ST. PAUL, MN – Yesterday, Governor Dayton released his 2013-2014 budget proposal. The state faces a $1.1 billion budget shortfall and owes an additional $1.1 billion to schools due to borrowing from the previous legislature. The budget invests in education by expanding early childhood education, increasing K-12 funding by $52 per pupil and investing $80 million in the Minnesota State Grant Program, helping an additional 5,000 Minnesotans to receive a college education.
State Representative JoAnn Ward (DFL-Woodbury) released the following statement:
“I think that the Governor’s budget proposal is a good starting point for our work on solving the budget deficit and structurally balancing the budget to prevent future borrowing, shifts and gimmicks.
“Minnesota has always been a leader in education and it’s time we invest in our schools again. After years of growing class sizes, funding cuts and spending shifts, I look forward to working on ways to improve education, including early childhood education, K-12, college and vocational training.
“I will be learning more about the proposal over the coming days and weeks as we address ways to create jobs, improve our schools and make Minnesota a better place to live, work and raise a family. Please contact me with your comments and suggestions as we move through the legislative session.”
Rep. Ward can be reached by phone at (651) 296-7807 or by email at rep.joann.ward@house.mn.
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