E-12 Conference Committee Hears Public Testimony on Needed Education Investments
SAINT PAUL, Minn. — The joint House/Senate Conference Committee tasked with developing a compromise state E-12 budget met for the first time this afternoon. The committee meeting, co-chaired by Rep. Jim Davnie (DFL – Minneapolis), included an overview of each chamber’s version of the legislation and funding differences, and testimony from Education Commissioner Mary Ricker.
"Rather than just sending well-wishes for Teacher Appreciation Week this year, let's support and invest in them so that all our students, teachers, and schools can succeed," said Co-Chair Jim Davnie (DFL - Minneapolis). "This bill will provide access to high-quality education for all Minnesotans, allowing students to be successful both in and outside the classroom."
The House DFL E-12 education bill would increase the per-pupil funding formula by 3% in 2020 and 2% in 2021, while the Senate Republican budget would only increase per-pupil funding by .5 percent each year.
"A slight increase of 0.5 percent to the basic formula each year will not help school districts and charter schools keep up with rising costs and will force them to cut already thin budgets, rather than invest in what is working," said Education Commissioner Mary Ricker.
As a result of destructive Republican budgeting, Minnesota’s public schools have experienced a patchwork of prolonged under-funding. While some communities have been able to ask voters for more funding through property tax hikes, communities with smaller property tax bases have not. The Republican budget would force schools to cut already thin budgets, causing them to layoff teachers, increase class sizes, and cut programs.
The House DFL E-12 education bill would also:
- Prevent teacher layoffs and growing class sizes
- Keep students, teachers, and staff safer while in school.
- Address Minnesota’s special education funding shortfall.
- Protect access to voluntary Pre-K programs for 4,000 children.
- Let schools 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.
- Reduce special education paperwork.
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