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Health & Fitness

House Passes Historic Education Bill

Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed the Omnibus E-12 Education Bill.

SAINT PAUL, MN – Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed the Omnibus E-12 Education Bill.

The bill reverses a decade of disinvestment in education and makes historic investments in strategies proven to close the achievement gap, raise graduation rates, and improve student career and college readiness. 

“Education is the best investment we can make in a child’s future. I’m glad we passed legislation that makes measurable progress to close the achievement gap and prepare our kids for the good jobs of tomorrow,” said Rep. Linda Slocum (DFL – Richfield), Education Finance Committee Vice Chair. “Richfield and Bloomington public schools both can expect significant new resources from the State of Minnesota.”

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The House education budget also contains a new strategy to close the revenue equity gap and reduce property taxes. The bill enhances the equity formula guaranteeing all districts at least $300 per student of equity and referendum revenue.

The bill increases funding for K-12 schools by three percent – or over $234 million ($156 per pupil) – during the next two years. However, money and good intentions aren’t enough to guarantee success, which is why the legislation fully funds all-day kindergarten and invests $40 million in early childhood education. These two programs are proven to improve test scores, close the achievement gap and prepare students for future academic success.

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To build a world class workforce, the legislation enacts essential reform to Minnesota’s education system. The bill increases school accountability by requiring schools to develop strategic plans for student achievement and regularly update parents of their progress.

Unlike the failed federal program “No Child Left Behind,” which only included punitive measures, the DFL education legislation includes measures to utilize Minnesota Department of Education resources to help schools and students reach their academic goals.

“Importantly, this legislation also puts us on track to repay the remaining $867 million of the school shift from two years ago. Between our new investments and commitment to repay the borrowed money, Minnesotans should be confident that education is a priority in our state again,” said Rep. Slocum.

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