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© 2008 McFarlane Volunteer Committee |
In Carol's words, here are some of the most outstanding aspects to her first session in the Minnesota State Legislature: I have been appointed by Minnesota House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher to be one of five House members to the Higher Education conference committee. Being appointed to the conference committee is a huge honor, especially as the only freshman member of the minority caucus to be appointed to a conference committee this session. I was chosen by the Speaker of the House to represent the Minnesota House of Representatives at the National Conference of State Legislatures' in Austin, Texas, April 5th and 6th. This "fact finding" trip was an opportunity for me to participate in policy discussions about high school reform issues. Funding for this trip is made possible through a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. I am thrilled to have been chosen by the Speaker for this exciting opportunity. According the surveys I have received back from people throughout my district, 57% do not favor any gas tax increase, 25 percent favor a 5 cent increase, and only 14 percent are in favor of a 10 cent. I had the opportunity to participate in the 50th Anniversary Celebration & Chili Feed at Cerenity Care Center. A resolution from the House of Representatives to honor them for their great service to our community for the past half century was presented on my behalf by my husband Pat who took my place at the event while I was in session. The finance bills that I am happiest with are the E-12 and
Higher Education funding bills. As a past White Bear Lake Area school board
member, and having Century College in our Legislative District, one of my
priorities is education. I know the value of quality educational
opportunities and the necessity to make them affordable, accessible,
sustainable and accountable. Investing in education contributes to an
educated work force to meet the demands of our future economy.
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