SAINT PAUL, MN—A bipartisan provision originally chief authored by Rep. Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea, aimed at addressing Minnesota's teacher shortage passed Monday as a part of the House Higher Education omnibus bill on a bipartisan vote of 72-55.
Bennett's proposal would provide loan forgiveness to teachers who teach in designated "teacher shortage areas" which are determined on an annual basis by the commissioner of education, or in certain licensure areas for positions that schools are having a difficult time filling.
"Students deserve good teachers in all corners of Minnesota," Bennett said. "It's a shame that some students can't receive a well-rounded education due to our state's teacher shortage in some subject areas and certain regions of the state. This provision is one tool we can use to lower student debt for future teachers and address our teacher shortage in a meaningful way. I'm grateful for the bipartisan support this bill has received, and am glad to see it pass as a part of the House Higher Education bill."
The
original bill attracted seven DFL co-authors, as well as the support of Rep. Jenifer Loon, R-Eden Prairie, the chair of the House Education Finance Committee.
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