Dear neighbor,
State funding equity for our school districts continues to be a top priority for me. Last week, I signedon to House File 755, a general education disparity aid bill for school districts that receive less than 90% of the statewide average per pupil in general education revenue. I believe this bill is a good step to address the school funding disparity in our community. I also signed on to House File 830, which would allow the education aid to be allocated at the 7 county metro rate for the students of Elk River who come from the portion of the school district in the 7 county metro area. I also signed onto bipartisan legislation, House File 825, which would allow schools to use dedicated health and safety revenue for security improvements at schools.
I am also co-authoring several other pieces of bipartisan legislation. House File 331 establishes a tax credited internship program for businesses outside the seven county metro. House File 933 modifies the angel investment small business tax credit to direct more of the credit outside the seven county metro. I believe the cities of Otsego, St. Michael, Albertville, and Hanover are well positioned to benifit from these bills.
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It was great to be visited by members of the American Council of Engineering Companies and St. Michael residents Mark Jaster and Rob Moore. I signed onto House File 466 and 450 both of which will help deal with rising road construction costs. I also have signed on to House File 322, which designates the section of Highway 23 between Cold Spring and Richmond as "Officer Tom Decker Memorial Highway” in honor of slain Cold Spring Police Officer Tom Decker.
Protecting the unborn continues to be a priority of mine. That’s why I’m proud to be a co-author on two pieces of pro-life legislation. The first bill, House File 900, would impose stricter regulations on facilities that perform ten or more abortions per month. The other bill, House File 901, would limit funding for state-sponsored health programs that fund abortion.
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As a member of the Agriculture Policy Committee, each committee member is asked to give a presentation about agriculture in their district. Last week, I had my turn. I brought sandwiches made with meat and cheese from Dehmer's meats. I also highlighted No Name Steaks as a great local business in St. Michael. Last Tuesday, I spoke to the Minnesota Agri-Growth Council's Legislative Policy Luncheon. This luncheon featured three freshman members of the legislature.
On Thursday, I was honored to have Tate Irvine, a senior at St. Michael-Albertville High School join me for a day at the Capitol and a reception at the Governor’s mansion.
As your voice in St. Paul, I am interested in your feedback. Please feel free to contact me by e-mail at Rep.David.Fitzsimmons@House.MN or contact my office at 651-296-1534. You can also send me mail to my office address: 227 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155. Please feel free to share this e-mail with your family, friends, and neighbors so they can sign up and stay in touch.
Sincerely,
David
