Saint Paul, MN- Today, NorthStar Policy Action released a report documenting Minnesota’s historic school aid funding increase. School finance measures approved by the 2023 Minnesota Legislature and signed into law by Governor Walz provided the largest one-year increase in state aid to Minnesota school districts in 20 years. According to data from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), total state aid for E-12 public education in the state increased by $1.17 billion or 11.9% from fiscal year (FY) 2023 to 2024.
Meanwhile, aid to school districts (i.e., excluding charter schools) increased by $1 billion or 11.6%. This increase in state funding was sufficient to replace a significant portion of the inflation-adjusted decline that occurred over the preceding two decades.
Representative Cedrick Frazier (DFL-New Hope), member of the House Education Policy Committee, issued the following statement:
“I am incredibly grateful to my fellow legislators, Governor Walz, education advocates, parents, and students who tirelessly championed this historic victory. This landmark investment represents a critical step forward in our fight to ensure a quality education for every child, regardless of their zip code or background. For far too long, our education system has been marred by inequities, leaving many of our most vulnerable students behind. This funding increase marks a turning point, infusing our schools with the resources they desperately need to close the achievement gap, provide essential support services, and empower educators to create thriving learning environments. Let’s use this momentum to keep moving forward, united in pursuit of educational justice and opportunity for every child in Minnesota.”
Representative Cedrick Frazier secured $12.5 million for Robbinsdale School District in the education bill from the 2023 legislative session.
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