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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Erin Murphy (DFL)

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House GOP Pays Lip Service to Education and Dismisses DFL's E-12 Education Minority Report

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Saint Paul, Minnesota – Despite a $2 billion surplus, House Republicans are poised to pass an education bill this session that will significantly shortchange schools, so they can provide over $2 billion in tax breaks. This morning, House DFL legislators introduced a plan that would make a different choice, investing about $800 million in E-12 education. The plan would adequately fund Minnesota schools, phase in all-day pre-K education for Minnesota’s 4 year olds, address rural disparities, and fund Minnesota’s successful teacher development program.

House Democrats called on their Republican counterparts to reduce the billions in corporate tax breaks that are included in the Republican budget so that the legislature can ensure Minnesota’s kids aren’t left behind this session. They introduced their plan as "Minority Report" to the House Republican education omnibus bill today during the floor session. Unfortunately House Republicans rejected the Minority Report without discussion.

Rep. Erin Murphy (DFL-Saint Paul) released the following statement:

“Republicans say education is a priority, but when it comes to funding it, they vote no. The GOP budget is devastating for Minnesota kids. We advanced a real plan to invest in the future of every child, in every part of Minnesota. We made early childhood education a priority with universal pre-K and increased scholarships and they simply rejected that.

“This is about choices and it’s unfortunate that they chose $2 billion in tax cuts for corporate special interests over our children’s future.”