Commissioner Jett Appears Before the Senate Education Policy Bill
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 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
HF 1086–Limits Participation in High School Womens Sports Teams to Students Born Female
Senate
SF 920–Creates Due Process Aid for School Districts
SF 934–Restricts Male Participation in Female Athletics
SF 939–Educational Savings Accounts
SF 960–Appropriates Money for the Minnesota Childrens’ Museum
SF 962–Funds Transportation for Area Learning Center Students