Dear Neighbor,
Work on adjusting to our state's two-year budget progressed this week as the House issued our proposal. The governor issued his own plan a few weeks ago and we anticipate the Senate will do the same as soon as next week. Once those three supplemental budget plans are on the table, we will be able to find areas of agreement and iron out the rest as we move toward adjournment on May 23.
To summarize the House plan, there is no net change in spending. The state operates on a two-year budget cycle, and the budget passed last year thus funds the state through June 30, 2017. However, new situations and information that have arisen since the passage of last year's budget justify making some changes, though the amount of new spending is offset by budget reductions in other areas. The budget revisions thus make investments like more money to build out broadband in rural areas and farmer safety programs while identifying savings in other areas. I also anticipate additional spending in E-12 education thanks to the creative refinancing of some old school bonds. We have shown Minnesotans we can reprioritize existing funding, just like a family budget, instead of simply increasing spending.
Notably, this plan leaves the $900 million projected state surplus intact so that we can help provide increased transportation funding and tax reform.
Committees in the House will now start putting together their budget bills and, once the Senate releases their budget blueprint next week, the stage will be set for the negotiations needed to bring the session to a close. Look for more news on this as things develop and we have an opportunity to compare and contrast the three separate supplemental budget plans.
On another note, legislation I authored to conduct a preschool pilot program for low-income students and English language learners in St. Cloud received a hearing in a House committee this week.
This bill (H.F. 3254) provides $430,000 in funding for St. Cloud District 742 to be used for creating morning and afternoon preschool sections, consisting of low-income students and English language learners at three elementary schools.
The intent with this pilot program is to provide funding for early learning for children who are at greatest need, and see if the new approaches outlined with the program provide a significant positive benefit. District 742 has some unusual challenges compared to other districts given the large number of refugees with English language challenges, and other demographic changes in the district. I look forward to seeing what success this program brings.
The funding appropriated through this legislation may be used to purchase developmentally appropriate furniture and materials, instructional materials, and curriculum materials; hire and train teachers and staff; and offset transportation costs.
The House Education Finance Committee conducted the bill's hearing and is holding it over for possible inclusion in the omnibus education finance bill this session.
District 742 brought forward this bill. Sen. John Pederson of St. Cloud is carrying the companion legislation.
The Times ran an article on this subject today and you can click here to see that coverage.
Sincerely,
Rep. Jim Knoblach