Under the DFL Trifecta, we made major strides on bringing school funding back to a healthy level after decades of underfunding due to divided government. While we still have work to do, this re-adjustment of education formulas, including tying the formula to inflation so it automatically adjusts without legislative action, has been paramount in getting our school districts the funding they need to help our kids thrive.
Another piece of the puzzle that our schools rely on is in having a dependable, stable partner in the federal government. However, new proposed cuts under the current Administration are threatening supports for Minnesota’s most vulnerable kids in districts that simply cannot make up the difference. Between ISD 196 and 197, our community’s local public schools rely on nearly $34 million dollars per year of federal funding. This money goes towards essential operating costs like teacher salaries, transportation, school meals, special education, and other necessary classroom supports.
When you went to the polls last month, you may have voted on a levy to increase school funding through property taxes. Without federal funding – which already comes from our tax dollars – schools will rely even more on their communities to help them balance the budget. Losing federal funding for our schools means paying that bill twice.
Some of these impacts are still uncertain, but districts are preparing nonetheless. Additionally, the Minnesota Department of Education is engaging in conversations with students, families and education partners to gauge the impact of federal actions on Minnesota school communities that have already occurred. You can share your story about the impacts you are seeing and experiencing here.
The Minnesota State Board of Trustees has approved the new name for the merger of Inver Hills and Dakota County Technical College: Minnesota Valley College, effective July 1, 2027. The name honors the Mississippi, Minnesota, and St. Croix rivers flowing through our service area and represents a place where all students can grow and thrive.
This merger will strengthen the school’s ability to serve students and our region with expanded program opportunities in technical education, enhanced student support services, more co-curricular activities and NJCAA sports, and continued excellence in trades programs and workforce training. I’m excited to welcome this newly refreshed resource to our community!
The Dakota-Scott Workforce Development board recently shared highlights from their November meeting. I’m proud to say that Dakota county’s unemployment rate remains below the state average, and the CareerForce programming is making a positive impact in the community, helping people go back to school and advance their careers.
The November meeting also focused on resources for entrepreneurs and small business startups. If you're considering starting a business, check out these local resources:
With the end of the year approaching, it’s a perfect time for households to declutter and clear out the medications that have accumulated over the year. Unused or expired prescriptions can pile up quickly, and taking a few minutes to safely dispose of them can help keep medicine cabinets organized for the busy season.
MyOldMeds.com makes disposal easy through its Minnesota resource page and locator tool that helps residents find one of the 520 year-round drop-off locations across the state, including 11 options in District 52B. These disposal sites are located in places people frequently visit, like pharmacies and grocery stores. Before the end of the year, consider doing a clean out and utilizing one of these disposal sites!
Another Minnesota winter is in full swing. Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule is now in effect until April 30. This new law protects your heat from being shut off due to missed utility payments.
To ensure your service is safe from disconnection, you must make and keep a payment plan that you and your utility provider agree on. Minnesota landlords are required to keep rental units at a minimum of 68 degrees from October to April if the tenant does not control the thermostat.
We are committed to making sure everyone stays warm, healthy, and safe all winter long. More information is available on the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s website here.
I couldn’t sign off without leaving you with a bit of holiday cheer! One of the best parts about the holiday season is the baking that comes with it. Here’s one of my favorite cookie recipes – Bruna Kakor from Penzey’s. I hope you enjoy them as much as my family does!
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