To the editor:
Last November, Minnesota voters turned out in record numbers because they wanted to take our state in a new direction.
Voters rejected the status quo of budget cuts and accounting gimmicks to resolve our perpetual deficits, and instead told us they wanted the Legislature to focus on priorities like creating good jobs, providing property tax relief, paying back the school shift, and investing in education at every level.
The House DFL Majority recently released a budget framework that reflects the priorities Minnesotans support to grow the middle class and create lasting economic prosperity throughout our state.
The proposed framework includes three main components:
1) Closing Minnesota’s $627 million deficit.
2) Fully paying back the remaining balance of over $800 million in funding borrowed from Minnesota schools.
3) Investing an additional $1 billion in priorities to strengthen Minnesota’s economic future, including $700 million for all-day kindergarten through post-secondary, $250 million in property tax relief, and $46 million in job creation.
The budget framework is paid for using new revenue, spending cuts, and reforms. We will not take an all-cuts or gimmicks approach that voters rejected last November.
Iron Rangers understand the value of a good education. That’s why we’re tired of seeing our students shoulder the burden of our fiscal challenges.
Cuts to state aid and revenue over the past decade have decreased funding by $463 per student in the Hibbing School District, $532 per pupil in Nashwauk-Keewatin School District, and $568 per pupil in Chisholm School District. Districts in our region have implemented property tax levies to help alleviate the sting from ongoing cuts, but unfortunately, it came at the expense of higher property taxes on middle class families. This is exactly the kind of unfair school funding that we intend to end.
Under the House DFL budget framework, our schools would receive more resources to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to compete for jobs in an increasingly global economy. Supporting our students is one of the best investments we can make as a state
I’m hopeful that lawmakers will reach a consensus over the coming weeks to produce a fair, honest budget that grows the middle class and sets Minnesota up to thrive for years to come. I encourage readers to contact me with questions or comments at rep.carly.melin@house.mn or toll-free at (888) 726-0711.
Sincerely,
Carly Melin
State Representative, St. Louis and Itasca Counties
Assistant Majority Leader, House DFL Caucus