SEE Notes

Oops! I apologize for not putting together a blog entry last Thursday. Things got a little backed up. Thursday featured two education-related hearings. The first was in the House Education Innovation Policy Committee, which covered Representative Jim Knoblach's HF 387 and Representative Sarah Anderson's HF 256. Both of these bills would expand the definition of eligible expenditures and income levels for Minnesota's education tax credit. Representative Knoblach's HF 387 would also increase the value of the tuition tax deduction.

The House Education Finance Committee also met and reviewed the Legislative Auditor's report on the Perpich Center for the Arts. Like the previous hearings in both House and Senate, the committee delved into the lack of internal controls that were cited by the Legislative Auditor in its report.

Shout Out! Congratulations to Cannon Falls High School Social Studies/History teacher Heather Loeschke on being named Minnesota's Social Studies Teacher of the Year by the Minnesota Council for Social Studies. Loeschke was also named a James Madison Memorial Fellowship winner. There are 58 award winners nationally, but Loeschke was the only Minnesota teacher to win a fellowship. As a graduate of Cannon Falls High School, I'm always proud to point out the great things that are happening in my hometown. So big-time props to Heather Loeschke whose dedication to the study of the US Constitution is simply awesome.

BILL INTRODUCTIONS

House

HF 489-Fenton-Grant for Minnesota Principals' Academy

HF 494-Wills-Changes Renewal Requirements for Academic and Behavioral Strategist (ABS) License

HF 535-Baker-Qualifies Specific On-site Education Programs at Care and Treatment Facilities as Learning Year Programs

HF 538-Christensen-Requires Personal Learning Plan for Students not Reading at Grade Level at Third Grade and Requires that Students who do not Meet High School Standards are Informed that Free Access to Public Education Continues to Age 21

HF 547-Fenton-Administration of Federal Child and Adult Care Food Program

HF 550-Koegel-Grant for Anoka-Hennepin School District for a Fabrication Laboratory for its Secondary Technical Education Program

HF 553-Dettmer-Regulates Disposition Schoolhouses and School Sites following Schoolhouse Closings

HF 558-Erickson-Promotes Innovative Delivery of Career and Technical Programs

HF 572-Lillie-Grants for Programs to Support Student Transitions from Middle School to High School

HF 577-Moran-Grants to Promote STEM Programs to Girls in Underrepresented Populations