Sen. Dahle

DNR Acquisition of Land for Mill Towns Trail Announced

Senator Kevin Dahle (DFL-Northfield) has been working on options to expand the regional Mill Towns Trail for several years, working on bonding bills and local coordination to finance the corridor. Earlier today, the Minnesota DNR announced that it has acquired almost six miles of right-of-way in Rice County that will be used for the development of the trail. The purchase from Canadian Pacific is an uncommon opportunity to buy and develop a large section at once.

Student Loan Tax Credit

As co-authors of the student loan tax credit, we are thrilled this landmark provision is part of the final, agreed upon tax bill. When the House refused to give the bill a hearing, we were concerned it would not become part of the final tax compromise.

Senate Economic Development Budget assists small businesses, entrepreneurs

Part of building an economy that works for everyone means investing state taxpayer dollars into programs that assist small business owners and entrepreneurs – who in turn help create robust and thriving economies. Over the years, the Senate has invested heavily in DEED programs that are highly successful at turning small ideas into productive businesses. The Senate’s $60 million Economic Development budget article passed the Senate Floor on Thursday as part of a larger $489 million budget bill.

Dahle bills included in Senate’s Education Omnibus Finance Bill

Senator Kevin Dahle (DFL-Northfield) has been one of the legislature’s strongest advocates for Minnesota’s students and teachers since his election. In the Senate’s Education Budget Division, this year’s Supplemental Budget Proposal includes several of Sen. Dahle’s bills, which are designed to improve student learning, address the state’s teacher shortage, and enhance teacher training and development.

Minnesota’s classroom shortages are a serious problem

Teacher shortages in Minnesota have reached critical levels, and there’s no easy fix. The issue is not confined to just one part of the system; unsustainable trends in teacher recruitment, licensure areas, and increased retirements have worked together to create a school environment in which students either do not have the right teachers in the classroom or schools can’t find enough applicants for the positions they need to fill. This happens most frequently in rural communities, and if continued, will badly damage Minnesota’s ability to provide a strong education for students no matter where they live in the state.