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State Representative Ryan Winkler
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-7026
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
Column/LTE
SCHOOL FUNDING NEEDS STATE REFORM
To the Editor:
Robbinsdale School District #281 has a tradition of excellent education. Rising health care and energy prices, along with declining enrollment, present tough challenges for continuing that tradition in our community. When the levy referendum came up short this week, those challenges were compounded. In many ways our commitment to public education is at a crossroads.
There are some in our community who would have you believe the school district has been mismanaging taxpayer dollars. Their claims are false. The truth is, our schools have been good stewards of state and local resources. In the face of significant challenges, they have consistently delivered top-notch education opportunities for students.
In fact, the state of Minnesota's inability to deliver stable funding over time is the real culprit. Decisions made in the Ventura administration and continued under Governor Pawlenty have shifted the tax burden to homeowners: a $2.2 billion increase in property taxes over the last five years. Frustration with property taxes is understandable. That's why I'm working to reform the state's education funding system.
Members of the Legislature have been working hard to make the state alleviate the burden of rising property taxes and provide students with the education they need to thrive in a competitive economy.
A child's future should never be dictated by where he or she happens to live. That's why I'm working to make sure our schools receive reliable funding that will provide all Minnesota children access to a world-class education.
Ryan Winkler
State Representative
News Items
- Statement on Budget Forecast - (Posted: 2012-12-05 00:00:00)
- Statement on Final I-35 W Bridge Settlement - (Posted: 2012-11-13 00:00:00)
- Rep. Winkler: Tea Party Activists Can’t Be Trusted to Reform Our Elections - (Posted: 2012-11-01 00:00:00)
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