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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 MOVES FORWARD ON SCHOOL FUNDING BILL
ST. PAUL, MN – State Rep. John Ward joined his colleagues in the House on Tuesday in passing an education bill that will provide a funding boost for every school in the state next year.
House File 6 brings back the House education funding plan that was passed earlier in the session; it will provide a additional $51 per pupil, as well as the flexibility to transfer another $51 per pupil from their capital budget to their general fund to address critical needs.
"Our first choice would have been to reach an agreement with the Governor on funding for our schools," said Ward. "However, we all remember what happened last year – time ran out while we waited and we ended up with an education bill that didn't adequately fund education.
With the passage of this bill today, we are poised to move ahead to help our schools, with or without the Governor."
The bill makes use of unused Q-Comp funds, state budget reserves and budget cuts at the Department of Education to provide the funding boost for 2009. Schools currently receiving Q-Comp funds will continue to receive those funds, and it is expected the funds will be returned to Q-Comp in the future.
The Senate is expected to pass the education funding bill later on Tuesday and move it to the Governor. If he vetoes the bill, there is still time to attempt a veto override, according to Ward.
"It's all about the kids," said Ward. "I came into office prepared to do whatever it takes to make sure our schools get the state funding they so desperately need, and while this bill isn't a long-term solution, it throws a one-time lifeline to schools that are drowning."
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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