Thissen: 'The Solution is Not in More Property Tax Levy Referendums'

After the Nov. 8, Richfield Rep. Paul Thissen expressed his disappointment while also saying action needs to be taken by the state to support education.

Richfield Patch: Following the results of the school referendum ballot question in Richfield, can you comment on the failure of the initiative and what it means for Richfield residents?

Rep. Paul Thissen: I was disappointed the levy referendum did not pass. I can understand why middle class Richfield families who are struggling with this tough economy might be reluctant to pay more property taxes. I also know that Richfield students, teachers and administrators are using education dollars efficiently to accomplish the most important thing we need to do as a community–educate the next generation of leaders and workers.

Richfield Patch: Is there something that needs to be done at the state level to ensure schools get proper funding?

Thissen: The reality is that the long term solution is not in more and more property tax levy referendums. It is a renewed commitment by state leaders to truly invest in our public schools. More than anything, the near record amount of referendums throughout the state should renew the call to the Legislature to do its job and adequately fund education. ...

It usually surprises Minnesotans, but our state has slipped below the national average in the amount of money we spend per student. Our class sizes are well above the national average. That is not how we build a 21st century economy. Add to that the decision of the Republican majority to end their government shutdown by borrowing $3 billion from our schools to balance our state's books and we have a real problem. ...

Minnesota’s economic competitive advantage continues to be our world class schools and highly educated workforce. We should stop the games and gimmicks and put the necessary resources in our classrooms so that our children are best prepared to succeed.