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Legislative Update A Communication for Parents and Education Supporters in SEE Districts |
January 16, 2009 |
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If this is your first Legislative Update from SEE - Welcome!
Brad Lundell, Executive Director for SEE, writes a blog on almost a daily basis. For up-to-date detailed information about what is happening at the capitol visit Brad's Blog. | |
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If this communication was forwarded to you, sign up to receive it directly by clicking on the box below: | |
State of the State Address Governor Tim Pawlenty gave his State of the State address yesterday where he outlined his priorities and gave a preview of what will be included in his budget proposal to be released on January 27. He focused on job creation by proposing tax cuts for businesses and providing new incentives for investment. He implored legislators to not increase taxes on hardworking families and warned that his budget proposal will include significant reduction in state spending. For more detail, see Brad's Blog or this StarTribune article. He began his remarks regarding education by saying, "Times are tough and our budget crisis is huge. But even at a time like this, we need to increase funding for K-12 schools." The governor proposed the following initiatives:
- Link funding to results by increasing school district funding up to 2% for students meeting standards or at least showing reasonable growth towards achievement.
- Expand the Q-comp program (a performance pay system for teachers), to every school district in the state.
- Increase the quality of teachers through the Teaching Transformation Act that would strengthen the teacher certification test, require better teacher preparation programs at colleges and universities and establish minimum entrance requirements for teacher preparation programs.
- Establish a shared services program for all school districts to reduce costs by utilizing joint purchasing power.
- Change the way school districts and teacher union to settle labor disputes by requiring use of a fair arbitration process.
It is promising that the Governor is proposing increased education funding. However, it does seem almost counter-intuitive to provide fewer resources to school districts that have larger populations of struggling students. | |
What's Next?
In a press conference following the address, the DFL leaders were stunned that the governor proposed roughly an additional $1 billion dollars of new spending and tax cuts when the state already has a mammoth budget deficit. When specifically asked about the education increases, Speaker of the House Margaret Kelliher cautioned that the education funding increases could follow the fate of other governor proposals that are grandly announced and then never heard about again as he has a reputation of doing.
Many legislators will protest the slashing of services that they deem are valuable to Minnesota. However, the DFL majority legislature could be put in the position of appearing to oppose increased education funding if it does not accept the governor's budget cuts and tax reductions. Legislators might be tempted to propose revenue increases (taxes) which the governor will strongly oppose. Since the legislators must write the legislation for a balanced budget that the governor must sign it, they will have to work together to get the job done. The stage has been set . . . |
What Can You Do?
- Email your legislators and let them know that you support increased funding for our schools. The governor's proposal is just the starting pointing. Education supporters need to be part of the conversation by letting our legislators know that education must be a state priority. Click here to find out who represents you.
- Plan a trip to the capitol and sit in on an education committee meeting. Education supporters need to have a presence at the capitol to reinforce the importance of education for our children, our communities and our state's prosperity. If you can come, feel free to contact me and I'd be happy to meet you and escort you around. The committee schedules are listed below. Current meetings in the House and Senate can be found using the Quick Links in the top left corner of this update.
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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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| Education Committees
Attending a education committee meeting is an excellent way to show support for education issues and is an interesting way to see how the committees work to shape law. If you are interested in visiting the capitol and attending a committee meeting, let me know and I will be happy to meet you.
To see the committee members and the committee meeting schedule, click on the links below.
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Upcoming Education Committee Meetings
In the Senate . . .
In the House . . .
TUESDAY, January 20, 2009
2:45 PM
Room: 10 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Mindy Greiling
Agenda: Education group recommendations for education investment, reductions and reform. Parties interested in presenting to the division should contact Shannon Patrick, committee administrator, at 651-296-5098.
WEDNESDAY, January 21, 2009
8:30 AM
Room: Basement State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Carlos Mariani
Agenda: Presentation of education group K-12 policy recommendations. Those interested in testifying should contact Christina Gosack, Committee Administrator, at 651-296-5524.
WEDNESDAY, January 21, 2009
2:45 PM
Room: 10 State Office Building
Chair: Rep. Mindy Greiling
Agenda: Agency overview Department of Education
MONDAY, January 26, 2009
2:45 PM
Joint Committee: K-12 Education Finance/Taxes
Room: 10 State Office Building
Chairs: Rep. Mindy Greiling, Rep. Ann Lenczewski
Agenda: Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB)
(1) Presentation by the Office of the Legislative Auditor
(2) Presentation by Department of Education
(3) Testimony of public school officials
Meeting can change often, if you plan on visiting check the current House Schedule or Senate Schedule
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