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State Representative Denny McNamara

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For more information contact: Austin Bleess 651-296-5529

Posted: 2005-05-05 00:00:00
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NEWS RELEASE

REP. MCNAMARA VOTES ‘YES’ TO $12.5 BILLION HOUSE K-12 EDUCATION BILL


ST. PAUL – State Rep. Denny McNamara (R-Hastings) joined a majority in the Minnesota House of Representatives on Wednesday in passing a $12.5 billion K-12 education bill that increases state aid to Minnesota schools by $622 million for the 2006-07 period. The legislation increases basic pupil aid by 6.1 percent over two years, more than proposed by Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

“I’m pleased that more of the new funding is targeted to the per pupil aid formula,” McNamara said. “That means new money will go to more schools throughout the state, including those here in Hastings and South Washington County.”

Basic per pupil aid will would increase by $139 per pupil in 2006 and $141 per pupil in 2007, some of largest increases to the per pupil aid formula in more than a decade. The legislation means increased aid for South Washington County and Hastings schools. Including existing levies, the South Washington County school district would receive $640 more per pupil over the two-year period, and Hastings would receive $660 more. Other significant funding initiatives in the bill include $21 million more for early childhood programs and $29 million for gifted and talented programs.

The House bill also includes reforms that enhance accountability between schools, parents and students. One reform requires that 65 percent of all operating expenses be spent in the classroom. And school districts will be encouraged to adopt programs teaching character education. The bill also embraces Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s “QComp” plan, providing school districts up to $260 per student in additional aid if they choose to adopt an alternative teacher pay option. QComp rewards teachers for their professional development and growth by linking a teacher’s salary to student achievement and rigorous teacher evaluation and review.

“Many of the reforms in the bill seek improved accountability for how funds are spent, and how student achievement is measured,” McNamara said. “It’s a very progressive K-12 bill.”

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