|
Hello neighbors,
I hope you enjoyed the first glimpses of spring last week, with sunshine and pleasant temperatures giving us a preview of the spring season that is just around the corner. Although the recent snowfall and winter storms are inconvenient, the precipitation does provide much needed moisture for crops and other wildlife. Hang on for just a few more weeks and then we can expect to emerge from winter for good.
This week at the Capitol, my colleague Rep. Andrew Myers introduced HF3490, a bill that would allow Minnesota to participate in a new federal tax credit program that supports K-12 education. If Minnesota opts in, donations made through this program could generate hundreds of millions of dollars to help schools meet real needs such as tutoring, classroom supplies, and other student supports. Just as important, the program comes at no cost to Minnesota taxpayers and is designed to benefit every type of school, including public, private, and other educational settings that serve students across the state. The funding comes from federal tax credits that Minnesotans are already eligible to claim. The choice for Minnesota is straightforward. We can opt in and allow those dollars to support students and schools here at home, or we can decline to participate and watch those same contributions flow to schools in other states that have chosen to take part.
Unfortunately, there has been a coordinated push of misinformation about this proposal. It simply gives Minnesota the opportunity to bring federal dollars back into our state instead of sending them elsewhere, and to put that funding to work supporting students, educators, and classrooms across Minnesota.
It is also important to note that Minnesota does not need to wait for legislative action to participate. Tim Walz has the authority to opt Minnesota into this program administratively. If the Governor chooses to do that, there would be no need for this legislation. I am ready to work on many other important issues this session, but first we should make sure Minnesota takes advantage of this opportunity. These dollars are available to support our schools, students, and teachers. If we fail to opt in, Minnesotans will still claim the federal credit and their contributions will simply be directed to schools in other states that chose to participate. That would mean sending resources out of Minnesota instead of putting them to work in our own classrooms.
If you are interested to learn more, please watch our press conference about the bill here.
Shoutout to the recent Knowledge Bowl Champions: Aaron Morris, William Vogtlin, Tanner Koonce, Tolo May and Carsyn Miller. The team from Aitkin won in commanding fashion, and the second place spot was another team from Aitkin as well! Congratulations all.
BTW: By the way, fish fries this evening include: Herbies and Cary's on the Course.
|
