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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Jenifer Loon (R)

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House Passes Student-Focused Education Legislation

Monday, May 18, 2015

ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Monday, May 18, 2015, the House passed a bipartisan, student-focused Education Omnibus Bill that increases E-12 funding by $400 million. Authored by Rep. Jenifer Loon (R-Eden Prairie), the bill spends in total $17.12 billion for Fiscal Years 2016-17 and includes a number of policies that empower teachers and schools, prioritize early childhood learning and provide fairer funding for schools.

"Legislative leaders crafted a student-focused, bipartisan education bill that works to provide Minnesota students with a world-class education," said Rep. Loon. "From increasing E-12 funding by a substantial $400 million to prioritizing our youngest learners with millions more for pre-k scholarships and school readiness aid, this legislation increases academic opportunities for all students and will help close the achievement gap."

Highlights of the bill include:

  • $400 million in additional education funding, 72 percent of which goes directly onto the student formula
  • Increases biennial per pupil funding for every student in every school district across the state by an average of $205
  • $60 million to prioritize early learners with funding for pre-k scholarships and school readiness aid
  • Teacher licensure reform
  • Additional funding for facilities maintenance which will help reduce funding disparities for Greater Minnesota school districts and help finance the upkeep of school buildings
  • Fewer mandated tests
  • $3.5 million for Reading Corps

The legislation is expected to be debated and passed by the DFL-led Senate and sent to Governor Dayton for signature.  

 

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Jenifer Loon represents House District 48B, which includes most of the City of Eden Prairie, in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Rep. Loon encourages constituents to contact her with questions or opinions on any state or legislative issue. She can be reached via email at rep.jenifer.loon@house.mn and phone calls can be placed to her office at 651.296.7449. U.S. mail should be sent to Rep. Jenifer Loon, 449 State Office Building, 100 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.