SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Tuesday evening, the Minnesota House of Representatives approved 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.
“Through significant investments in Minnesota’s public schools and sound, data-driven policies, our House E-12 education budget is focused on the success of students across the state,” said Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL – Rochester). “Our budget includes some exciting strategies which will strengthen the outcomes of students, including more full-service community schools, mental health grants, and added student support personnel. With the approaches taken within this budget, Minnesota students will have a better opportunity to achieve.”
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 Rochester Public Schools, this would mean an additional $6.37 million in the first year of the biennium, and another $4.2 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.