St. Paul, MN –The Minnesota House of Representatives approved last evening 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. The budget is inspired by parents, students, teachers, staff, and administrators who have told legislators how budget cuts and growing class sizes have impacted the quality of instruction, support, and education in schools.
“I am proud of our community's commitment to our schools, preschoolers, and K-12 students. Education has made our state successful,” Representative Connie Bernardy (DFL-New Brighton) remarked.
Representative Bernardy is the chief author of legislation that protects access to voluntary pre-K opportunities for 4,000 children throughout the state, including the communities she represents. This proposal has been incorporated into the final budget bill.
“We know that our kids start learning long before kindergarten — and that Minnesota has one of the largest achievement gaps in the country,” said Rep. Bernardy. “We’re investing in our youngest learners to make sure every child gets off to a great start in the classroom and life.”
More details of the budget components can be found here.
After the Minnesota Senate approves their E-12 education budget, lawmakers from each chamber will form a conference committee to reach agreement on a final budget.
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