Dear neighbors,
As you may have heard, Minnesota schools were repaid an additional $636 million at the end of the 2013 fiscal year. This means that we have now repaid nearly $2.6 billion of the $2.8 billion previously borrowed from schools under the 2011 budget. The major credit rating agencies are noticing that we have stopped using fiscal shifts and gimmicks, and are now acting in a fiscally responsible manner. One such agency has upgraded our state's bond outlook from "negative" to "stable". If we as a state can regain our top credit rating, fewer of Minnesotans' hard-earned tax dollars will go to interest payments, and more will be available for important investments in vital areas such as education.
I authored House File 1 to pay back our schools, and the method that was passed this legislative session pays back our schools using surplus revenues, rather than adding any additional tax burden to Minnesotans. We are paying back our schools in a fiscally prudent manner using surplus revenue through an accelerated payment plan.
On October 15, Hopkins schools were repaid $565,723, Minnetonka schools were repaid $708,438 and Eden Prairie schools were repaid $701,090. These payments are ongoing until the shift is fully repaid sometime early next year.
In addition to paying back our schools, this session we invested in creating the world’s Best Workforce. Under this plan, school districts must adopt a comprehensive, long-term strategy to improve teaching and learning that is aligned with creating the “world’s best workforce.” Districts must strive to, among other markers, close achievement gaps, have students reading at grade level by 3rd grade, and graduate from high school college- and career-ready. We are fortunate in that the schools in our community already have these milestones and strategies largely in place.
We also passed major K-12 assessment reforms that move Minnesota to an assessment system that is college and career aligned. This provision is endorsed by education advocates and school districts across Minnesota and is the product of many years of work by a broad range of educators, parents and assessment experts. Under the new system, students at all levels will be guided and challenged based on their skills and interests towards their individual post-secondary goals. We are focused on preparing every student for meaningful work and study beyond high school in 21st century fields.
Lastly, I want to update you on my work with the Early Learning Council. The Early Learning Council makes recommendations to the Governor, Children’s Cabinet and Legislature on how to effectively create a high-quality early childhood system in Minnesota to ensure all children arrive at kindergarten school-ready. We are part of the effort to integrate the early learning efforts of several state departments to both improve outcomes for our children, and leverage resources. I believe this is of vital importance as we work to keep our future generations competitive and successful.
Please contact me anytime with questions or comments about education or any other issues.
As always, thank you for the honor of being your voice in St. Paul.
Best,
Yvonne