Letter to the Editor: Education Funding the Top Priority in Special Session
By Claire Robling
June 13, 2005
To the editor:
We have entered the fourth week of the special session, and the Governor and legislative leaders continue to meet regularly to negotiate final spending levels for education, health care, transportation, and other state government functions.
While progress is being made, it seems we may still have a ways to go before we cross the legislative finish line. The good news is education continues to be a top priority in special session budget talks.
Under both Republican and DFL budget positions, Minnesota’s K-12 schools would receive a significant boost in funding. Under the Governor’s plan, for example, $423 dollars per student would be added to the basic funding formula over the next two years — a nine percent increase. Districts willing to embrace teacher compensation reform would be eligible for an additional $260 per student on top of the basic formula allowance.
In total, this plan would add almost $870 million to Minnesota’s classrooms in the next two years alone.
While going into legislative overtime this year was disappointing, and in my opinion unnecessary, I am extremely pleased that all parties involved continue to recognize the importance of making a substantial investment in our students this year.
Though the political posturing of the 2005 session may not be behind us quite yet, parents, students, and teachers can rest assured that lawmakers have heard your voices loud and clear. Thanks in great part to your efforts, we can say with near certainty that our schools will receive a significant, needed boost in funding when our work is completed.
Sincerely,
Claire Robling
State Senator
District 35
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