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State Representative Sandra Masin
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-3533
For more information contact: Chris Shields 651-296-8873
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MASIN: HOUSE E-12 BILL PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR SCHOOLS & PROPERTY TAXPAYERS
ST. PAUL - In a strong bipartisan vote of 119 to 13, the Minnesota House passed a comprehensive E-12 Finance bill. State Representative Sandra Masin of Eagan called it a balanced bill that delivers much-needed support for Minnesota's students, parents, and teachers.
"In the last few years we've seen our local school districts have to choose between painful budget cuts and higher property taxes," Masin said. "This bill finally provides our schools with the resources they need to educate our kids without increasing property taxes."
The bill provides a 3% increase in each year of the biennium, both 2008 and 2009, $95 million for voluntary all-day Kindergarten, and $106 million to reduce the gap in unmet special education costs that have eaten into school's general funds. It provides $152 million for a combination of technology upgrades, innovation and reform proposals, gifted and talented programs and funding for school libraries. It also provides property tax relief using a combination of referendum and debt service equalization aid and funding for operating capital. Local school districts would receive the following increases over the next two years under the bill:
· 8.3% for Burnsville (District 191)
· 8.5% for Rosemount/Apple Valley/Eagan (District 196)
· 7.9% for West St. Paul/Mendota Heights/Eagan
The bill also includes several reform proposals including creating an independent office of educational accountability and teacher development. In order to align with the Senate education bill, components of the Early Childhood bill, including funding for ECFE, Head Start, School Readiness and other provisions were also included to the bill.
"We have a good, balanced bill that sets the bar high for our schools, but gives them the resources to meet those goals," added Masin.
The legislation now heads to conference committee to iron out differences with the Senate.
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News Items
- Rep. Sandra Masin Sworn-In as Legislative Session Begins - (Posted: Jan 8 2013 3:10PM)
- Representative Sandra Masin: Special Session Delivers Flood-Relief - (Posted: 2010-10-18 00:00:00)
- EAGAN TRIBUTE & MEMORIAL DEDICATION State Representative Sandra Masin invites area residents to unveiling ceremony - (Posted: 2010-10-06 00:00:00)
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