Politics & Government

Holberg Bill Would Ban Public School Dollars From Being Used on Campaigning

Bill would prohibit public school employees from using public funds and resources to work to pass, elect, or defeat a political candidate or ballot question.

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On Feb. 2, State Rep. Mary Liz Holberg (R-District 36A) of Lakeville, introduced a bill that was referred to the Education Reform Committee that would prohibit public school employees from using public funds and resources to “advocate to pass, elect, or defeat a political candidate, ballot question, or pending legislation.”

The proposed law, HF0329, would require school boards to implement policies prohibiting employees from using “time, materials, equipment, facilities, and communication technologies” to advocate for, or lobby against pending legislation, ballot questions, or officials up for election.

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Also on Feb. 2, a senate bill authored by State Sen. Dave Thompson (R-District 36) of Lakeville, aimed at freezing until June 30, 2010, was given a second reading in the finance committee. The bill, SF0056, had previously been approved in the senate’s Education Committee on Jan. 27.

On Feb. 2, Thompson also authored a bill, SF0194, amending article nine of the Uniform Commercial Code in order to make conforming changes.

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Holberg also authored HF0340, a bill that would nullify waivers of liability in the case of negligent conduct. The agreement would still be serviceable if damage or injuries resulted from risk inherent with an activity, but would be void if negligence was found.

On Jan. 31, State Rep. Pat Garofalo (R-District 36A) of Farmington, authored a bill, HF0306, that would reinstate a general education aid reduction for certain taconite distributions.


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