Dear Neighbors,
I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend. I was grateful to have the time to connect with neighbors, friends, and my family. |
|
We’re back to legislative business at the Capitol after our Easter/Passover recess. Over the next two weeks, the Minnesota House of Representatives will begin voting on the major components of the state’s budget.
E-12 Education
Yesterday, we approved a new E-12 education budget that invests in students attending public schools across the state. Here’s a brief overview of the bill:
The House DFL E-12 education budget includes new investments that would:
- Increase the per-pupil funding formula by 3% in the first year and by another 2% in the second year of the biennium.
- 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.
- Enable schools to hire additional student support staff, such as licensed counselors, psychologists, social workers, and nurses.
- Expand students’ ability to earn college credits and develop skills through career and technical education programs.
What I’m Most Excited About
My bill to increase the amount of student support staff such as licensed counselors, psychologists and others was incorporated into the final bill. Our kids deserve access to the mental health resources they need to be successful in and out of the classroom.
I’m also pleased that we are addressing decades of special education funding shortfalls. Every child should have the chance to earn a quality education, and the learning resources that meets every child’s needs.
What it Means for ISD # 196
The increase to the per-pupil funding formula by 3% in the first year and by another 2% in the second year of the biennium means we’ll be able to deliver approximately $769 per student in Apple Valley and Rosemount schools. While some communities have the financial ability to build great schools through bond referendums and bigger operating levies, other communities with smaller property tax bases do not. Strong state funding secures our communities, families, and students’ success for the long term, especially in times of economic downturns.
Keep in Touch
Please contact me anytime with questions, input, or suggestions. We’ll be working toward compromise in the coming weeks with the Senate and your feedback is appreciated.
Sincerely,
John |
|
|