Dear Neighbors,
I hope you had a great holiday last week! The House has returned from our annual Easter/Passover recess and we’ve started to discuss, vet, and vote on the budget bills.
Here’s the latest news from the Capitol:
Late yesterday, the House passed the E-12 education budget that increases the per-pupil funding formula by 3% in the first year and by another 2% in the second year of the biennium. It makes honest investments in every student across the state. I’ve heard from parents, students, teachers, and staff in in the community who have shared with me how budget cuts, underfunding, and growing class sizes have impacted the opportunities our students receive.
Key highlights of the bill would:
- Keep students, teachers, and staff safer while in school.
- Address Minnesota’s special education funding shortfall.
- Enable schools to hire additional student support staff, such as licensed counselors, psychologists, social workers, and nurses.
- Give schools more tools to recruit and retain more teachers of color.
- Expand students’ ability to earn college credits and develop skills through career and technical education programs.
I’m especially pleased that my bill to protect access to voluntary Pre-K programs for 4,000 children across the state, including our community has been incorporated into the final bill.
You can read more about the education budget here.
After the Minnesota Senate approves their E-12 education budget, legislators from each chamber will form a conference committee to reach agreement on a final budget. Compromise means both sides won’t get everything they want, but I’ll keep working for a strong budget that ensures our children can receive a world-class education.
Keep in Touch
Please contact me with any questions, comments, or feedback on state matters. I appreciate hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Connie Bernardy
State Representative |
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