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Easter/Passover Break is next week, April 13-22. Legislators will be back in district during this time. If possible, schedule a time to meet with them.
2019 Legislative Session
Week 14 - April 8, 2019
3% and 2% - How Does Your District Do?
District by district runs will demonstrate the impact of the proposed funding in your district.  
 
Governor Walz and the House (HF 2400) have both budgeted for a 3% and 2% increase on the general education formula for the next biennium. As districts begin to develop their budget for the 2019-20 school year, these numbers will become more and more important. The proposed funding for each district is in the district-by-district run.
 
In Governor Walz's State of the State Address Wednesday evening said, "Local school boards have informed us about the decisions they need. I'm asking and when we put a budget together, yes, it's a fiscal document but it's a moral document and what these schools have said is they need to get 3 and 2 percent on their funding formula."
 
District-by-District House K-12 FY 20-21
Please send an email or leave a voicemail for:
 
"Hello, My name is (full name) and I'm a school board member from (school district name). I am calling to ask you to support an education funding target for at least 3% and 2% on the formula. Anything short of that would mean (Insert the impact on your school district. Thank you for your time and consideration." 
School Bus Drivers Would be Eligible for Unemployment Under Jobs Bill 
A House bill that adds two words could have an impact on school districts, if it becomes law. The bill is included in the House Jobs and Economic Development omnibus bill.
The original bill authored by Rep. Bernardy's HF 988, adds school bus drivers to a list of individuals who would be eligible for unemployment.
This bill, if passed, would likely be an increased cost to school districts as contractors will no doubt negotiate the additional cost in school bus contracts.
"Hello, My name is (full name) and I'm a school board member from (school district name). I am calling to ask you to continue to exempt school bus drivers from seasonal unemployment. The additional cost will be passed along to school districts." 
 
Local Control - School Board Elections and Retainage
MSBA is tracking two bills outside of education committees that impact local school boards.  
 
A requirement for school boards to hold a special election when a vacancy occurs on a board has been an expensive and complex issue for several school boards across Minnesota.  
 
The House has included a provision in its omnibus bill to allow school boards to appoint an individual to fill a vacancy until the term ends. The Senate has not heard a bill thus far in session. As this issue goes to conference committee, MSBA needs you to reach out to the chairs listed below:  
 
Today, please send an email or leave a voicemail for:
House Elections Chair Dehn - 651-296-8659
Senate Elections Chair Kiffmeyer - 651-296-5655
 
"Hello, My name is (full name) and I'm a school board member from (school district name). I am calling to ask you to allow school boards to appoint an individual to fill a school board vacancy until the end of a term or until the next general election.  This will increase voter turnout and decrease costs to the district due to special elections. Thank you for your time and consideration."     
 
When school districts move forward with construction projects, retaining a portion of payment until work is satisfactory is the norm. Bills in both the House and Senate Jobs omnibus bill would decrease the amount a district is able to withhold from contractors.   
HF 878/ SF 947   would alter the timelines and standards from previous practices.
 
Today, please send an email or leave a voicemail for:
 
 "Hello, My name is (full name) and I'm a school board member from (school district name). I am calling to ask you to allow school boards to retain leverage in protecting the tax-payers to ensure the building projects meet standards and timelines to which contractors agreed."

Education Bill Introductions
House Education Bill Introductions - Wednesday, April 3
House Education Bill Introductions - Monday, April 1

Senate Education Bill Introductions - Thursday, April 4
Senate Education Bill Introductions - Monday, April 1
Upcoming Meetings and Events
House
Education Finance Division
No meetings scheduled
 
Education Policy Division
No meetings scheduled

Senate
Committee on E-12 Finance and Policy
Tuesday, April 9  3:00 PM
Room G-23 Capitol
Agenda:    
S.F. 7 -  Safe schools program revenue increase and appropriation. (Nelson)
Staff walk thru of E-12 Omnibus amendment to SF 7. The amendment will be posted to this website Monday afternoon.
Public testimony on E-12 Omnibus amendment to SF 7. Speakers and organizations will be limited to 3 minutes apiece.  

Wednesday, April 10  1:30 PM
Room G-23 Capitol
Agenda:    
S.F. 7 - E-12 Omnibus amendment to SF 7. (Nelson)

Other Bill s of Interest  
Tuesday, April 9,  12:30 PM
Ways and Means
Room: 200 State Office Building
Agenda: HF5 - Paid family, pregnancy, bonding, and applicant's serious medical condition benefits provided; employment leaves regulated and required; data classified; rule-making authorized; and money appropriated. (Halverson)

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Minnesota School Boards Association | 507-934-8133 | msba@mnmsba.org
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St. Paul, MN 55103
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