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State Representative John Ward
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4333
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
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HOUSE EDUCATION BILL UNVEILED Rep. Ward has three key components
ST. PAUL, MN – The House DFL K-12 Education Committee unveiled its education bill today, appropriating almost $920 million for Minnesota schools. The bill provides a 3% increase in each of the next two years on the funding formula, increases Special Education funding by $106 million, funds voluntary all-day kindergarten for every district in that state that wants it, and appropriates $152 million for a combination of technology upgrades and innovation and reform proposals.
In addition, the legislation offers $125 million in property tax relief.
"I ran for office with education as my number one priority," said Representative John Ward. "This is a good bill that will help every child in the state get a good education, assist our schools with some of the costs of Special Education and offer property owners some relief."
Three pieces of legislation introduced by Ward were included in the bill.
In response to the increasing number of schools that are cutting physical education and health courses, Ward proposed a one-half credit of physical education or health as a graduation requirement. In addition, the Department of Education will be asked to create health and phy ed standards for elementary and middle schools.
"There are so many reasons to do this," said Ward. "Children learn better when they are given the chance to get some exercise, and it also promotes lifelong learning with an emphasis on fitness. Even more importantly, kids need exercise to combat childhood obesity – which is reaching epidemic proportions.
We need to get back to the days when phy ed/health was a routine part of the curriculum."
In addition, Ward's proposal for Bridges Career Academy, a pilot project that will examine academic and career-related opportunities available to rural high school students, made the final cut in the House bill.
The legislation establishes a three-year project involving the Brainerd, Crosby-Ironton, Staples Motley, Pillager and Pequot Lakes schools districts, the Central Lakes College, the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce and participating business partners. The participants will establish multiple career academies that offer high school students academic courses and work-based learning experiences needed for employment in high-demand, well-paid careers within the region.
"There was a lot of excitement when we presented this bill in committee," said Ward. "Many people loved the idea of high schools, colleges and businesses working together to help students find good paying jobs in Greater Minnesota."
Wards third component included in the bill was his request for a funds transfer for the Brainerd School District.
"This is a good bill, both for our district and for students throughout the state," said Ward. "I'm looking forward to voting for it on the House floor sometime soon."
If you have questions about the education bill, you can contact Rep. Ward at (651) 296- 4333, or 1-800-683-4205, by mail at 533 State Office Building, 100 Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155 or via e-mail at rep.john.ward@house.mn.
News Items
- 2013 Legislative Session Preview - (Posted: Jan 11 2013 8:39AM)
- Assistant Majority Leader Rep. John Ward Sworn-In as Legislative Session Starts - (Posted: Jan 8 2013 2:39PM)
- Rep. John Ward Elected Assistant Majority Leader and Selected to Serve as Vice Chair of Capital Investment Committee - (Posted: 2012-12-19 00:00:00)
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