Week two has come to a conclusion and the theme this week was the introduction of Senate and

House
files. I would like to take the time to discuss with you two of the six bills that I have introduced at this
point.
Teacher Tenure/Unrequested Leave: SF 97
As you may have read, heard on the radio or just known
from following me, I have long been a proponent of
implementing an objective evaluation system to be used
when school districts have to make the tough decisions
about letting teachers go. One can trace my interest in this
subject to my first job out of Clark University, when I was a
buyer at Jackson Graves, our family business. I insisted to
my Dad that we should hire an outside consultant to
develop a management by objectives performance system
for all employees. I could see that it was needed. It is my
belief that every professional should be judged by their
performance. In the private sector, this is standard practice.
In fact, I myself am judged every four years by my
performance at the Legislature.
In the past, the main opposition to this initiative was based
on the fact that we did not have an evaluation system in
place to fairly judge the performance of our teachers. In
2012, the Legislature passed Teacher Evaluation legislation
that instructed each school district to develop their own
criteria for assessing teacher performance. Now that
districts have had time to implement this system, I believe
that it is time to put it to work.
The educational gaps in our State are astounding. As a
Minnesotan, I have always felt a deep sense of pride in the
fact that we produce incredible outcomes for our students
and that our citizens are well-educated individuals. To think
that Minnesota leads the Nation in having the largest
achievement gap between students of color and white
students is striking. While I feel that our community is
thriving, it is no secret that many students have needs that
are not being met.

I do not want anyone to mistake my intent I am not

vilifying tenured teachers. I have nothing but the
upmost respect for this profession. It is the most
criticized, most underappreciated and most critical
profession that we have. We charge our teachers
with educating our kids for eight hours a day, 270
days a year. Outside of the family, they are the most
influential people in our children lives and the key to
making sure we can thrive for years to come.
I say, outside of the family because I feel that a big
part of this conversation (that is often overlooked) is
that the students that are at the highest risk of not
achieving success have the hardest lives at home.
Often times parents arent present, the family
doesnt have money, the student needs to worry
about where their next meal is going to come from or
dont even have a home to go to. How can we expect
our students to focus on the classroom if they are
dealing with these issues at home?
Having said that, I introduced this legislation because
the system that we have in place right now must be
modernized. As it stands, the first criteria in deciding
who to let go in a layoff situation is seniority. It is my
belief that the first criteria should be effectiveness. If
two teachers are of equal effectiveness, then
seniority can be the second lens.
I hear countless stories from young people who are
new to the teaching profession and year after year,
receive pink slips even though they have been
effective in their efforts to impact their students
growth. If we are going to show the proper respect
for the teaching profession and develop the teachers
of tomorrow, we cannot tie ourselves to the policies
of the past.

We have incredible challenges coming down the road. An aging workforce, a rapidly changing demographic and a
continued gap in job skills and achievement. As a legislator, I am charged with implementing forward-thinking policies
that will position us to lead. I believe that moving towards a performance-based system is an important step in this
direction.

Equity Crowdfunding: SF 138

Changing gears Over the interim, I was introduced to the concept of Equity Crowdfunding. Many of you are
probably familiar with crowdfunding, a way to raise capital for a business by soliciting donations. In exchange for
a donation, companies often times offer material benefits such as a free t-shirt or even a life-time supply of coffee
(depending on the business). However, one thing that they are not allowed to do is offer any stake in their
company. This was changed at the Federal level with the 2012 JOBS Act, which made it legal to engage in this
activity Nation-wide. However, there was a hang up before people could begin, the SEC needed to release the
rules. Well, here we are three years later and the SEC has yet to release these rules.
Given the inaction, several states have taken it upon themselves to enact intra-state equity crowdfunding. This
allows companies that are owned and operated within the state to raise capital from residents of that same state
in exchange for equity in their company.
Minnesota is actually one of the strongest states to engage in regular crowdfunding and I believe that we will be
able to take full advantage of this new system. It will be an innovative and effective tool for businesses statewide
looking to raise capital and for citizens looking to invest.
I am looking forward to working on this legislation and will be sure to keep you up to date as it progresses.

Town Halls:
Last week, I announced that we would be scheduling town hall meetings in the coming weeks. We have
settled on dates and locations for the A-side and B-side of the district. Please come and share your
thoughts. We have always had intelligent, well-rounded and respectful discussions about the issues
facing our State and I look forward to engaging in this once again. No matter what side of the district
you fall on, I encourage you to attend whichever is the most convenient for you.

B-Side (Minnetonka)
6:30 PM on Tuesday, January 27th
Minnetonka Community Center Council
Chambers

A-Side (Plymouth)
6:30 PM on Tuesday, February 3rd
Plymouth City Hall Council Chambers