February 5, 2026

Updated Guide for Visiting the Capitol!

Thanks to MASA’s Lobbyist Valerie Dosland, you can click on this link and find helpful information regarding parking, tunnel access, location of senate and representative offices, security measures, and much more. 

Schools as “Protected Locations”

As you know, 10 education organizations were signatories on a letter addressed to the MN Congressional Delegation asking all to support a return to schools as protected zones. AASA President David Law has met recently with Representative Morrison seeking her advocacy and assistance in working with other legislators to advance our position.

AASA’s Sasha Pudelski shared the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act. that would codify protections for schools. When the leaders of MASA’s Federal Advocacy Committee travel to Washington D.C. with myself and colleagues from MASE, this will be a topic of discussion and advocacy.

Statewide Safety Council

Following the tragic loss of students in the Annunciation School shooting, Governor Walz created this council. Here is a list of those appointed to the council.

I attended the first meeting where the Violence Project  leaders, Dr. James Densley and Dr. Jillian Peterson presented their research. A meeting schedule of the council has been set through December. 

The council is responsible for developing actionable recommendations for the legislature to consider to improve safety across the state. The effort is being led by Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson and his staff.

Leadership Matters!

“The secret of leadership is simple: Do what you believe in. Paint a picture of the future. Go there. People will follow.”

- Seth Godin, Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us