St. Paul, Minnesota — The Minnesota House of Representatives passed the Omnibus E-12 Education Finance and Policy Bill tonight on a bipartisan vote of 83 to 50. The goal of the bill is to create the world’s best workforce by 2027 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.
“Education is the foundation for Minnesota’s economic future,” said Rep. Zachary Dorholt (DFL-St. Cloud). “We have always been a leader in education and these investments will renew that tradition.”
The Omnibus E-12 Education Finance and Policy Bill invests in early learners by fully funding optional all-day, every day kindergarten and investing $50 million in early learning scholarships. These measures are proven to improve test scores, close the achievement gap, and prepare students for future academic success.
“Investing in early learners is a proven and cost-effective way to make sure that our kids are getting off to a good start both academically and socially,” said Dorholt. “Right now families are footing the bill for all-day kindergarten and the costs can be steep. State funded all-day k will free up more money for parents and families with young children in St. Cloud.”
The bill enhances the equity formula guaranteeing all districts at least $300 per student of equity and referendum revenue, and raises and indexes operating referendum levy equalization factors to reduce property taxes.
“Schools absolutely need stable funding to reduce the need for local levies and property tax increases,” said Dorholt. “This measure will help to reduce the revenue equity gap that exists between schools in Minnesota.”
In the last several years, many Minnesota school districts have moved to 4-day school weeks. The state has slipped from the top 10 in funding to 22nd in the country. In addition, Minnesota is now ranked 47th in classroom sizes. In response to these declining statistics, the Education Bill increases the basic funding formula for K-12 schools by four percent over the biennium—an increase of $148 per pupil to St. Cloud Public Schools in FY 2014 and $521 in FY 2015.
“This historic funding will strengthen and improve our St. Cloud schools,” said Dorholt. “Our kids deserve a world class education, and this investment is a step towards building the world’s best workforce.”
In order to build the world’s best workforce, the bill includes several reform measures. Schools will be required to develop strategic plans for student achievement and update the public on their status each year. In addition, 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.
The bill also will implement a new student assessment system to ensure students stay on the path to being career and college ready. Innovation grants that promote new ways to increase student achievement will also be available to schools.
“It’s really important that we include reforms in the education plan to ensure that we are training kids for 21st century careers and higher education options,” said Dorholt. “These reforms will modernize our education system, ensure that our money is being well-spent, and allow schools to more accurately monitor their progress.”
Tomorrow, the House is expected to take up the tax bill, which will include a provision to pay back the $850 million owed to Minnesota schools due to historic borrowing by the previous legislature. Rep. Dorholt has been a strong advocate for paying back the school shift this year.
Rep. Dorholt can be reached by phone at (651) 296-6612 or by email at rep.zachary.dorholt@house.mn.
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