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Legislative Update A Communication for Parents and Education Supporters in SEE Districts |
May 23, 2008 | |
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| A Look Ahead - Important Hearings
HF4178 - The New Minnesota Miracle bill will be focus of the education funding next session which begins on January 5, 2009.
Rep. Greiling is holding hearings across the state to discuss the provisions in the bill. We have a copy of The New Minnesota Miracle Summary, a handout from Rep. Greiling on our web site.
The New Minnesota Miracle will provide the resources that our schools need to succeed. Undoubtedly, a new revenue stream will be required. We, as education supporters, must make it clear that we expect the legislature to work out the details of how to fund the New Minnesota Miracle and that they will have our support as they do so.
It is vital to show that support by attending the hearings. The New Minnesota Miracle will get more political attention if the hearings draw large crowds. Pass this information to all the education supporters that you know. Following are the details for the hearings that have been scheduled:
Wednesday, May 28 - Anoka-Hennepin at 7:00 pm, Jackson Middle School Community Room; 6000 109th Ave N; Champlin, MN 55316
Tuesday, June 10 - White Bear Lake at 7:00 pm, Central Middle School Theater; 4857 Bloom Ave; White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Monday, June 16 - Brainerd at 7:00 pm, Board Room; Washington Educational Services Building; 804 Oak St; Brainerd, MN 56401
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How the Session Ended
The session ended on a high note. Through compromise the legislature and the governor were able to erase the deficit while still providing additional investments in transportation, health care, mass transit, state parks, VA hospitals, property tax relief and, fortunately, education.
However, they did this by making some painful cuts elsewhere in the budget, generating income through closing some loop holes in tax collection and relying heavily on the one-time fix of draining $500 million of the $650 million in state reserves. This means that unless there is an amazing turnaround in the economic forecasts, they could begin next year's critical budget session with over a billion dollars in deficit and no reserves to turn to.
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What About Education?
A one-time increase of 1% was added to the 1% previously budgeted last year. As one representative said, "Some of it [the $51 per student increase] is probably going to be one time, so it's not going to be earth-shattering. It will be an eye dropper of relief for a parched tongue. But it's better than not doing anything." Legislators from both sides of the aisle acknowledge that this funding will not "fix" education. Hopefully, they will have the political will to properly fund education in the coming years.
What was encouraging this session wasn't the size of the increase, but the overall continued conversation about education and the persistence of key legislators who doggedly pressured leadership to pay attention to the needs of our schools. The final education provisions were eventually included in HF1812:
- $51 per student in one-time money.
- One-time option to transfer $51 per student from operating capital to the general fund.
- Increased revenue for pre-kindergarten screening.
- School milk reimbursement increased by 6 cents.
- Lease levy cap increased to $150 per pupil.
- School Trust Fund Lands money to be designated for schools in 2010.
- Capital facilities bonding extended to 15 years.
- Intermediate Districts can borrow in anticipation of aid.
- Reciprocity payments equalized among states.
- An extension of the special education task force.
- An appropriation for the Principals' Leadership Academy.
- School ice arena operational costs can be levied at 100%
- A correction in the referendum ballot language for referendum renewal questions.
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November Elections
Every representative in the House is up for re-election in November. Make a point of connecting with the candidates as they campaign. Ask them pointed questions about their stance on education funding. As we move forward with trying to make the New Minnesota Miracle a reality, we must have legislators down at the capitol who are willing to make the tough decisions in order to do what is right for our schools and our state.
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This will be the last regular weekly Legislative Update until the next legislative session begins on January 5. However, I will continue to pass on important information pertaining to education as it comes up.
I want to thank those of you who forwarded these updates to a broader group of people and those that took the time to call or email our elected officials to express your concerns about our schools.
Working together, we can make a difference.
If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Deb Griffiths
Director of Communications and Community Outreach
Schools for Equity in Education
612-309-0089
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