St. Paul, Minnesota — The Minnesota House of Representatives passed the conference committee report on the Omnibus E-12 Education Finance and Policy Bill today on a bipartisan vote of 78 to 56. The budget fully funds all-day kindergarten, invests in early learning scholarships, and adds to the per-pupil formula. The bill’s goal is to create the world’s best workforce in Minnesota by closing the 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 — all by 2027.
“This session there’s been a strong focus on education,” said Representative Patti Fritz (DFL – Faribault). “A great education system has made our state a leader, and we will continue to lead because of the investments in this bill.”
The Omnibus E-12 Education Finance and Policy Bill fully funds all-day, every day kindergarten and invests $40 million in early learning childhood scholarships. All-day K and early childhood education are proven tools to improve test scores, close the achievement gap, and prepare students for future academic success. In addition to increased funding for kindergarten and early childhood, the bill also increases the basic funding formula for K-12 schools by three percent over the biennium, or $156 per pupil.
“Funding all-day kindergarten will help families in district 24b with small children,” said Rep. Fritz. “Many parents are currently footing the bill for this so we are going to free up more money for families and make sure that all of our students have the option to attend all-day kindergarten.”
As part of building the world’s best workforce, the Education Budget implements several new reforms. Schools will be required to develop strategic plans for student achievement and update the public on their status each year. The state will utilize the Minnesota Department of Education’s Regional Centers of Excellence to provide assistance and work with schools to reach their goals. A new student assessment system will be implemented that ensures students stay on track and that every student graduates career or college ready, and innovation grants that promote new ways to increase student achievement will be available to schools.
“These reforms will update our local schools to make sure that students are being prepared for today’s career and college opportunities,” said Rep. Fritz. “For the first time, we are focusing on students from early childhood through their college or career plans, to make sure that we are challenging them and preparing them to be successful.”
The bill also includes a provision authored by Rep. Fritz for the State Academies for kitchen renovations.
“We are very grateful that the Education Conference Committee included funding for the State Academies for much-needed kitchen renovations and to replace their 1924 stove,” said Rep. Fritz.
Rep. Fritz can be reached by phone at (651) 296-8237 or by email at rep.patti.fritz@house.mn.
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