SAINT PAUL, Minn. – This evening, the Minnesota House of Representatives is expected to approve a new E-12 education budget that makes honest investments in every student in every public school. The budget is inspired by parents, students, teachers, staff, and administrators who have told legislators that current funding levels are not adequate.
“For the next generation of Minnesotans to have a strong potential to achieve and succeed, they need well-rounded education opportunities,” said Rep. Jack Considine (DFL – Mankato). “Unfortunately, underfunding of schools in recent years has meant some consequences for students. It’s also meant inequities for districts needing to go out and ask property taxpayers to contribute. Our education bill reverses this trend by making robust, honest investments in our schools across the state so students have what they need to achieve in the classroom.
The House DFL E-12 education budget includes $900 million in new investments and would:
- Increase the per-pupil funding formula by 3% in the first year and by another 2% in the second year of the biennium. For Mankato Area Public Schools, this would mean an additional $2.38 million in the first year of the biennium, and another $1.91 million in the second year.
- 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.
The House DFL E-12 education budget also includes policy reforms that will:
- Improve Minnesota’s teacher licensure system.
- Reduce special education paperwork.
- Keep students safe through comprehensive sexual education and consent training.
- Require school districts to test for lead and radon.
After the Minnesota House and Senate approve their respective E-12 education budgets, lawmakers from each chamber form a conference committee to reach agreement on a final version.