Robbinsdale Area Schools

Legislative Action Coalition Newsletter

May 2, 2014

Dear (Contact First Name),

The countdown to the end of Session begins. There are ten days left of the 88th Legislature.

As we continue to work towards achieving our Platform goals, it is important to let our Legislators know we care and need their support. The contact link for each Representative and Senator is on the right side of the page. You can also see who represents you by clicking here. A short email or call, with the bullet points listed below does make a huge impact!

P
lease call/email your Representatives and Senator today and urge them to:

Adopt at least the House spending target, the money leaders have allocated to spend, for E-12 Education of $75 million . Conversely, the Senate's target is $41 million. Big difference.
Increase the basic funding formula allowance by 1 percent.
Increase investments in school-based early learning programs. School Readiness focuses on children 3 years to Kindergarten enrollment, providing needed skills and behaviors needed in Kindergarten. Some of the most at risk children and families benefit from School Readiness. Early Learning and Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) help families prepare and support learning.

School Trust Lands Update & Action Item

Two years ago our LAC was fortunate enough to have the "godmother" of school land trusts, then Representative Denise Dittrich, share background and information about the millions of acres and mineral rights that are in trust for our students.

When Minnesota became a state, the federal government set aside sections of land for the use of public schools. Revenues earned from the land are invested for the benefit of our students. Interest and earnings are deposited to the Permanent School Trust Fund and distributed to Minnesota Schools. Bottom line - every student in Minnesota is a trust fund baby!

Legislature passed a bill two years ago that created and funded a School Trust Lands director and a Legislative Permanent School Fund Commission. Our LAC was very instrumental in the passage of this bill. The intent was to have Governor Dayton appoint a director by July of 2013. Unfortunately words were misinterpreted and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) appointed its own director. The trust needs to have the Governor appoint a director and the funding for the position approved by the Legislature. This will ensure transparency and fulfill the fiduciary responsibility of the trustee. Simply put, if your student had a $100,000 trust fund, who would you want to manage it? An independent financial adviser or someone whose interests would be their own first and then your students.

Denise Dittrich, School Land Trust Champion

Last Friday, our LAC, members of Hopkins LAC and State Representatives Lyndon Carlson and Mike Freiberg received this information as a part of an update provided by our guest speaker, Ms. Dittrich.

You can help make a huge impact by reaching out to Representative Carlson, chair of the House Conference Committee hearing the bill (HF 3172) this is included in. Ask him to fund the School Land Trusts Director position.

Please also reach out to Governor Dayton and request that he appoint a director of School Trust Lands in the Department of Administration as was agreed upon and the intention of the 2012 Legislature.

Links for more information School Trust Lands

State Trust Lands

Twin Cities.com Article on Bill Passage

MN DNR - School Land Trusts

Governor Dayton's Proclamation - May 12 School Land Trust Day

The LAC invites you to participate with us in whatever way works for you! Please let us know if you are interested in:

Joining one of our discussions with our representatives.
Working with us to share your personal story on how public education impacts your family or community.
Attending periodic workshops offered with our partners.
Like us on Facebook.
Share our information with friends.

Please call 763-504-4087 or email for more information.

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