Commissioner Jett Appears Before the Senate Education Policy Bill

January 30, 2023

Senate Education Policy Committee. The Senate Education Policy Committee met today and on the top of the agenda was the confirmation of Dr. Willie Jett for the post of Minnesota Commissioner of Education. Commissioner-designees during Governor Walz’ first term always had the proverbial Sword of Damocles hanging over their heads, especially during the pandemic when a number of commissioner-designees had to make tough–and often controversial–decisions, because the Senate was controlled by Republicans and the Senate has confirmation authority over the Governor’s choice of commissioners. Any perceived side-step put the Governor’s picks under the microscope and, as a result, few were confirmed. Given the Senate is now controlled by the same party as the Governor and the length of the Senate’s four-year term coincides with that of the Governor, it’s most likely that all of the Governor’s picks to lead the state agencies will be confirmed this session.

The committee also heard bills relating to allowing American Indian regalia and other ceremonial items at graduation ceremonies and further testing for lead in school drinking water.

Bill Introductions–Monday, January 3o

House

HF 980–Modifies Powers and Duties of the School Trust Lands Director

HF 990–Modifies After-School Learning Programs

HF 993–Increases Developmental Screening Aid

HF 994–Funds Transportation for Area Learning Center Students

HF 995–Allows Enrollment Until Age 22

HF 1013–Comprehensive Literacy Bill

HF 1016–Prohibits Malicious Treatment of Students on the Basis of Race, Gender, Sexual Preference, Religion

HF 1023–Appropriates Money for the Rochester Children’s Museum

HF 1045–Increases Community Education Revenue for the Adults with Disabilities Program

HF 1082–Increases Career and Technical Revenue