SAINT PAUL, MINN — Thursday, the Minnesota House passed a Republican supplemental education finance package on a 94-29 vote. State Rep. Carlos Mariani (DFL- St. Paul), joined fellow DFL Representatives in noting the inadequacy of the bill in light of the huge need to fund special education services that annually consume more than $750 million in costs.
“The House Republican supplemental education bill doesn’t help our students as much as it should. Given the constitutional duty of our state to adequately provide for the education of our children, the failure to address the shortfall in special education funding is unjustifiable” said Rep Mariani. “With a budget surplus of $329 million, this bill should’ve had appropriations to help our schools meet those vital expenses.”
While acknowledging some good policy provisions in the bill, Rep. Mariani also expressed disappointment with a Republican amendment added to the bill that retreats on expecting all teachers have cultural competency training.
“To close gaps and produce strong students, we need teachers to know how to work effectively with the diversity of all pupils no matter their backgrounds,” said Rep Mariani.
Rep. Mariani can be reached by email at rep.carlos.mariani@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-9714.
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