St. Paul, MN – Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives advanced a $3.3 billion supplemental education plan to support students, families, public schools, and school staff.
State Representative Dan Wolgamott (DFL - St. Cloud) authored several key proposals in the bill, including an increase in special education funding, professional development for science teachers, investments in regional libraries, and support for early childhood family education programs.
"One of the reasons I'm proud to be a St. Cloud 742 parent is because our district is a regional leader in providing special education services,” said Rep. Wolgamott. “Unfortunately, the state of Minnesota owes our school district $12 million per year in unfunded special education mandates. Passing this legislation and closing the special education cross subsidy will ensure our special education students can reach their fullest potential, and all of our students have the support they need to succeed.”
Rep. Wolgamott’s special education proposals increase the amount of each school district’s special education cross subsidy paid by the state from 6.43% to 55.895% in FY23 and 56.9405% in FY24 and later. He also included a provision shifting payments for special education aid so districts receive 90% of the aid in the year they generate it, in the same manner they receive general education revenue and most other school aid.
More information on the House’s investments in education can be found here.
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