A while back I did a piece on the connection between Representative Steve Gottwalt and his connection to the organization known as Edwatch. Today, I was able to get my hands on the newest legislative report card put out by Education Minnesota and found that Mr. Gottwalt has the distinct honor of having the lowest score (although he is tied with two others) of any member of the Minnesota House of Representatives with a score of just 10%.How does one achieve such an abysmal record on education? Well, it takes some work but Gottwalt has managed to out anti-public education such notable figures as Mark Olson at 20% and Dan Severson at 14%.
- The most prominent item Gottwalt opposed was House File 6 which included a one time, $51 per-pupil increase for the 2009 fiscal year. The bill passed with bipartisan support and was later signed by the Governor. Some have been quick to comment that "we know them by their actions". Well, the actions of the representative from 15A certainly has shown us his commitment to education.
However, Gottwalt also opposed a minimum wage increase and a statewide health insurance pool for school employees that would have solved some of the costs that districts across the state are having to deal with as health care skyrockets. Bringing these costs down would free up more money for the classroom.
