I have been receiving numerous messages regarding the House Education Bill. The primary concerns brought up were the large class sizes that already exist and the potential layoffs that will take place if HF 844 is passed.
I have also received many messages opposing the refund checks that have been advertised recently. The request is for the state to keep the money and spend it on education, transportation and needed infrastructure.
This afternoon, after almost five hours of discussion, the Education Bill did pass on a party-line basis. A Minority Report was presented by the DFL members yesterday and that failed to get enough votes to pass and was tabled. The Minority Report had more money for the funding than did the bill that passed today and I voted for that bill.
House District 51A has three school districts, #191, #196, and #197. All three districts have said they need about 3% on the funding formula to avoid making cuts to their staff. I am hearing the same from districts throughout Minnesota. HF 844 has .6% increase. By not even keeping pace with inflation, HF 844 is a proposal for layoffs, larger class sizes, and less access for early education- that is not the direction we should be going in Minnesota.
In a letter to House leadership, Superintendent Gothard of the Burnsville, Eagan, Savage School District closed with the following ” With a near 2 billion dollar surplus, I cannot imagine a greater investment than added funds to our schools. Today’s children and young adults are our future leaders, workforce and caretakers. You have a unique opportunity to invest in our ability to ensure their success.” I agree.