Capitol Review: Bill to Fund Emergency Shelters, Transitional Housing Programs Receives Hearing in House, Senate

Editor's note: Capitol Review is a weekly look at what your state legislators are doing at the Minnesota Capitol—how they're voting, the bills they're writing and the issues they're getting behind. Come back to Eagan Patch every Monday for a new Capitol Review.

Here’s what’s happened this past week with bills authored or co-authored by local legislators:

State Sen. Ted Daley (R-District 38) of Eagan and Burnsville

• The Minnesota Senate unanimously supported a bill Daley authored (SF0170) that would require teachers to pass a basic skills examination in math, reading and writing prior to admission to a higher education teacher preparation program. According to Daley's press release, "Current law allows a teacher candidates to take the basic skills test when ready to apply for a license and permits a teacher who failed the basic skills test to receive and even renew a temporary one-year teaching license up to two more times."
• Daley said in the release, "Teacher quality is the number one in-school factor affecting student achievement. We want our students to have the best teachers, and it makes sense to ensure only well-qualified candidates enter teacher preparation programs. Ability to pass basic skills tests should be that litmus test.” The House has yet to approve the bill.

State. Rep. Diane Anderson (R-District 38A) of Eagan

• Anderson chief authored HF0846, which would provide funding to emergency shelters and transitional housing programs. There was hearing on the bill in the House and Senate March 15. According to Anderson's press release, the bills is also "being considered for inclusion in the Omnibus Health and Human Services Finance bill." Hundreds of people with the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless rallied at the Capitol last Tuesday. According to the press release, Anderson said at the rally, "Since the beginning of session I met with many people from organizations and non-profits who work with helping people who are homeless. I learned about the great work these people have been doing to help those in need. I believe it is important to help people who are homeless to be able to get their lives back on track.”
• The release also stated, "Transitional Housing Programs and Emergency shelters are successful and effective. Organizations help families, individuals, and adults to rapidly identify appropriate housing and mainstream services. Emergency Shelters meet the urgent needs of people who are homeless and provide them with a safe temporary place to live."

State. Rep. Doug Wardlow (R-District 38B) of Eagan

• Co-authored a bill relating to guardianship and clarifying some compensation provisions (HF0952); as well as a bill that would regulate the imposition of certain civil penalties by state agencies; award fees and expenses to prevailing parties in certain actions and involve state agencies and municipalities (HF0997), according to the Minnesota House of Representatives website.