Conference committees
With just over one month remaining in the legislative session, budget negotiations are gaining steam. Over the past several weeks, the Senate has passed an entire biennial state budget, which totals just over $45 billion. Because of differences in bill language between the House and the Senate budgets, conference committees began meeting this week to arrive at budget compromises that will eventually be sent to the governor for his signature or veto. I am serving as the chair of the conference committee for the higher education budget, which I authored. The Minnesota Constitution mandates that this year?Äôs legislative session must adjourn by May 22.
The conference committee for the higher education budget met for the first time this past Wednesday, April 19.
Secretary of the Senate Cal Luderman and President of the Senate Michelle Fischbach chat on the Senate floor. Submitted photo.
Passed off the floor: Senate File 870
On a unanimous vote, the Senate passed legislation this week that will allow communities greater flexibility in their outreach. I authored the bill, Senate File 870, which authorizes local governments and school districts to raise and spend funds on National Night Out events and on other events and programs meant to foster good relationships within the community. The National Night Out is an annual summer evening designated as a time for community and neighborhood events and is a great way for communities to come together. The bill now awaits action by the House
Passed off the floor: teacher licensure reforms
Minnesota is experiencing a significant lack of qualified teachers, particularly in rural school districts. One factor in this shortage is the state?Äôs cumbersome and inconsistent teacher licensing process. In 2016, Minnesota?Äôs Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) issued a scathing critique of Minnesota?Äôs teacher licensure system. This week, the Senate passed a bill that will fundamentally alter the way teachers are licensed in our state. Among its many provisions, the bill:
Establishes a new ?ÄúProfessional Educator Licensing and Standards Board,?Äù which will take on the responsibilities currently shared by the Board of Teaching and the Department of Education
Creates a ?Äútiered?Äù licensing system, allowing for a clearer and more affordable pathway into the teaching profession. This new system will empower local school districts to take on more responsibility for educator hiring and development. It will establish consistent standards that will streamline the licensing process for both in- and out-of-state applicants.