Prioritizes increased funds per-student, provides reforms to improve student learning
ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Saturday, April 25, the House passed the Education Omnibus bill (House File 844) authored by Education Finance Committee Chairwoman Jenifer Loon (R-Eden Prairie). In total, the budget bill spends $16.867 billion for Fiscal Years 2016-17, a $1.06 billion increase over current spending and includes a number of reforms to empower teachers and schools, give flexibility to school districts, prioritize early childhood learning and provide fairer funding.
“Since Day One, we’ve set out to ensure every child – regardless of zip code – receives a world-class education. After listening to Minnesotans, the House Republican majority has developed a solution that puts kids first, partnering new money with innovative reforms,” said Speaker Kurt Daudt (R-Crown).
“Our students are our future. The work Rep. Loon, Rep. Erickson and their committees have done is a tremendous step toward creating a brighter future for children across the state of Minnesota,” said Majority Leader Peppin (R-Rogers).
One major component of the bill is a $178 statewide increase in biennial per pupil funding. That breaks down to a $166 increase for the metro area, $193 for Greater Minnesota and $168 for Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Additionally, the bill prioritizes early childhood learning with a $30 million increase for early learning scholarships and a $9.5 million increase for school readiness aid.
"Every child deserves a world-class education, and that was our guiding principle when crafting the Education Omnibus bill," said Rep. Loon. "This legislation embraces student-focused, research-based reforms that will tackle the achievement gap, prioritize our youngest learners and improve the educational experience for Minnesota kids."
"This bill is a student-focused plan that works to maintain Minnesota’s high standard of educational excellence," said Education Innovation Committee Chair Sondra Erickson (R-Princeton). "We have a number of innovative reforms that will help to close the achievement gap, one of which is encouraging a more diverse teaching force. Education is a top priority for all Minnesotans, and our bill will continue our strong tradition of outstanding schools and teachers here in Minnesota."
The bill also works to tackle Minnesota's achievement gap by providing funding increases for Reading Corps, extended time support and Success for Future Grants. Furthermore, the bill provides ACT reimbursements to ensure that the price of college entrance exams is not an obstacle to achieve the dream of a higher education.
Finally, the bill empowers teachers, students and schools by reducing student testing, reforming the seniority-only policy for teacher retention, streamlining and clarifying the out-of-state teacher licensure process, and by allowing districts to tap community experts for vocational, technical and career education programs.
"When every child has an opportunity for academic success, it means a brighter future for our children and for our state," added Rep. Loon. "From adding money onto the per pupil formula to increasing access to pre-K choices for parents, this legislation is a positive step forward for our students, schools and educators."
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