The presentations at the education forum this morning highlighted some of the problems our schools are facing. The state owes schools approximately 2.4 billion dollars and there is no plan as to when the debt will be paid back. In the meantime, some school districts are borrowing money to keep the districts in operation. Why would legislators deliberately place our kids’ education and our schools in jeopardy? This goes back to the irresponsible budget settlement last year and other similar acts. Class sizes in Minnesota are now some of the largest in the country. How does that help our children or economic recovery in Minnesota?
School District #191, Burnsville-Eagan-Savage, is looking to make five million dollars in cuts. One parent said he has already open-enrolled his children in another district because of the cuts. Someone who attended one of #191′s budget meetings said that other parents threatened to do the same thing if cuts continue. This problem is facing districts throughout the state.
Minnesota needs to find a stable funding source for our schools! That is essential to providing bright futures for our children and bringing good jobs to Minnesota. The caliber of Minnesota’s work force was instrumental in the economic success of past years and is essential as we go forward.
We need legislators who understand the importance of keeping our public schools competitive nationally and globally.
The consensus was that we all need to take action to contact our legislators and tell them we expect them to fund education appropriately.
Thanks to the folks at Our Future MN for putting this event together.
The Uptake taped the event in Eagan today,
http://www.theuptake.org/2012/05/12/burnsville-mn-residents-oppose-education-cuts-four-day-week .
Just a reminder about the meeting Saturday morning on education funding.
This is a collaborative effort to give people in our community the opportunity to discuss the economic challenges facing our schools, a time to ask questions and talk about priorities. The forum is Saturday, May 12 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 at Rasmussen College in Eagan.
The new Senate District 51 held its Endorsing Convention on March 24th at the Dakota Hills Middle School in Eagan. It was a long and lively event. The race for the Senate District 51 position between former State Senator Jim Carlson and Eagan Mayor Mike Maguire went to four ballots before arriving at an endorsement. Carlson won on the last vote.
I was extremely pleased and privileged to win the endorsement for 51A on the first ballot. I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who helped make that decision possible. Gary Meyer was also seeking the 51A House position.
Laurie Halversen received the endorsement from the 51B delegation.
My thanks to all who attended and participated in this event. It took a lot of planning, preparation, and patience. This is truly democracy at the grassroots level.
Today is the Empty Bowls Event at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 3930 Rahn Road in Eagan.
It runs from 11:00 A.M. -7 :00 P.M. This is the big fundraiser for the Eagan & Lakeville Resource Center.
Choose a handmade bowl, make a donation, and then have a meal of soup and bread.
I found this quote in my planner and think it serves as a good reminder for a successful existence.
Look up and not down;
Look forward and not back;
Look out and not in;
Lend a Hand.
Edward Everett Hale
Senator Amy Klobuchar delivered a powerful speech on domestic abuse at the 27th Annual Domestic Abuse Luncheon in Lakeville this afternoon. The fact that almost 300 people attended this event indicates the importance our community places on curtailing this harmful behavior. Senator Klobuchar and some of the other speakers commented on the changes that have taken place in the way domestic abuse has been handled over the years. She said Minnesota has been a leader that area and mentioned that the Lewis House in Eagan was the first of that type of shelter in the nation. She recalled how hard Paul and Sheila Wellstone worked to eradicate domestic abuse. Since becoming a U.S. Senator, Senator Klobuchar has championed legislation to help address the problems that still exist. We are truly fortunate to have someone so caring and talented representing us.
For photos and more details, please check out the 360 Communities website at 360Communities.org
I had the opportunity to attend a book discussion with Duchess Harris yesterday. She talked about the activities that prompted her to write BLACK FEMINIST POLITICS FROM KENNEDY TO OBAMA. It started when she at a college in Pennsylvania. She talked about a controversial event there and went on to give her perspective on other activities that occurred during that specific time period of her life. The book provides a means to broaden our view of history.
I had an exceptional afternoon. I toured the 1968 exhibit at the Minnesota Historical Center and then watched the History Theatre production of 1968: The Year That Rocked the World. Both presentations did a great job of summarizing a year that had an abundance of traumatic events. The music played by the band enhanced the drama. Throughout the play was an update on the number of people being killed in Vietnam.
The controversy caused by that war is similar to the controversy facing us by the current war situation-almost fifty years later. We are engaged in another war that divides the people in our country. At least now, we are not taking our frustrations out on the returning veterans. One lesson learned from that episode. The uplifting event was the flight of Apollo 8 and the reading from Genesis by the crew members from outer space.
A highlight was a discussion period afterward with Vice-President Mondale. He said it is a lot easier to not enter a war than to get out of one. He also commented on how the wars distract from the progress and justice activities that were happening in our country at the time the wars started. An example would be President Johnson’s Great Society. We are still dealing with extreme poverty, racism and civil rights issues.
We all get to live on this Earth for a very short time. Shouldn’t we do the best we can to share this Earth and at least leave it intact for those who will follow us?
Last night, DFL Senate District 38 had a very respectable turnout for its Precinct Caucus at Eagan High School. It is always fun to talk with people from your neighborhood. The mood was upbeat and attendees seemed intent on making changes that will help improve people’s lives and the way government is run. Resolutions to improve the job situation and the economy were among the items discussed. While some find it difficult to find time in a busy schedule to attend this event, it does provides a great opportunity for in-depth discussion with people in your community. This is what democracy is all about, this is real grassroots activity.
This morning I attended the Annual Meeting of TakeAction Minnesota, always a stimulating and educational experience. Larry Cohen, the President of the Communication Workers of America, gave the keynote address on restoring a broken democracy. We need to have a system that protects workers, protects voting rights, and a system that acknowledges the rights and dignity of the 99%. “We can’t wait for Obama to do what he promised. We can support him, but we need to organize to get what we want.”
Dan McGrath, TakeAction’s Executive Director, illustrated how the budget cuts are directly tied to voter suppression.
The Breakout Session on Voter Suppression concentrated on refuting the myths and lies that are used to push the harmful legislation that restricts voters’ rights forward. They are using fear tactics to divide us. It is about power! People in power are trying to restrict those who oppose them. Instead of broadening our voting base, they want to decrease it. In doing so, they will eliminate opposition. Voter ID is designed to make it harder for certain Minnesotans to vote: senior citizens, students, low-income, and persons of color. As proposed, even Military ID’s would not be recognized. We can’t let this happen. We need to protect the rights of voters.
The outrageous shift of financial resources to the 1% needs to be addressed. We need to protect everyone who works hard and allow them to reap the opportunities of their endeavors.
