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Legislative Preview - First Days of Session
The 2019 Legislative Session begins at noon tomorrow. There are several things "new" this session. Minnesota welcomes the new state leadership of Governor Tim Walz (a former teacher) and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan (former Minneapolis School Board member). "Foundational to our past, present, and future is the quality of our people. And that begins with education," said Governor Walz after he was sworn in as Minnesota's governor. The House of Representatives has 39 new members (nearly 30 percent) -- 34 newly elected DFL members and 5 Republicans.
The House will have two new education chairs. Rep. Cheryl Youakim (new to K-12 education) will hold the gavel for the House Education Policy Committee. Rep. Jim Davnie -- a longtime education committee member -- will chair the Education Finance Committee. Sen. Carla Nelson will chair the combined Senate Education Finance and Policy.
Education advocates will be watching to see what bills are introduced first -- traditionally the first 10 bills are the parties' statement of values. Money on the formula and school safety are anticipated to be some of the first bills introduced along with others to help working families.
No formal hearings have been scheduled this week.
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