SAINT PAUL, MN – Today, House Republicans passed an education bill that, despite a nearly $2 billion projected state surplus, will lead to reductions in teaching staff, increased class sizes, and reduced access to quality early learning education. House File 844 would increase state funding for Early Learning and K-12 programs by only $156 million – less than 1% over current levels – in order to accommodate House Republicans’ goal of lowering taxes by $2 billion, mostly for corporate special interests. School officials from around the state have warned that this low amount of funding will cause deep cuts to school budgets.
Rep. Ben Lien (DFL—Moorhead) released the following statement:
"This education bill is a real disappointment to our state, our children and the future of our workforce. At a time when our budget is healthy and our economy is strong, we need to do more. I look forward to continued conversations on funding for education from early childhood through secondary schools. There are other stops for this bill before it gets to the governor's desk and I hope the needed improvements can be made."
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