Opinion: Rep. Kurt Zellers Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors

It was another busy week in the Minnesota House of Representatives this week with release of the new legislative map and Governor Dayton signing two important bills into state law.  

Sex Offender Notification Signed Into Law

One of my proudest accomplishments as a state representative was passing a law to increase penalties for the worst of the worst sex offenders. I believe those who want to do our children and families harm should receive stronger sentences for their heinous crimes. However, state law currently allows some of these dangerous sex offenders to be released into the community. When I learned that a high risk Level III sex offender was going to be released from the Minnesota Sex Offender Program, I asked Governor Mark Dayton to reconsider his administration's decision to not object to the discharge of this predator. When that failed, I then asked for his support in closing a loophole in state law that protected the address of the halfway house where this sex offender would live. I am pleased Governor Dayton joined me in changing state law to protect public safety and inform citizens of the whereabouts of these sex offenders.

New Law: Teachers Must Pass Basic Skills Test

This week Governor Dayton signed into law a Reform 2.0 education initiative that is a modest effort to raise the bar in teacher quality and ensure effective, high caliber teachers in the classroom. The new law requires teacher candidates to pass the basic skills test before being granted a teaching license. Prior to this law, teachers who failed the basic skills exam could receive up to three, 1-year licenses to teach under certain conditions. Setting expectations that teachers are able to demonstrate competency in reading, writing and math before entering the classroom is fundamental. If teachers can't pass the same basic skills test we expect students to pass, they shouldn't be teaching our kids.

Redistricting

The State Capitol was busy on Tuesday, February 21 as all eyes were on the new Congressional and Legislative Maps released by the Special Redistricting Panel. As you may know, redistricting is the process of drawing new electoral district boundaries every 10 years in order to equalize district populations based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau.  The new legislative map did make some changes to what was my legislative district - House District 32B. Overall the new legislative district, now known as District 34B, did not change drastically. It continues to include Osseo and Maple Grove. My House district lost a few parts of Maple Grove but also gained areas of Maple Grove I have not yet had the opportunity to represent.

It truly has been an honor to serve the citizens of Maple Grove and Osseo in the Minnesota House of Representatives. I will continue to work hard to represent our communities and the people who call these cities home.

Kurt