keep shining the light of truth in Minnesota. Please consider making a donation today. |
|
|
What You Cared About Most in 2023
|
As we hit the ground running this New Year and our team prepares for the 2024 legislative session, we wanted to take a moment to highlight our top content from 2023.
Thank you for your support and for courageously acting with us in faithfulness and shrewdness at our Capitol and in our communities. We’re grateful to partner with each of you—bold individuals and families who speak up and enable us to magnify your voice about the issues that matter most. Together, we are shining the light of Christ throughout Minnesota. And when we’re shining, we’re always winning. If you find these highlights insightful, please share with your friends and family. Help us get the word out that life, family, and religious freedom are worth protecting in our North Star State! Without further ado, here’s what you cared about MOST in 2023. |
|
|
Center of the American Experiment: Survey Says Voters Think Schools Should Notify Parents About Gender Identity Changes
|
Via Center of the American Experiment
The majority of voters support school policies that require educators to inform parents about changes to their children’s pronouns, according to a national poll conducted by the Center Square Voter’s Voice Poll.
The October poll asked over 2,500 registered voters (including more than 1,000 Republicans, 1,000 Democrats and roughly 500 independents) if teachers should “be obligated to inform parents if their child changes their gender identification or preferred pronouns at school.” Sixty-six percent of respondents believe that educators should disclose gender identity information to parents (19 percent disagree), with support more split along party lines — 49 percent of Democrats support the notification policy with 30 percent opposed, 62 percent of independents voiced support, and 83 percent of Republicans. Broken down by age, 56 percent of respondents ages 18-34 support teachers informing parents about gender identity changes (29 percent opposed), 71 percent of respondents ages 55-64, and 70 percent of those 65 and older. Support by geographic region was at 66 percent for the Midwest. |
|
|
Alpha News: The Hostile Takeover of Education in Minnesota
|
Via Alpha News Last fall, the Duluth News Tribune reported:
“The spring 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress results released Monday, Oct. 24, show Minnesota eighth-graders’ math test scores dropped by 11 points from 2019, placing the state among the 10 biggest drops in that age group nationally. No state reported gains in math performance for fourth- and eighth-graders since the last assessment, and nearly all states, including Minnesota, saw reading scores drop.”
In just three years, all 50 states saw significant declines in K-12 student academic achievement. The declines in math scores in Minnesota were among the 10 worst. The results indicate a catastrophic reduction in the academic achievement of Minnesota school children. While everyone is right to sound the alarm about these results, the numbers show academic achievement was declining well before 2019.
Since the official narrative has been to blame these losses on Covid-induced “distance learning” and “mental health,” they ignore what was going on before Covid. Notice that the academic achievement of Minnesota K-12 students was trending downwardbefore the Covid-19 disruptions. Covid disruptions may have accelerated the academic decline somewhat, but they clearly were not the primary cause.
Minnesota’s 4th and 8th grade reading and math scores have been in serious decline for years. And even more disturbing, Minnesota’s declines are worse than the national averages. |
|
|
Upcoming Event: Minnesota March for Life on January 22nd
|
Event hosted by our allies at MCCL
As abortions sharply increase and lawmakers pass extreme pro-abortion laws, join thousands of Minnesotans in St. Paul for an unforgettable visual commemoration and urgent public witness to the value of every human life.
MCCL’s annual March for Life will take on a renewed importance in 2024—and we need you there!
The event, held each year at the Minnesota Capitol on the anniversary of the legalization of abortion, commemorates the unborn lives lost and the women and men who have been wounded.But the 2024 March comes after extreme action taken by lawmakers in St. Paul—including measures enshrining abortion-up-to-birth and repealing a right to lifesaving care for newborn babies—as well as a dramatic increase in abortions.
|
|
|
True North Legal Defends Religious Freedom in St. Louis Park Schools! |
In case you missed it-- recently Renee Carlson, Chief Counsel of our True North Legal (TNL) initiative came on the podcast to discuss how TNL is defending the religious freedom of parents here in St. Louis Park! Watch her interview with Moses below. Plus, if you need help with an opt-out, TNL can advise and provide you with what you need - email [email protected] |
|
|
Tell Legislators to Vote NO on ERA
|
As the 2024 Legislative Session approaches, progressives have been open about their plans to try and advance the so-called Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to your ballot in 2024.
This bill has already passed the Minnesota Senate and will be considered by the Minnesota House early next year. Now is the time to send a message to your legislators telling them to oppose the ERA. The alert below will help you send a message to your Minnesota House member respectfully sharing your concerns.
By banning "discrimination" on the basis of "sexual orientation, gender identity or expression," the ERA would allow males to enter female-only accommodations such as sports teams and changing facilities. So please, take action today by clicking the button below and stand up for Minnesota's women and girls!
|
|
|
Church Ambassador Network: Bring LIGHT to the Capitol! |
Things can seem dark in Minnesota, especially thinking of the progressive legislation that was pushed rapidly in 2023, but there's a TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITY for you to help us bring light to the Capitol.
In fact, the Capitol is a mission field--often neglected, but a mission field nonetheless. Watch this video or go to mfc.org/churches to learn more! |
|
|
True North Legal is an initiative of Minnesota Family Institute, fighting to protect life, family, and religious freedom in our legal system. Learn more about True North Legal and its crucial work at truenorthlegal.org. |
|
|
Get the Parent Resource Guide
Responding to the transgender trend with truth and compassion starts with the Parent Resource Guide. Get your copy HERE today and invite a friend to do the same! Click to order your copy today: |
|
|
Thank you for sharing Minnesota Family Council’s vision for strong families, communities, and culture through Christ. In this season of unprecedented challenges to life, family, and religious freedom, please consider giving us your support so that we can continue to be YOUR voice. Click here to give now.
|
|
|
Jeff Evans, CEO Minnesota Family Council and Institute |
| |
|
Two Ways to Give
Support our grassroots policy and elections efforts through Minnesota Family Council (MFC). Support our education and outreach efforts with a tax-deductible contribution to Minnesota Family Institute (MFI). |
| |
|
|
