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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Debra Hilstrom (DFL)

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RELEASE: Hilstrom applauds Gov. Dayton plan for urgently-needed school funding

Thursday, May 3, 2018

ST. PAUL, Minn. – This week, Gov. Mark Dayton announced plans for $137.9 million in one-time Emergency School Aid for school districts across Minnesota. Currently, more than 26 school districts in the metro area and 33 school districts in Greater Minnesota are facing immediate budget deficits that could result in hundreds of teachers and support staff being laid off, along with significant programming cuts. The proposal would increase school funding by two percent in the coming year, amounting to an additional $126 for every student in Minnesota.

For the Osseo School District, this would mean an additional $3.3 million, over half its projected budget shortfall. Brooklyn Center schools would receive another $480,889. For Anoka-Hennepin, there would be $5.7 million more, and $2 million for Robbinsdale, which is facing a $10 million deficit.

Rep. Debra Hilstrom (DFL – Brooklyn Center) released the following statement:

“If we’re going to expect our schools to deliver the world-class education Minnesota families are accustomed to, we need to make sure they have the resources to do it. The proposal from Gov. Dayton will go a long way to make sure more of our young people have the opportunity to achieve in the classroom.

“Laying off teachers and other staff and letting class sizes increase are huge barriers to student success. I hope fellow legislators can join me in supporting this added funding.”