Drivers with a commercial driver's license (CDL) are in high demand across the state. Minnesota State, which has community and technical colleges in Senate District 9, responded by expanding programs to help Minnesotans obtain their CDL. Last year, they had hundreds of local students go through their CDL program. However, a barrier is the availability of CDL testing slots. In Minnesota, there are only 26 testing locations for more than 10,000 prospective CDL drivers. 

Working with local educators, I introduced SF 4169, a bill that would allow for community and technical colleges to offer CDL testing. This proposal will expand opportunities for potential CDL drivers to enter the workforce. On Thursday, April 11th, the Senate passed this provision unanimously as part of a Transportation Policy Bill. 

This will get Minnesota students into high-demand and high-paying jobs and help our economy have the workforce needed to be successful. To read further on this issue, click here.

On Thursday, March 7, the Senate State and Local Government and Veterans Committee heard a bill that I authored that would provide an alternative pathway to obtaining certified public accountant (CPA) licensure. By bringing CPA requirements closer to previous standards, SF 1660 would remove unnecessary barriers for Minnesotans to enter this high-demand profession. This legislation is supported by State Auditor Julie Blaha and the Minnesota Society of CPAs.

Prior to 2006, Minnesota mandated 120 semester hours, equivalent to approximately four years of college, along with two years of work experience and successful completion of the CPA exam. However, in 2006, the educational requirements were increased to 150 hours, roughly five years of college, and one year of work experience.  SF 1660 does not lower any standards. An accounting major is still required with a defined accounting curriculum and the CPA exam is still a requirement. This legislation only allows an alternative pathway of 120 semester hours plus two years of experience. Additionally, the previous pathway would still be available for Minnesota accounting students who prefer to pursue it. 

The Senate State and Local Government and Veterans Committee unanimously approved the bill and referred it to the Senate Finance Committee. With our state facing a shortage of certified public accountants, we need to remove the barriers that are preventing Minnesotans from pursuing this in-demand career. To read further on this issue, click here.

March 19th marked Disability Services Day at the Capitol. I spoke to a group of Minnesotans that visited the Capitol to highlight the importance of disability services. As a member of the Human Services Committee, I am dedicated to improving the lives of Minnesotans with disabilities.

As always, it is a pleasure to meet with constituents here in St. Paul. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet constituents at the Capitol for Homeless on the Hill Day and Golf Industry Day.  I also met with the Rural Cancer Organization.

If I can ever be of assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at 651-296-4875 or [email protected]. You can also reach out to my legislative assistant AJ at 651-397-8070 or [email protected].

With Gratitude,

Senator Jordan Rasmusson

District 9