ST. PAUL— Today, the House Majority passed the omnibus education bill 69-61, 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. House File 844 would increase state funding for Early Learning and K-12 programs by less than 1% per year (.6%) over current levels – far less than the cost of inflation. Todays education package is a result of priorities made in setting the budget – priorities to lower taxes by $2 billion, mostly for corporate special interests instead of investing in our children, our schools, and our future.
At an education rally at the Capitol members today voiced serious concerns about the K-12 bill and its impact on Minnesota schools and children. School officials from around the state have warned that this low amount of funding will cause deep cuts to our schools and most certainly will result in cuts to programs and staff or to operation referendums on an upcoming ballot with potential increases to property taxes.
“With a strong budget forecast, we should be moving to invest more in our children and schools,” said Representative Kim Norton (DFL-Rochester). “Minnesota has always been known as the ‘education state’ known for our excellent, well-educated workforce. If we truly value commerce and our economy we would invest in education.”
“The House majority’s budget is disappointing and out of balance with the priorities important to Minnesotans,” said Rep. Norton. “For our state to thrive we need a balanced budget approach and sustainable budget into the future. Superintendents across the state are telling the majority this budget will result in teacher layoffs-that isn’t balanced. Additionally, the tax breaks proposed put the state in deficit in just a few years.”
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. The House Majority tabled the proposal.