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Dear Neighbors,
We have ten days remaining of the legislative session, with our work required to be done by May 20. Currently, we’re spending a lot of time on the House Floor, debating and passing policy solutions and supplemental budget bills that strengthen our communities and keep them moving forward.
 House Education Policy Committee Chair Laurie Pryor is an incredible partner in this good work for our students.
As the vice chair of the Education Finance Committee, I’d like to especially highlight the great work we’ve passed in this critical area for our students.
 It was great welcoming @Pine Bend Elementary 5th graders to the State Capitol today. The future is bright in Minnesota!
 There's nothing more wholehearted than family and community coming together to create something beautiful and memorable for years to come. Thank you to Moreland Arts and Health Sciences Magnet School for the invitation to participate in the Community Mural and Student Showcase Event! It was inspiring to see the students so engaged and proud to create a work of art they'll be able to showcase at school. 🎨
Here’s an update from the Capitol:
Early this month, we passed the K-12 Education bill which will increase 5,200 voluntary pre-kindergarten slots, deliver $37 million in reading and literacy resources, and create strategies to investigate and address student absenteeism. I spoke at a press conference with Education Finance Chair Youakim, Education Policy Chair Pryor, Rep. Virnig, and Rep. Edelson to share highlights of our new investments.
 I’m particularly glad to have contributed to the final bill with my legislation to launch a pilot program that pays student teachers a stipend for their student teaching experience. I also had a provision included that aims to revamp our English Language learning and alternative learning in schools with a task force on fully funded programming to address shortfalls these students face. Finally, I was grateful to have a third provision included which delivers grant funding toward a post-secondary/secondary school partnership to help paraprofessionals become fully licensed Special Education teachers.
We’ve also passed several of the House’s proposals in key issue areas. If you’re interested, you can read these nonpartisan summaries of the bills we’ve passed so far, including Transportation, Labor, and Housing, Higher Education, Judiciary and Public Safety, State and Local Government, Elections, Workforce and Economic Development, and Taxes.
Gun Violence Prevention
Recently, the House passed a slate of bills that will reduce gun violence in Minnesota and save lives. Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children in the United States and it's time that we take action to make Minnesota a safer place to live. Our bills require the safe storage of firearms, require the report of missing firearms, crack down on straw purchasing, and ban binary triggers. I’m proud to have voted for each one of these critical bills that will help prevent tragedy and save lives.
What an honor it was to meet Shannon Watts last year, the Founder of Moms Demand Action.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to contact me anytime by emailing me directly at rep.mary.frances.clardy@house.mn.gov or giving my office a call at 651-296-3533. Due to technical constraints, direct replies to this email won’t reach my inbox.
You’re also welcome to follow me on my Facebook page here.
Wishing you a great Mother’s Day Weekend!
Forward,
Mary Frances Clardy
State Representative
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Happy Mother’s Day to the one who made me a mom, my sweet Virginia. This weekend, we celebrate all the moms and mother figures supporting and loving our children just as they are. Thank you for all you do to encourage the next generation of leaders. 
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