ST. PAUL— Today, House Republicans passed the omnibus education bill 69-61 that, despite a nearly $2 billion projected state surplus, will lead to reductions in teaching staff, increased class sizes, and reduced access to the state’s Early Learning Scholarship program. Authored by Rep. Jennifer Loon (GOP – Eden Prairie), 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.
“We have a tremendous opportunity to invest in education and invest in our future. Unfortunately the Majority decided tax giveaways were a large instead of our children,” said Representative Clark Johnson (DFL-Mankato). “As an educator I see first-hand the growth in our community because of our schools.”
Projections show that changes to Early Learning Scholarships contained in H.F. 844 would lead to a 41% decrease in the number of students being served by the program. The bill only raises the state’s school funding formula by .6% and caps future funds aimed at students most at risk of falling behind in school.
“With a $1.9 billion surplus it is should be a crime to underfund social workers and counselors,” said Rep. Jack Considine (DFL-Mankato). “This bill will result in layoffs, larger classrooms, and our children falling behind when we had the choice to fund education. This bill is unbecoming of Minnesota.”
On Thursday, House DFL legislators introduced an alternate plan that would invest roughly $800 million in E-12 education. The plan would adequately fund Minnesota schools, phase in all-day pre-K education for Minnesota’s 4 year olds, address rural disparities, and fund Minnesota’s successful teacher development program. House Republicans tabled the proposal.