Rep. Barrett's ‘Bridge to Equity in Education Funding’ bill is heard in House Education Finance Committee
Barrett’s legislation would provide greater funding for local school districts
St. Paul—March 15, 2013—State Representative Bob Barrett, R-Lindstrom, yesterday testified on his ‘Bridge to Equity in Education’ bill that would provide equitable financial support to low-funded schools such as those in Chisago County.
Barrett’s legislation would create specific funding in order to help level the playing field for the North Branch and Chisago Lakes school districts, as well as several other non-metro school districts across the state that receive below-average per pupil funding. The current, inequitable K-12 funding formula sends 40 to 70 percent more funding to many metro schools compared to Chisago County schools.
“The education funding system needs a total overhaul, and this bill is the first step to giving kids, teachers and schools more resources closer in amount to what their metro counterparts receive,” Barrett said. “Funding gaps present significant differences in educational opportunities. Regardless of zip code, students should receive a similar opportunity to quality educational programs, as directed by our State Constitution.”
Representative Barrett was joined in support of the bill by Brad Lundell, Executive Director for Schools for Equity in Education (SEE), Todd Anderson, President of SEE and Vice President of the Rockford Area School Board, and the Superintendents of the Milaca and St. Michael/Albertville school districts.
Barrett’s bill, House File 755, is co-authored by a bipartisan coalition of 17 legislators. The next step for this bill is possible inclusion in a larger education "omnibus" finance bill. The decision to incorporate it or not will be made by Education Finance Chair Representative Paul Marquart and DFL leadership in mid- to late April. The final bill will be voted on in early May.
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Rep. Barrett can be reached by phone at (651) 296-5377. He can also be contacted via e-mail at rep.bob.barrett@house.mn, or via U.S. Mail at 287 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155.