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State Representative Patti Fritz
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8237
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
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REP. FRITZ RESERVES JUDGEMENT ON GOVERNOR'S BUDGET
ST. PAUL – State Representative Patti Fritz (DFL-Faribault) said it is too soon for her to tell if the Governor's budget hit the mark or not.
"A quick glance indicates that he is focusing on the issues I consider to be most important – education, health care and property tax relief," said Fritz. "I'm pleased he appears to be addressing these basic issues but I'll need more time to consider the specifics."
An area of concern to Rep. Fritz is the Governor's plan for education funding. His budget gives every school in the state a 2% increase for each of the next two years. In addition, each school district can earn an additional 2% by meeting the Governor's performance criteria.
"First of all, I don't consider 2% to be an adequate increase," said Fritz. "At that rate, our schools don't even keep up with inflation."
The other part of this proposal that is troubling, according to Fritz, is that the Governor only allotted enough money for a 2% performance bonus for half of the schools in the state. If more than half reach the goal, they will each get less than 2%. It is also stipulated that the bonus cannot be used for teacher salaries.
"In my opinion, this funding mechanism is creating a deeper divide between the schools that are high-achievers, and the schools that are struggling to make ends meet," said Fritz. "Why don't we give a funding boost to the schools that are falling behind? That has been proven to be very effective way to close the achievement gap."
In addition to K-12 education, Fritz said the Governor's method of tying state funding to performance
also applies to health care and higher education.
"I'm all for accountability," said Fritz. "But I believe our schools and health care facilities need a stable and adequate funding source. If they had a budget increase they could count on, I believe performance would also go up."
Fritz would also like to have seen a budget that included more property tax relief and a transportation package that doesn't rely on borrowing.
Overall, Fritz said it is just too early to know for sure how the Governor's budget will impact Minnesotans.
"The discussion is just beginning," said Fritz. "The House and the Senate will also have budget proposals to consider.
We all need to come to the table with open minds and the best interests of Minnesotans as our goal."
News Items
- STATE REP. PATTI FRITZ PARTICIPATES IN START OF LEGISLATIVE SESSION - (Posted: Jan 9 2013 3:32PM)
- Rep. Fritz: Homeowners, Farmers Need Property Tax Relief - (Posted: 2012-05-01 00:00:00)
- Rep. Fritz: Let’s Vote on a Bonding Bill that Benefits All - (Posted: 2012-04-19 00:00:00)
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