St. 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 too long, Minnesota students have felt the consequences of years of inadequate school funding, including larger class sizes, fewer support staff, and diminished programming offerings. Passing this education budget today is the first step to correcting that harmful path,” said Rep. Julie Sandstede (DFL – Hibbing), Vice Chair of the House Education Finance Division. “All Minnesota students, no matter where they may live, deserve a world-class education, and I’m proud to support the historic investments contained in this budget.”
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 ($520 million).
- 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.
- 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.