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State Representative Tom Anzelc
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4936
For more information contact: Michael Howard 651-296-8873
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HOUSE MAKES STRONG COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION AT EVERY LEVEL
Prevents cuts to early education and K-12 schools, hold down college tuition
ST. PAUL – This week the Minnesota House of Representatives passed three education funding bills that maintain a strong commitment to quality education at every level in these difficult economic times. On Thursday, the House passed early education and K-12 education bills that would prevent cuts while at the same time improve our education system with cost effective reforms. Earlier this week, the House passed a Higher Education bill that held down college tuition at public colleges and universities. Rep. Tom Anzelc said that the difficult economic times make it more important than ever to invest in quality public education.
“Good schools and quality education at every level have provided generations of Minnesotans the pathway to a good job and successful career," said Anzelc “With our students now seeking an education during the worst economic recession in a generation it’s our responsibility to help weather the storm and keep our education system strong. Great Minnesota public schools have always served as our citizens’ passport out of poverty.”
The early education funding bill invests $ 455 million in Minnesota’s ongoing efforts to create a comprehensive, high-quality early childhood education system that improves quality childcare options and get more children ready for kindergarten. While the bill does not contain a general funding increase, it does preserve restored funding levels enacted by the Legislature in 2007.
“Economist tells us early education funding is among the most cost effective use of public dollars because of the return we get on our investment,” said Anzelc. “Down the road it means more students will succeed in regular classrooms, go on to college, and become a productive member of Minnesota’s world class workforce.”
The House K-12 education bill holds funding at current levels for the coming budget cycle and includes several mandate reduction that will save schools money. The House also creates a pathway for significant school funding reform to begin when Minnesota’s economy recovers. The education bill sets in statute a schedule to begin a four-year phase in of the New Minnesota Miracle, starting in 2014.
“Our current budget deficit isn’t an excuse to ignore the future,” said Anzelc. “The new Minnesota Miracle is our promise to future generations, especially in Northern Minnesota, that we will adequately and fairly fund our schools and provide a world-class education to every Minnesota student for decades to come.”
The House Higher Education bill would use federal recovery dollars to hold tuition increases at all MnSCU campuses to 2% per year and tuition increases at the University of Minnesota to no more than $300 per year. The bill will also make college more affordable by an increase to the state grant program and creates a new middle income scholarship.
Each of the House education bills will now move onto a conference committee to work out differences with the Senate before heading to the House floor for a final vote.
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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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