Did you miss "Become a Citizen Journalist" on July 21, 2007? Click above to see Eric Black's speech to mnpACT!
Garrison Keillor
Minnesota Network for Progressive Action
Our Mission
The mission of mnpACT! is to build a progressive community based upon the core values of respect, dignity and opportunity, by educating people about progressive ideas, advocating for progressive issues, and electing progressive candidates to local, state and federal offices.
The House GOP members are getting to be a piece of work. Now they have delayed the teacher tenure bill over a fiscal note dispute.
The estimate arrived a few hours before a scheduled House floor session. But House Ways and Means Chairman Jim Knoblach, R-St. Cloud, said he's still not convinced that there is a fiscal impact.....Rep. Jenifer Loon of Eden Prairie, the bill's chief sponsor, said she thinks the fiscal note is "bogus," and blamed DFL Gov. Mark Dayton.
The Minnesota House GOP has become education oriented apparently. They have stated their TOP education priority via a bill by Rep. Jennifer Loon:
The top education proposal from House Republicans would require public school districts to negotiate local policies for layoffs and other staffing decisions that emphasize a teacher's performance over seniority. It would end the practice known as "last in, first out."
This has been talked about for some time and I still do not understand how this is going to "guarantee" a quality teacher for every kid. At least . . .
Pre-K education has some distinct advantages for the future of our kids. Take a look at this graphic....
Study followed low-income children:
Improves IQ at 5 Achieves basic or better at age 14 Improved graduation rate by 20 points Improved likelihood of home ownership at 27 Improved capability of earning over $20,000 at 40
Numerous studies have been done (ex.:Tulsa Pre-K, the High/Scope Study) that show distinct and irrefutable improvements for kids that have utilized Pre-K education.
The graphic above shows results of the High/Scopes . . .
Asked to expand on why he thinks banning guns in the mall's common areas isn't smart, Cornish says, "A terrorist pays no attention to signs. A terrorist is going to come in and cause mass casualties and couldn't care less if you have a petty misdemeanor violation of a sign," he continues. "It creates a kill zone of unarmed sheep . . .
