St. Paul Reporter

Minnesota State Representative Ben Bakeberg (R-Prior Lake) has provided an update as the new school year begins, emphasizing his commitment to supporting schools and ensuring students have necessary resources. Bakeberg, who is both an educator and legislator, highlighted the challenges and opportunities present in classrooms.

Bakeberg was recently recognized as a 2025 Legislator of Distinction by the Minnesota School Boards Association. He said this recognition "reflects the strong partnership between legislators and school boards working to address the real needs of our classrooms." He added, "From advocating for flexibility in school budgets to reducing unfunded mandates, my focus has been on making sure local leaders have the tools they need to support students. I’m grateful for this recognition and even more grateful for the dedicated educators and school board members who make a difference in their communities every day."

He also addressed a recent court decision that struck down a 2023 law excluding faith-based colleges from Minnesota’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program. Bakeberg stated, "This is an important win for students, families, and religious liberty." He further commented, "From the beginning, I was clear that this law was both discriminatory and unconstitutional. Faith-based colleges have long been valued partners in educating Minnesota’s youth, and excluding them had nothing to do with educational quality. It was about ideology." According to Bakeberg, "This ruling reaffirms what many of us have said all along: there is no place for laws that target faith-based institutions simply because of their deeply held beliefs. Rather than wasting taxpayer dollars defending flawed policies, we should focus on what truly matters: educating our students and expanding opportunities for them to succeed."

Regarding legislative priorities if a special session is called by the Governor—a power only he holds—Bakeberg noted that while DFL leaders are considering proposals such as an assault weapons ban and high-capacity magazine ban, he believes any special session should focus on student safety, mental health care access, and consequences for criminal behavior.

"Our hearts break for the victims and families impacted by the senseless acts of violence we’ve witnessed this summer and fall," Bakeberg said. He acknowledged pressures faced by educators regarding student safety: "No parent should fear for their child’s safety in school, and no teacher should fear for their life in the classroom."

Bakeberg advocated for balanced solutions developed through input from various stakeholders including families, educators, law enforcement, and mental health professionals. He stressed improving mental health access, strengthening school security measures, supporting law enforcement efforts, and addressing firearm accessibility issues.

He emphasized upholding constitutional rights alongside public safety concerns: "I strongly support the Second Amendment, and any firearm policy must respect those freedoms while focusing on keeping guns out of the hands of people who pose a danger. These goals can and must coexist. I have zero sympathy for criminals and fully support mandatory minimum sentences for gun crimes."

Noting existing laws such as red flag statutes and universal background checks in Minnesota but continued violence rates despite these measures, Bakeberg argued that prevention investments—early intervention strategies as well as increased flexibility and resources for schools—are essential components of effective change.

"Evidence-based solutions exist, and if implemented thoughtfully, they can make our schools and communities safer," he concluded. "Lasting change won’t come from slogans or partisanship—it will come from working together on practical, effective measures that truly protect our children."

Bakeberg encouraged constituents to remain engaged with legislative processes: "As always, thank you for taking the time to stay engaged and informed. Your feedback, ideas, and concerns help guide the work I do on your behalf at the Capitol. It is a privilege to serve as your representative, and I take seriously the responsibility of making sure your voice is heard."

He invited ongoing communication with community members regarding education policy priorities.