Lakeville Senator's Bill Prohibits School Employees to Use School Resources for Elections

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Piggy-backing on legislation authored in the house by a Lakeville representaitive, this week, State Sen. Dave Thompson (R-District 36) of Lakeville authored a bill 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." SF0577 was introduced Thursday.

The bill is essentially the senate version of State Rep. Mary Liz Holberg (R-District 36A) of Lakeville's Feb. 2 bill, HF0329, which 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.

Also at the capitol last week, State Rep. Pat Garofalo (R-District 36B) of Farmington, proposed several bills in relation to school district financing, including one that would clarify interest payments on the permanent school fund. HF0785 was introduced Thursday.

State Rep. Mary Liz Holberg (R-District 36A) of Lakeville didn't chief author any new legislation last week.