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State Representative Barb Yarusso
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-0141
For more information contact: Susie Merthan 651-296-2955
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HOUSE EDUCATION BILL AIMS TO IMPROVE SCHOOLS AND PRODUCE THE WORLD’S BEST WORKFORCE
ST. PAUL—The House has released the Omnibus Education Finance bill, putting forth a budget to fund state education initiatives for the next two years. The bill makes historic investments in education through efforts to close the achievement gap, raise graduation rates and improve student career and college readiness.
“The focus this session in education has been how to create the world’s best workforce,” said Rep. Yarusso (DFL-Shoreview). “We heard testimony about how efforts like Irondale’s Early College program can engage students and prepare them well for careers and college. Minnesota has always been a leader in education, and making innovative changes and investments now will help us to continue this tradition.”
The education proposal increases student funding for K-12 schools by $209 per pupil.
The bill also includes a new strategy to close the revenue equity gap and reduce local property taxes. The bill guarantees all districts at least $300 per student of equity and referendum revenue, and raises and indexes operating referendum levy equalization factors to reduce property taxes.
“To combat the property tax increases we’ve seen over the last decade, we need to make sure that we are providing a solid and reliable school funding framework that allows schools and communities to meet their needs,” said Rep. Yarusso.
The education budget implements education reforms to make sure that dollars spent in the classroom are being well spent. Under the proposal, schools will develop strategic plans for student achievement. In addition, a new student assessment system will be put in place to make sure that students are on the right path to being career and college ready. The proposal also includes innovation grants and integration aid to promote increased student achievement.
“These reforms will help us build the world’s best workforce,” said Rep. Yarusso. “These measures will make sure that our students are learning skills that are relevant to the 21st century job market and keep Minnesota on the cutting edge of academic innovation.”
The House DFL budget will fully pay back the $850 million owed our schools due to previous borrowing. This measure will be contained in the House Tax bill, which will be released next week.
“Paying back our schools is a major priority,” said Rep. Yarusso. “As we look at these proposals, I will continue to advocate for quality education initiatives that prepare our students for a successful future.”
Rep. Yarusso can be reached by phone at (651) 296-0141 or by email at rep.barb.yarusso@house.mn.
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