House Passes Student-Focused Education Legislation

St. PAUL, Minn. – On Monday, May 18, 2015, the House passed a bipartisan, student-focused Education Omnibus Bill that increases E-12 funding by $400 million. Authored by Rep. Jenifer Loon (R-Eden Prairie), the bill spends in total $17.12 billion for Fiscal Years 2016-17 and includes a number of policies that empower teachers and schools, prioritize early childhood learning and provide fairer funding for schools.

“Legislative leaders crafted a student-focused, bipartisan education bill that works to provide Minnesota students with a world-class education,” said Rep. Loon. “From increasing E-12 funding by a substantial $400 million to prioritizing our youngest learners with millions more for pre-k scholarships and school readiness aid, this legislation increases academic opportunities for all students and will help close the achievement gap.”

Highlights of the bill include:

• $400 million in additional education funding, 72 percent of which goes directly onto the student formula
• Increases biennial per pupil funding for every student in every school district across the state by an average of $205
• $60 million to prioritize early learners with funding for pre-k scholarships and school readiness aid
• Teacher licensure reform
• Additional funding for facilities maintenance which will help reduce funding disparities for Greater Minnesota school districts and help finance the upkeep of school buildings
• Fewer mandated tests
• $3.5 million for Reading Corps

The legislation is expected to be debated and passed by the DFL-led Senate and sent to Governor Dayton for signature.