Workforce Omnibus more spending lacking accountability
Concerned with the lack of oversight, I wrote a bill with bipartisan support, but did not receive a hearing. Instead, I adapted it into an amendment for the Accountability, Transparency and Effectiveness of Workforce Grants by establishing standardized success metrics to ensure that the appropriations from the legislature to Nonprofits are delivering on the promise to effectively train and place workers in our communities. However, in committee, this oversight amendment was voted down along party lines…disappointing!
If we don’t get this right, we will waste resources intended to help folks achieve the dignity and independence that comes with working decent job. The lack of accountability feeds and breeds criminal activity (recall Feeding Our Future to the tune of over $250,000,000) and breaks the trust with our citizenry.
We can and must do better for Minnesota!
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Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exclusion Increase
I was proud to stand with our Veterans Committee led by our DFL Chair Newton - a Viet Nam Veteran - for our Disabled Veterans. We introduced an amendment to the Tax Omnibus bill for the Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exclusion Increase. After initial opposition by the DFL Tax Chair, a spirited discussion ensued and a bipartisan spirit arose. Then the Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exclusion Increase passed unanimously with complete bipartisan support. This was a Veterans Service Organization Commanders Task Force top priority. Thanks to my bipartisan colleagues for doing the right thing for our Disabled Veterans!
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1A Rights Preserved
I am so happy to announce that a bill was passed to correct the Minnesota Human Rights mistake of excluding the Religious Freedom Exemption. Thank you for your prayers and the hard work of our faith communities in restoring religious freedom in Minnesota. Your U.S. Constitutional First Amendment right of freedom of religion passed out of the House and Senate on Tuesday. This is a small victory for liberty!
What is wrong at the University of Minnesota
Sadly, the University of Minnesota (U of M), has experienced a disruptive protest. While I support the fundamental right to peaceful protest, there is also a distinct responsibility of the protesters to respect the rules of the U of M and not threaten others, nor destroy property.
It is also vital to ensure that such protests do not unduly disrupt campus activities nor impede the rights of others. Balancing these interests requires the enforcement of consequences for unlawful behavior, while also fostering an environment where diverse viewpoints can be heard and respected. It is imperative that students who violate the campus code of conduct or the law be properly disciplined and that the U of M gets back to its primary mission – education.
What is right at the University of Minnesota
I was proud to attend the ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at the University of Minnesota on Wednesday.
David Hendrickson was pinned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Military Intelligence Corps. David served as my intern this year in the Veterans Committee. Also pictured is Captain Scherck, and 2LT JR Swanson, who is my legislative assistant. I was commissioned from the same ROTC program 39 years ago at Northrup Auditorium. Minnesotans are continuing to do the right thing and serve this great state and nation. Dig it Gophers!
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Zosia & Edmund’s visit
I was delighted to have visitors from Liberty Classical Academy who are residents of my district. Zosia, Edmund, and members of Mrs. Johnson’s 5th grade class toured the Capitol and asked me several great questions about our government. It was my distinct pleasure to visit with these bright young people and their visit renewed my hope for our future.
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Wednesday was the 79th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day or VE Day. Americans fought and died freeing Europe from the grips of Nazism.
There are two events next week honoring the sacrifices of our service members:
Tuesday May 14: Hmong Special Guerilla Unit Remembrance Day here at the Capitol.
Thursday May 16: Japanese American Veterans Memorial at Ft Snelling.
I will be giving the address at the Woodbury VFW Memorial Day Event. Please join me or consider paying your respects to our Fallen at your local VFW Memorial Day Event.
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