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State Representative Rick Hansen
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-6828
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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HANSEN VOTES TO INCREASE EDUCATION FUNDING
ST. PAUL - The Minnesota House of Representatives passed a measure (HF 6) Tuesday that would deliver an additional $51 for every Minnesota student in 2009 - amounting to a $49 million increase in education funding statewide. The measure passed with broad bipartisan support by a vote of 97 to 35. State Representative Rick Hansen (DFL - South St. Paul) voted in favor of the bill.
"In a year the state is facing a major budget deficit, we must focus on the basics and protect the quality of education delivered in Minnesota schools," said Rep. Hansen. "This bill gives schools the resources necessary to continue providing students a world-class education during difficult economic times."
HF 6 provides an additional $51 for every student in Minnesota. Much of this funding would come from unencumbered funding left on the table this year from the state's "Q-Comp" program - a pay for performance plan for teachers. Schools already participating in the program, and those that have already applied for this dedicated funding would not be affected by this initiative.
"Money shouldn't be left lying around as school budgets are strapped to the limit, and property taxes continue to rise," said Hansen. "This is a responsible plan that will address the needs of our schools and our students today."
The bill would provide needed resources for area schools, including an additional:
· $193,637 for South St. Paul District #6;
· $1,623,783 for Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan District #196; and
· $265,023 for West. St. Paul District #197.
HF 6 would do more than provide additional stability for schools in 2009. It would also set the stage for significant, comprehensive education funding reform efforts, already underway, in the coming legislative session.
"Our school funding system is outdated and broken," said Rep. Hansen. "Forced to do more with far less, our schools can't keep up under the current formula. Unfunded mandates from the federal government, declining enrollment, and a host of other challenges must be met with a more modern, effective, and efficient mechanism of school funding. Without reform, the long-term future of our schools will remain in question."
A comprehensive education funding reform plan is in the process of being developed. Introduced by the House K-12 Finance Committee earlier this year, the proposal would significantly relieve the undue burden of skyrocketing property taxes, and provide every Minnesota student access to a world-class education. Hearings will be held throughout the interim on this education funding reform plan, before it is brought before the Legislature in 2009.
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