The New Year also brings about the new Legislative session at the Capitol. It would appear that the sense of bi-partisan cooperation that was called for in the opening remarks of the session lasted just about to the end of those remarks. After that, it was every party for themselves, unfortunately for the people of Minnesota, and the country for that matter. In my conversations with lawmakers, there is a good deal of skepticism as to whether anything can get accomplished.
There are a couple of things that have come up early in the session which directly affect our schools and employees. As in many states, politicians are moving in the direction of “Right to Work” legislation. This legislation was enacted in 1947 over President Truman‘s veto. While Minnesota is not currently a right to work state, there is much talk in various circles about making the state one. The legislators and unions will certainly slug it out on this issue.
Another bill in the early stages will allow school districts to end a practice currently in state statute called LIFO (last in first out) when reductions in staff need to be made due to budget constraints. This bill would allow districts to include teacher effectiveness as part of the criteria when needing to make these already unpleasant decisions. There will be a great deal of conversation surrounding the use of “effectiveness” and how that is determined for this process.
Health insurance and joining the Public Employees Insurance Plan is being debated as currently employees can make this decision unilaterally. Proposed legislation would make it so the switch would have to be approved by both the employee local union and the school board.
We will see where the proposed legislation takes us in the next few weeks and hopefully we all stay informed on the process and discussion on the bills. I would encourage all patrons to contact our legislators and let them know your thoughts.