How to Contact Your Local Legislator About Education Funding

How to Contact Your Local Legislator About Education Funding

Every biennium (two years), the Minnesota State Legislature considers funding methods for the entire state. At the heart of that budget is one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle for Minnesota’s future – education funding.

This year, perhaps more than ever, there is momentum for change when it comes to the ways we support our learners, young and old. And ISD 728 shares in that urgency, facing a more than $10 million shortfall as it attempts to balance its budget for the 2019-2020 school year.

“Years of inadequate funding formula disparities put districts like ISD 728 at a disadvantage when it comes to state funding,” said Superintendent Dan Bittman. “It is a significant, but necessary budget reduction, which is in addition to more than $10 million of reductions that have been made over the last six years. We are asking our legislators to support our 2019 Legislative initiatives, increase education funding and create equity in a funding formula that will, in turn, create and ensure quality experiences in education for all learners.”

ISD 728 staff and volunteers work together via a Legislative Action Team (LAT) that will visit the State Capitol throughout the session. The team will also meet with local Legislators during a specific, designated day to advocate for the more than 13,000 students and 1,200 staff that call ISD 728 home.
 

How Can YOU Help?

Many families and stakeholders have asked how they can help support the LAT in their mission to promote changes at the state level. You can join them in advocating for ISD 728 students by contacting YOUR state legislator - via a phone call or an email - urging them to join their local school community in seeking funding changes to face off challenges like those impacting so many school districts in Minnesota.

We encourage you to reach out and forge a relationship with those that represent you and your children at the State Capitol this year.

As a district, we are planning for the challenges ahead. But, we also believe that support for education from state leaders will clear obstacles in the future, providing a better and more sustainable tomorrow for students across the state of Minnesota. 

Contact Our Representatives Today!

Senator Jim Abeler (R) District 35

Capitol Office
95 University Avenue W.
Minnesota Senate Bldg., Room 3215
St. Paul, MN 55155-1206
651-296-3733

Email: sen.jim.abeler@senate.mn 
Legislative Assistant: Tom Brennan 651-296-4847

Senator Michelle R. Benson (R) District 31

Deputy Majority Leader

Capitol Office
95 University Avenue W.
Minnesota Senate Bldg., Room 3109
St. Paul, MN 55155-1206
651-296-3219

Email: sen.michelle.benson@senate.mn
Legislative Assistant: Bailey Strand 651-296-4380

Representative Kurt Daudt (R) District: 31A

House Minority Leader

267 State Office Building
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155
651-296-5364 or 800-710-7642

Email: rep.kurt.daudt@house.mn
Legislative Assistant: Jynell Boulka 651-296-0640

Senator Mary Kiffmeyer (R) District 30

President Pro Tem

Capitol Office
95 University Avenue W.
Minnesota Senate Bldg., Room 3103
St. Paul, MN 55155-1206
651-296-5655

Email: sen.mary.kiffmeyer@senate.mn 
Legislative Assistant: Bennett Nass 651-296-1323

Senator Warren Limmer (R) District 34

Assistant Majority Leader

Capitol Office
95 University Avenue W.
Minnesota Senate Bldg., Room 3221
St. Paul, MN 55155-1206
651-296-2159

Email: sen.warren.limmer@senate.mn
Legislative Assistant: Lilly Abbot 651-296-4922

Representative Eric Lucero (R) District: 30B

221 State Office Building
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155
651-296-1534

Email: rep.eric.lucero@house.mn
Legislative Assistant: Rachel Brehm 651-296-937

Representative Kristin Robbins (R) District: 34A

225 State Office Building
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155
651-296-7806

Email: rep.kristin.robbins@house.mn
Legislative Assistant: Rachel Brehm 651-296-6937

Representative John Heinrich (R) District: 35A

211 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-296-1729

E-mail: rep.john.heinrich@house.mn
Legislative Assistant: Nicole Abraham 651-296-9463

Representative Nick Zerwas (R) District: 30A

301 State Office Building
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155
651-296-4237

Email: rep.nick.zerwas@house.mn
Legislative Assistant: Mary McNamara 651-296-8891

Download the Legislative Platform

 

Use the ISD 728 Legislative Platform as a resource! The Legislative Platform includes a list of recommendations and requests for our Representatives and Senators at the Minnesota State Capitol. 

 

  If you are interested in joining the ISD 728 Legislative Action Team, fill out our form at www.isd728.org/JoinOurLAT.