Freshman Lawmaker From Woodbury Has First Bill Pass The House

State Rep. Andrea Kieffer, a freshman lawmaker representing Woodbury, recently had her first bill pass through the House. It’s now on its way to conference committee.

The bill (HF183) would require prospective teachers to pass a basic-skills exam before they enter a classroom. The Senate version of the bill is slightly different on when a teacher would have to pass the test, said Kieffer, who compared the exam to an ACT test.

While she stressed that the bill isn't aimed at correcting a huge problem within the state's education system, Kieffer said the law would help weed out unqualified teachers.

“Why would we put them in the classroom (if they can’t pass the test)?” she said.

Tyler's Law

Meanwhile, Kieffer this week is continuing to push for Tyler’s Law (HF650), which was to be heard in the House Ways and Means Committee on Monday, according to Kelly Lavers, the matriarch of the Woodbury family working on its passage. The bill would require new drivers to learn about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and place a question on permit tests. Kelly's son Tyler died from carbon monoxide poisoning in December last year.

Sen. Ted Lillie said there is a fiscal component of the bill, $44,000, which essentially pays for a handful of sentences to be translated into five different languages. He said that seems a little steep for such a small measure. Lawmakers aren’t asking for the test guide to be reprinted, only that the additional information is included next time it is, he said.

Budget

While the May 23 deadline for this legislative session is looming, Lillie said some “substantial movement” could be made this week on the budget.

Lillie, serving on the jobs and growth and transportation committees, said he and his colleagues have been meeting with commissioners and getting information from Senate leaders on where the finals numbers should end up.

Vikings Stadium

Both Kieffer and Lillie said they’re against the idea of public funding for a new Vikings stadium, though each affirmed that they want the football team to remain in Minnesota.

Proposals have been put forward to build the stadium in Arden Hills or renovate the Metrodome site. The latter makes some sense, Kieffer said, as the land is available and it’s near the light rail line.

In talking with his constituents and reviewing the results of his survey, Lillie said he found that it’s a tough time to ask taxpayers to fund a new stadium. He also referenced recent plans to improve Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis., that are being completed without public dollars.

“This can be done,” he said.

Gambling

On the recent proposal to create a Las Vegas-style casino at Block E in downtown Minneapolis, Lillie said most people are comfortable with the level of legalized gambling in the state.

“I don’t think people are ready for that type of a project,” he said, noting the well-documented damage gambling can cause to individuals and families.

Kieffer, who noted that she works closely with the bill’s chief proponent, Rep. John Kriesel of Cottage Grove, said she has to do more research on the legislation but is intrigued by the idea. She does support “racino” plans at Canterbury Park and Running Aces.