47A Rep Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger presents an update of progress at the MN Legislature, SD44 Maplewood picnic. 
We are Local Democrats
in Woodbury & South Maplewood, MN
Welcome to Senate District 47 DFL

We endorsed Senator Nicole Mitchell /SD47 voting area, a ~month after Caucus Night 2022.
Tues, Feb. 27, 2024 6:30pm is Caucus Night. SD47 Endorsing Convention follows.

Democratic-Farmer-Labor / DFL party
Will you join our citizen-leaders? 
ELECT all Democrats, ENGAGE on key issues, EDUCATE on civics

For the state party: Contact MN DFL at  www.dfl.org 
For the national party: Contact DNCC at www.democrats.org 
What's on the HOME page? (updated 9/4/23)

1 Info on SoWashCo Schools Levy Th Sept 21, 6:30pm - 7pm
2 School Issue Forum held Tues Sept 5; update expected 9/19/23
3 Calendar - This Month & Next Month
4 MN DFL Official Call dates 2024-25
5 Voting Begins Sept 22, 2023 - Nov 7, 2023. Get a reminder - to vote.
6 Engage on Issues
7 Educate on Civics
8 What did Democrat propose in Nov 2022? Watch. 
9 Polling Places in Woodbury & South Maplewood from 2022

SoWashCo School Board in June approved a 5-year facility plan to the community with two bond questions on the Nov. 7 ballot. A third bond question is for a Capital Projects Levy (Technology Projects Levy) to address safety and security relating to technology. The Technology Projects Levy would ask voters to increase the current $2.8 million levy to $5 million. 

If all three questions are approved by voters, it would result in a tax increase of about $10 a month for families living in a median-valued home ($409,000) within the SoWashCo Schools boundary.


https://www.sowashco.org/facilityplanning

SoWashCo BONDS FOR BUILDINGS

Overcrowding - 105% (over capacity 5%) causes fights, disciplinary issues, overheating, and spreads disease faster to more people. Noisy rooms are distracting and stressful; teachers spend more time on discipline and less on instruction. 80% is the target.  Under 60% capacity, schools are too expensive to operate and get closed. SoWashCo schools operate (25) buildings, assets which the community owns and is given the tax authority to fund Bonds for buildings. 

SD47 program Th Sept 21, 6:30pm-7pm.  "What's on the SoWashCo Levy, Questions 1,2, & 3?"
ISD833 staff Kristine Schaefer/Asst Supt and Tyrone Brookins/SoWashCo explained details. Projected enrollment for 2023 was 18,672, and the actual enrollment is 18,950. 

The City of Woodbury continues to add more housing. More growth is planned. A timeline of 3 years to design and build a school is typical. 

High Schools - Capacity: Enrolled in 2023
East Ridge 1,712 : 2,123 = OVER by 24%
Park 2,059 : 1,941 = at 95% 
Woodbury 1,925 : 1,980 = at 98%

Question 1. Shall we fund $105 Million for planned East Ridge expansion, Park and Woodbury reno? Shall we fund $30 Million to expand Oltman Middle School; reno Woodbury Middle? Shall we fund $25 Million for secure entries at (5) middle & high schools to bring them up to the same level as other schools?

What happens if the Q1 Levy fails? 
If Q1 fails, then Q2 also fails. Elementary schools shift attendance boundaries for Fall 2024. Overcrowded High schools look into split school schedules. 

If Q1 passes, High School Construction begins summer 2024.

Middle School - Capacity : Enrollment
Oltman 990 : 976 at 99% Capacity
Lake 1188 : 1147 at 97% Capacity
Woodbury 1188 : 1109  at 96% Capacity
Cottage Grove  1208 : 928  at 77% capacity 
 

Question 2: Shall we fund $31 Million to expand elementary schools projected to exceed capacity? additions at Bailey, Grey Cloud, Pine Hill,  Red Rock.  Shall we fund $9 Million to add  bathrooms at 5 schools with only a set of 4 stalls? Crestview, Hillside, Pine Hill, Pullman and Royal Oaks elementary schools

Elementary enrolled: Quantity waiting for (4) toilet stalls
Crestview 395
Hillside 427
Pine Hill 530
Pullman 342
Royal Oaks 494

If Q2 fails, elementary school attendance boundary changes start Fall 2024. Growth of about 300 more students projected. 

If Q2 passes, Elementary Construction is planned.

Question 3: Replace Technology Levy
Double the funds for better cyber security, cameras and technology. (1.820% to 2.668% times the net tax capacity of the School District, for 10 years.) Make the use of funds more flexible. 

 
ISSUES Forum: Education

SD47 DFL hosted an Education issues forum on Sept 5, 2023, in advance of the Sept 22 school board elections in ISD834 and ISD833. Michael Chauss, education advocate in District 833, addressed funding shortages, book-banning efforts, student safety and dropping test scores.

🪣💵Lose teaching time, as (25) School Buildings suit 2018 Needs - prior to 20,000 more homes
⛔📚Lose your access and right to books; book bans opposed by expert librarians
🦺🧑🏽‍🎓Lose physical safety, with increasing bullying, verbal threats
🏆💻Lose high achievement, shown by test scores


UTSWC Teacher's Union Endorses ISD833 Candidates
Marty Fridgen/UTSWC confirms that the local Teacher's Union ENDORSES (3) Candidates.
"Yes, this past Thursday (9/14/23) we endorsed
Melinda Dols,
Satonia Moore, and
Simi Patnaik

for school board (ISD833 SoWashCo) 
https://utswc.org/
THIS MONTH & NEXT MONTH
of the 2-year election cycle:

This Calendar highlights public city-wide events in the next 30 - 60 days
SD47 DFL follows a Two-Year Election cycle, which began on (2022 Caucus Night) and goes through (2024 Caucus Night) Feb 27, 2024. To go to the (Two Year) Past Events page, click the three lines at the top of the page to open the Menu. Follow us on social media to see Neighborhood (Precinct) events. 

NOW.   Apply for State Boards and Commissions. https://commissionsandappointments.sos.state.mn.us/

School Board Elections.  contact DFL Congressional District 2 at https://www.dflcd2.org/
NOTICE OF CD2 "Letter of Support"  Zoom meeting for various school boards: 
 Call & Notice - 2023 Letters of Support Rev 001...
Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan (ISD #196) Sunday, August 27th, 1:00 p.m.
Hastings Public School District (ISD #200) Sunday, August 27th, 6:30 p.m.
Inver Grove Heights Schools (ISD #199) Monday, August 28th, 7:00 p.m.
South Washington County Schools (ISD #833) Tuesday, August 29th, 7:00 p.m. -CANCELLED BY CD2-
West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan (ISD #197) Wednesday, August 30th, 7:00 p.m.
*Stillwater (ISD833) has an election, too. 

Sept 22 VOTE EARLY starts today; Sign Waving events

Th Sept 21, 6:30pm CENTRAL Committee meeting; speaker explains the School Board Levy. RSVP to attend = space is limtied

Election (Sept 22 - Nov 7) for ISD833 School Board candidates and Levy for buildings. Candidates filed Aug 15.

Mon Sept 25, 7pm Coffee & Conversation at Angelina's Cafe (SOUTHEAST) 

Oct 13-17,  Voter Registration Drives

Nov 7, 2023. Last Day to Vote on Levy questions and school board candidates

SIGNUP - Will you serve as one of our (19) Conveners on T Feb 27, 2024? We train 1 person to start each neighborhood meeting, that takes place at the same time, in different rooms, on
Caucus Night: Tues, Feb. 27, 2024, 6:30pm - 8:30pm at Woodbury High School

- December Break - 

Jan MLK Day 2024 - will you help us plan this event? 

Mar 5, 2024. Vote. Presidential Primary. 
MN DFL "Official Call" 2024-25
Dates of Caucus, Convention & Elections

T Feb 27, 2024 Precinct Caucus (state-wide in every county)
Sat Mar 2 Convocation (of Endorsed & elected officials)
T Mar 5 ELECTION (Presidential Primary)
Mar 9 - Apr 21, or thru May 12 Conventions to endorse Senators
*Apr 6 or 13 proposed for SD47
W Apr 24 proposed laws/ RESOLUTIONS due Platform Cmte
May 4 - 12 Conventions to endorse for Congress person
*CD2 and CD4
May 21 - Jun 4 = CANDIDATE FILING for Federal, State, County offices
May 31 - Jun 2 in Duluth DECC, Convention to endorse for Gov, Auditor, AG, Sec of State
Jun 2 in Duluth, National Delegates meeting
Oct 1, 2023 - Jun 30, 2024 = Groups of Community Outreach who are called "Caucuses" 
Sat July 13 State Central Cmte meeting
T Aug 13 ELECTION Primary 
Aug 19 - 22 Convention - National Democratic party convention for President, United Center in Chicago, Illinois
Aug 14 - Sept 1 = Endorsement for local offices, Central Cmte
T Nov 5, ELECTION General

2025
Sat Mar 29 DFL Business Conference
Feb 1 - May 30 off-year Conventions
Jan 1 - Jun 30 Community Outreach groups / annual meetings

https://dfl.org/partydocuments/
ELECT DEMOCRATS 
Democrats deliver. 

Next vote:   Sept 22, 2023 - Nov 7, 2023
Voting begins Sept 22, 2023

Be an informed voter. 
Vote in every election. Vote Early. Vote Blue.
Help us write 1,100 postcards and Get Out The Vote.
What's on my Ballot? www.MNvotes.gov
SOUTH WASHINGTON COUNTY SD # 833
  School Board Member at Large (ISD #833) (Elect 3)
    Candidate Name Party Website File Date
  Fekadu Kassa Ayichew Nonpartisan   8/14/2023
  Chad Borseth Nonpartisan   8/15/2023
  Ryan Clarke Nonpartisan   8/3/2023
  Priscilla Kathryn Dimbo Nonpartisan priscillafor833.com 8/15/2023
  Melinda Dols Nonpartisan dolsforschoolboard.com 8/7/2023
  Randall J Johnson Nonpartisan   8/3/2023
  Jaime KoKaisel Nonpartisan jaimekokaisel.com 8/1/2023
  Anthony Marmood Nonpartisan   8/14/2023
  Satonia Moore Nonpartisan www.satoniaforstudents.com 8/1/2023
  Simi Patnaik Nonpartisan votesimi833.com 8/7/2023
  Molly Schaefer Nonpartisan   8/11/2023
 
 
 
STILLWATER SD # 834
  Special Election for School Board Member at Large (ISD #834)
    Candidate Name Party Website File Date
  Jessica L Johnson Nonpartisan www.votejessica834schools.com 8/14/2023
  Chris Lauer Nonpartisan   8/1/2023
Will you help us Get Out The Vote? Write GOTV postcards. Wave signs on Sept. 22. Voter Registration Drive Oct 15. Last day to vote Nov. 7, 2023.
Poet Amanda Gorman at United Nations 2022
The United Nations is meeting in 2023 in New York City to urge faster action on the Sustainable Development Goals. 
"...I only ask that you care before it's too late,
That you live live aware and awake,
That you lead with love in hours of hate...
I dare you to do good, so that the world might be great."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR4vXQiI76M
ENGAGE on issues  
Do Online or In-person events. Democrats deliver on key issues.
Ages 15 & under can participate with Parent/s. 
Ages 16+ can get elected to neighborhood (DFL Precinct) party office, propose laws, lobby.
Ages 18+ can run for Treasurer or campaign Treasurer, Precinct Chair.
Ages 18+ can get elected to City-wide party office, supporting MN Senator, supporting US Congress


Many people start by filling out a Volunteer form, or having a coffee with us.
Watch our Slide Show "Democrats Deliver

In 2020, MN House Speaker Melissa Hortman listened to voter's top issues in the MN Values Project (2020) & Plan (2018).
In 2023, Minnesota Democrats Delivered on those goals. Watch a 1 min. slide show:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1G3uZK-mEtzs_oIjmtIS1O_nsPUZGDAeKjFn6hgidG2I/edit?usp=sharing
We are inviting you to join our Budget Committee. Watch the Propel for Nonprofits video.
https://propelnonprofits.org/resources/budgeting-video/
Coffee and Conversation 

Order your favorite cup of coffee and let's talk for 30 min+ about current events.
RSVP to Jim Vlcek at sd47CoffeeAndConversation@gmail.com

Twice per Month = Mondays  7pm & Saturdays  1:30pm
 
Mon Sept 25, 7pm Coffee & Conversation at Angelina's Cafe (SOUTHEAST) 
EDUCATE on civics
Get trained - how Democracy works. 
Free Training for All Democrats via https://traindemocrats.org/
Photo shows an in-person event learning about Candidates; NDTC offers 1)  online Zoom hour and 2) Anytime (9) 10-min sessions. Run for office, Work on a campaign, or Drive progressive values with local leaders.  Get tools and training to succeed with the National Democratic Training Committee

Play a Game - with iCivics online
 

iCivics was founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor in 2009 to ensure that all Americans have the knowledge and will to participate in our unique experiment in self-government.  iCivics provides high-quality, non-partisan, engaging, and free resources to more than 9 million students annually, in all 50 states. 

iCivics first-of-its-kind digital civic library has 260+ curricular resources, digital literacy tools, professional learning materials, and educational video games... to learn Civic roles and Can-do agency. .

third of Three Meetings -  to plan Buildings for Schools in ISD833
Hosted by SoWashCo Schools www.sowashco.org/facilityplanning

T May 23, 6:30pm - 8pm East Ridge High School: Review the Final Facility Plan

TBD:
Voting for the SoWashCo Building Bond 
Sept 22 - Nov 7. Voting for (3) School Board Candidates.
SoWash Co asked for feedback on the 2023 Buildings Levy. 
For the (25) Building for ~19,000 students, they are considering a $260 Million budget, including: 
$121M for High School additions
_$41M for Middle School additions
+ ($150M) choose from these ($32M Elementary school additions, $5M Transport Center expansion, $7M Land purchase, $2M Lake Middle School addition, $6M high school atheletic fields, $7M elementary school bathrooms, and other projects - Next Step Transitions, Alternative high school, Early Learning space) 

For each $25M of buildings, the property tax levy would be 
$1/month (on a median valued home of $409,000)
$260M would be ~$10/mo property tax increase. 
Photo: SoWashCo School officials tried to hammer out details of a new 2023 bond referendum at a meeting at Oltman Middle School in Cottage Grove April 25. South Washington County School District 833 floated a $460M  bond issue that failed in 2022, so officials are paring it down to $250M or less for another vote. At the meeting, a crowd of about 50 helped officials re-set priorities for the new bond issue.
 
Growing pains: SoWashCo Schools ISD833 asks for Input
(8) of 25 Buildings face Overcrowding from new Housing

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.
That’s what the South Washington County School District 833 is doing. After a $462 million bond issue failed in 2022, the district is trimming it down to make it more appealing to voters.
     Part of that process was a meeting April 25 at Oltman Middle School in Cottage Grove. During the 90-minute meeting, a crowd of 50 exchanged ideas with school officials for the new bond issue.
    Details of the updated bond referendum haven’t been set, but it was clear Tuesday that officials will be asking for a much smaller amount of money. The new plan will not include everything that was in the original, Not two new elementary schools.
   At the meeting, officials tried to determine expenditures that might be supported, including buying land for future schools, improving security in middle and high schools, and adding classrooms and teaching spaces.

   The district’s final plan will be unveiled at a meeting 6:30-8 p.m. May 23 at East Ridge High School. 
Woodbury, MN GROWTH of 20,000 MORE HOUSING UNITS ADDED!
Less Land available for school campus sites; and land costs more.

SoWashCo Projected Student Enrollment, per Dan Pyan


2022 = 18,520 students
2023 = 18,672 students
2024 = 18,778 students
2025 = 18,096 students
2026 = 19,027 students
2027 = 19,199 students

In 2022, (4) of the (25) buildings were Over Capacity.
with 679 additional students
In 2027, (7) of the (25) building are expected to be Over Capacity.

Fewer (50 acre) sites will be available to purchase for a school campus. 
Use your Minnesota $50 Political Contribution Refund to help SD47 elect Democrats
    Donate $50...and get a $50 Refund! 
Your donation helps elect (14) Democrats on the SD47 ballot. 

Help ELECT DEMOCRATS! 
Use your Minnesota $50 Political Contribution Refund


We Did It! With your help SD47 elected the following: 

Governor Tim Walz
Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan
Secretary of State Steve Simon
State Auditor Julie Blaha
State Attorney General Keith Ellison

SD47 MN State Senator Nicole Mitchell
SD47A MN House Representative Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger
SD47B MN House Representative Ethan Cha

 

Political contributions made to qualified Minnesota political parties, and candidates for state offices may qualify for a Political Contribution Refund (PCR). 

Senate District 47 (SD47) represents DFL voters in Woodbury and part of Maplewood, MN. 
A senate district is considered a political party. Donations made to senate districts not only provides assistance to individuals running for a state offices, but to individuals running for federal, county, school board or city offices.  Your donations also helped SD47 to elect Washington County District 5 Commissioner Michelle Clasen.
Donate $50 and receive a $50 Refund!

Your donations give DFL officeholders the opportunity to meet with their constituencies at Town Halls, the Woodbury Chamber of Commerce Expo, the Afton 4th of July Parade, the Ramsey and Washington County Fairs, Woodbury Days fair and parade, Meet & Greets and other events.

Your donations also cover SD57 operating expenses for such things as our SD47.org site and
preparations to host the DFL SD47 Delegate Convention Spring of 2024.

How Does it Work? 

Donate $50/person or $100/married couple (filing a joint application) to a Minnesota elected official, or a Minnesota political party between Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2023, and receive a refund from the MN Department of Revenue. 

You may donate to SD47 by clicking the Big Blue Button Above labeled “Donate to SD47.”

Or
By mail, send a check and CFB required donor info, to
SD47
P. O. Box 25893
Woodbury, MN 55125

The SD47 Treasurer will record your full name(s), occupation/employer, email address, and phone number. You will receive an SD47 receipt and PCR application. Complete the application and mail it with the SD47 receipt to the MN Department of Revenue. You can expect a Direct Deposit or a check in the mail in 2 to 4 weeks. 

The last day to file for your 2023 refund is April 15, 2024.
It's a WIN, WIN For DFL state elected officials, the state DFL, SD47, and You

Donate $100/couple and Get $100/couple 
We Won! What's Next? Gov Walz & MN Leg 

Dec 6, 2022 MN Govt Press Conference: Gov Walz, Sen Dziedzic, Rep Long & Rep Hollins explain their One Minnesota vision for 2023-24 Budget Revenue & Spending, Top Priority Laws, 2022 Bonding bill.

Watch Gov Walz
copy the link https://buff.ly/3h5RukE or click WATCH
Nov 2022 Budget & Economic Forecast projecting a $17.6 billion state budget surplus

Watch Sen Dziedzic, Rep Long & Rep Hollins
copy the link   buff.ly/3P5w2J0 or click WATCH
 
We Won! Show us the Money! 
Dec 6, 2022 MN Govt Press Conference: Jim Showalter/MN Management & Budget

Watch MN Budget office; $17.6 Billion surplus Jim Schowalter MMB 45 min. video a) strong Revenue Collections b) lower spending c) Net $5 Billion + unspent $7 Billion from 2022; d) expect $11 Billion new revenue forecasted. 
(One time Revenue of $11 Billion) + ($6 Billion ongoing Revenue) Copy the link  https://buff.ly/3Bf9Q9z  or  click WATCH 
news conference on release of the November 2022 Budget and Economic Forecast projecting a $17.6 billion state budget surplus
General Election results Nov. 8, 2022

Tues Nov 8 General Election results are posted on the MN Secretary of State Website.
www.MNvotes.gov
We will also list the links so you can look them up: 

Ramsey County
https://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/results/Index?ErsElectionId=149&scenario=LocalMunicipality&FipsCode=40382&show=Go

Washington County

https://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/results/Index?ErsElectionId=149&scenario=LocalCounty&CountyId=82&show=Gohttps://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/results/Index?ErsElectionId=149&scenario=LocalCounty&CountyId=82&show=Go

City of Woodbury, MN

https://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/results/Index?ErsElectionId=149&scenario=LocalMunicipality&FipsCode=71428&show=Go

City of Maplewood, MN

https://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/results/Index?ErsElectionId=149&scenario=LocalMunicipality&FipsCode=40382&show=Go

ISD622 Levy & School Board North St. Paul

https://electionresults.sos.state.mn.us/results/Index?ErsElectionId=149&scenario=LocalSchoolDistrict&DistrictId=258&show=Go

ISD834 School Board Stillwater

These unofficial results are posted for other MN contests, too. 
Nov. 8, 2022 City of Woodbury Precinct 1-16  Polling Places 
Link to map on City of Woodbury, MN website:
https://www.woodburymn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1391/Woodbury-P, recinct-Boundaries-and-Polling-Places?bidId=

1 Woodbury Baptist Church, 6695 Upper Afton Road
2 Woodbury City Hall, 8301 Valley Creek Road
3 Woodbury High School, 2665 Woodlane Drive
4 Woodbury Lutheran Church, 7380 Afton Road

5 New Life Church, 6758 Bailey Road
6 Bailey Elementary School, 4125 Woodlane Drive
7 King of Kings Lutheran Church, 1583 Radio Drive
8 St John Lutheran Church, 1975 St Johns Drive

9 Brookview Elementary School, 11099 Brookview Road
10 Central Park, 8595 Central Park Place
11 Lake Middle School, 3133 Pioneer Drive
12 Valley Crossing Elementary School, 9900 Park Crossing

13 Liberty Ridge Elementary School, 11395 Eagle View Boulevard
14 Five Oaks Community Church, 4416 Radio Drive
15 East Ridge High School, 4200 Pioneer Drive
16 St Ambrose of Woodbury, y 4125 Woodbury Drive

Nov. 8 City of Maplewood Precinct 10, 11, 12, 13 Maps

2022 Precinct Boundaries and Polling Locations (PDF)
2022 Precinct Map with Street Index (PDF)

The city of Maplewood approved redistricting and new 2022 Precinct Maps. 
Precinct 10 Justice Alan Page Elementary School, 2410 Holloway Avenue
Precinct 11 Beaver Lake Education Center, 1060 Sterling Street N
Precinct 12 Carver Elementary School, 2680 Upper Afton Road
Precinct 13 Lutheran Chruch of Peace, 47 Century Avenue S

Updated MN Voting Maps Feb 2022
Redistricting changed the boundaries in MN.
Click on the image below - for Senate District locations/demographics