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State Representative Tom Anzelc
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4936
For more information contact: Zachary Stephenson 651-268-1644
Column/LTE
WE CAN DO BETTER
To the Editor:
In his annual budget proposal, Governor Tim Pawlenty proposed increasing funding for K-12 education by two percent this year and two percent next year. As the only representative from Northeastern Minnesota to sit on the K-12 Finance Division, I feel it is my responsibility to say that the Governor's proposal is not nearly enough to provide the type of quality education our children deserve.
Specifically, the Governor's proposal does not include enough funding to adequately provide transportation and fully fund special education, but also does not increase the general fund enough to assure the kind of education system Minnesotans have come to expect.
We now compete in a global market, and we must make sure that the children of Northeastern Minnesota are equipped with the tools that they need to be successful. That means giving them access to the same electives, languages, technology courses and advanced placement courses that children in property rich districts like those in the suburbs of Minneapolis enjoy. It also means developing a financing plan that is fair, balanced and provides needed relief to declining enrollment school districts.
There is nothing more critical to the future of our state than maintaining the educational excellence that has made Minnesota a great place to live and work. Ours is a state of innovation and a strong work ethic, values that have been fostered in our schools for generations. We must make sure that our education policy builds on our part success and gives every child a positive start to life. Governor Pawlenty's budget does not meet this test.
Regards,
Rep. Tom Anzelc
News Items
- STATE REPRESENTATIVE TOM ANZELC APPOINTED VICE-CHAIR OF HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE - (Posted: Dec 21 2012 12:00AM)
- Rep. Tom Anzelc participates in Governor Dayton’s “Working for Minnesota Jobs” discussion with Essar Steel and Magnetation - (Posted: 2012-10-03 00:00:00)
- REP. ANZELC: DISASTER RELIEF PACKAGE PROVIDES DESPERATELY NEEDED STATE AID - (Posted: 2012-08-24 00:00:00)
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