ST. PAUL, MN — The Minnesota House passed the supplemental K-12 and Higher Education omnibus bill (HF2749) Monday with a bipartisan vote of 84-46. The bill re-invests $56 million of K-12 cost savings into programs proven to boost learning outcomes for students, innovative new proposals to bring broadband to students across the state, as well as programs to reduce Minnesota’s teacher shortage and increase diversity in the state’s teacher workforce.
The omnibus bill helps students save money on higher education costs through reforms that reduce the need for remedial classes, reduces state mandated K-12 special education paperwork by 50 percent, and expands funding for the teacher loan forgiveness program. The bill also expands higher education opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“I’m proud of our education bill and what it brings in practical reform and innovative programs to assist our parents, teachers, administrators and, most of all, our students,” said Rep. Peggy Bennett. R-Albert Lea. “We’re building on the historic investments and common sense reforms of 2015, and I look forward to the positive impact this year’s bill will have on Minnesota’s education system.”
A member of the Education Innovation Policy and Education Finance Committees, Rep. Bennett authored multiple provisions contained within the omnibus bill. The first directs Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and the Minnesota Department of Education to identify scores in the MCA exams which show if a student is ready to participate in a postsecondary program. This means a student may not be required to take unneeded remedial classes.
“My provision will save students and families money by cutting down on expensive, and unnecessary post-secondary remedial classes for those who have already proven they are ready for college-level courses,” said Bennett. “It will also provide more and earlier information for K-12 students as to post-secondary readiness so the student can be better prepared after graduation.”
A second provision increases funding for children’s literacy programs through the Minnesota Reading Corps.
“Helping young learners gain literacy skills early on pays big dividends later in life,” said Bennett. “I’m pleased to see a commitment to childhood literacy in our state.”
Also in the bill was increased funding for Bennett’s 2015 teacher loan forgiveness program aimed at bringing more educators into teacher shortage areas in Minnesota.
“Putting qualified teachers in schools throughout our state – especially in Greater Minnesota – is a top priority of the House this session,” said Bennett.
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