A Closer Look: 2013 School Funding Proposal

As Minnesotans, we value our education system and for decades we have been national-leaders in nearly every education statistic. We also understand that a world-class education system is the gateway to a world-class economy. The House education budget makes significant investments in education and sets the goal of building the world’s best workforce.

Below are the key components of the E-12 proposal.  I would appreciate feedback on it, either by emailing me at Rep.Joe.Atkins@house.mn or by calling me at the Capitol at (651) 296-4192.

The House Education Budget fully funds all-day, every day kindergarten and invests another $50 million in early learning childhood scholarships. Studies have shown that all-day K and early childhood education can help close the achievement gap and prepare students for future academic success. The House Education Budget also increases the basic funding formula for K-12 schools by four percent over the biennium, an increase of $315 million, or $209 per pupil. The budget also pays back the $854 million still owed to our schools from the use of the school shift by previous legislatures.

The House education budget also contains a new strategy to close the revenue equity gap and reduce property taxes. The bill modifies the equity formula to guarantee all districts at least $300 per student of equity and referendum revenue, and raises and indexes operating referendum levy equalization factors to reduce property taxes.

The bill contains several policy provisions as well. Schools will be required to develop strategic plans for student achievement and update the public on their status each year. The state will utilize the Minnesota Department of Education’s Regional Centers of Excellence to provide assistance and work with schools to reach their goals. A new student assessment system will be implemented that ensures students stay on the path to being career and college ready, and innovation grants that promote new ways to increase student achievement will be available to schools.

In addition to investments in early childhood and K-12, the House budget invests an additional $150 million in higher education. This would be enough funding to freeze tuition at our colleges and universities for the next two years. Tuition has nearly doubled over the last decade, leaving many parents and students with mountains of student loan debt.

The budget also includes new reforms to expand the oversight function of the legislature. New reforms were drafted in consultation with the Office of Legislative Auditor to expand the oversight function of the legislature. The Legislature and Legislative Auditor will be better-equipped to hold the U of M and MnSCU accountable for budgeting practices that have come under fire for high administrative costs and excessive compensation for top administrators.

Education is of the utmost importance to all of us, so I want to know what you think about these proposals. What do you like? What don’t you like? If you were in charge, what would you do? Feel free to email me at rep.joe.atkins@house.mn or give me a call at 651-296-4192.