ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota House of Representatives passed a comprehensive K-12 Education Finance and Policy bill today on a vote of 83-50.
The bill is designed to create the world’s best workforce by closing Minnesota’s achievement gap, reaching a 100 percent high school graduation rate, 100 percent literacy by third grade, and 100 percent career and college readiness by graduation.
In order to meet those goals, the bill fully funds all-day, every day kindergarten, invests in early learning childhood scholarships, and increases the basic funding formula for K-12 schools by over $315 million, or $209 per pupil.
“I cannot overstate how important it is to close the achievement gap facing students in my District,” said Rep. Raymond Dehn (DFL—Minneapolis). “Investing in all-day kindergarten and early childhood education are proven tools that improve test scores, close achievement gaps, and prepare students for future academic success. I’m thrilled we’re taking serious steps to solve this problem. It’s going to make a positive difference in the lives of countless children in my district and throughout Minnesota.”
In addition to new investments, the House education bill also includes reforms such as a new assessment system to ensure students are career and college ready by the time they graduate. It replaces the GRAD exam with career and college readiness entrance exams that students would begin taking in middle school. By starting more relevant assessments early on, parents and kids will receive important diagnostics that empower them with early planning for their career goals and success in learning.
“People in my District are frustrated by the barriers imposed by one-time tests like the GRAD exam,” added Rep. Dehn. “I’m glad our plan is taking a smarter and fairer approach to student testing. It allows parents and teachers to identify a student’s needs and correct course before it’s too late. This is going to give kids hope by showing them that school is about gaining knowledge and pursuing your dreams, not passing a one-time test.”
On Wednesday, lawmakers will vote on the House Tax bill, which includes the final piece of the House DFL education plan. It includes a provision to pay back the remaining $854 million IOU to schools caused by a Republican-controlled legislature’s decision to enact record borrowing from Minnesota students in 2011. The tax bill establishes a temporary surcharge on the wealthiest 0.5 percent of Minnesotans (joint filers earning more than $500,000 per year).
“When Republicans controlled the legislature last session, they took a budgeting approach packed with gimmicks, shifts, and cuts,” said Rep. Dehn. “It was absolutely irresponsible. DFLers will pay back the school shift in full. It’s the right thing to do.”
Rep. Dehn encourages his constituents to contact him with any questions about the House K-12 Education omnibus bill. He can be reached by phone at (651) 296-8659, by email at rep.raymond.dehn@house.mn, or by postal mail at 423 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.
Constituents can also get updates from Rep. Dehn on Facebook or by following him on Twitter at @RaymondDehn.