Minnesotans received positive news about their state budget on Friday from the February budget forecast. Last December the state projected a surplus for the next two years (fiscal years 16-17) of $1.04 billion. The updated forecast now estimates a surplus of $1.87 million. The $832 million in projected growth is largely due to a expected increases in income and sales tax … Read More
Senate Debates Basic Funding Formula Increase
Two bills related to the general education funding formula and one related to compensatory revenue were all laid over for possible inclusion in the Senate E12 omnibus bill. SF163, sponsored by Sen. John Hoffman (DFL – Champlin), would increase school district basic revenue formula allowance to $6,131 starting in fiscal year 2016. SF541, sponsored by Sen. Greg Clausen (DFL – … Read More
House Discusses Tax Credits for Education
The House Education Policy Committee on Tuesday offered proposals to create and expand tax credits for education-related expenditures that are aimed at improving K-12 outcomes for students. Most received approval nods. Rep. Dean Urdahl (R-Grove City) hopes to provide a financial incentive for teachers to pursue their master’s degree in the content area in which they teach. He sponsors HF245, which would … Read More
Teacher Shortages and State Exam Under Spotlight
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) recently released its 2015 Teacher Supply and Demand Report. Two of its conclusions are not at all surprising to rural Minnesota school officials: Mounting Shortages: The percentage of districts indicating that it is difficult or impossible to hire qualified teachers in shortage areas is about double that seen in the 2012 survey. Testing Barrier: … Read More
Reading Corp Bills Introduced
Legislators have brought forward legislation that would infuse additional funding into the Minnesota Reading Corps program. The bills were among the legislation reviewed last Tuesday by the House Education Finance Committee for possible inclusion in Chair Jenifer Loon’s future education omnibus bill. The other bills are related to school readiness and home visiting for parent education. Rep. Anna Wills (R-Apple … Read More
Group Recommends Merging TDE and Q Comp
Recommendations from a state work group last week call the Minnesota to combine the Teacher Development and Evaluation (TDE) and Q Comp statutes. The Minnesota Department of Education work group on “Teacher Development and Evaluation/Alternative Teacher Professional Pay System Alignment” presented their recommendations to the House Education Finance Committee. Merging the 2011 evaluation law with Q Comp would create a single … Read More
MREA Budget Webinar Recording Now Available
MREA hosted a virtual meeting today to review Governor Dayton’s budget proposal released last week. MREA Director of Legislative Action Sam Walseth discussed the budget’s impact on education in Greater Minnesota as well as legislative reaction to the proposal. In case you missed today’s meeting, here are two opportunities to catch up: Hear the discussion with Sam’s commentary and the slides. View the slide presentation only. … Read More
Governor's Plan Budget Battle Lines Being Drawn
By Sam Walseth, MREA Director of Legislative Affairs Governor Mark Dayton’s release of his 2016-17 budget plan last Tuesday has set the stage for the budget battle that will consume the remainder of the 2015 session. The public’s role — our role — in this process is going to fade sooner than we know it. Now is the time to engage … Read More
Governor Releases Education Plan
Governor Dayton released his proposed budget for the FY 16-17 biennium that would invest $343 million in education. Here’s a look inside the Governor’s plan for education: An increase to the general education formula by 1 percent in each year of the biennium, for a total cost of $174.4 million. Providing $109 million to expand four-year old preschool across the state. The Governor’s plan … Read More
Priorities Outlined in First Bills Introduced in Minnesota Senate, House
The Minnesota Legislature convened this week and is moving beyond the ceremonial nods to get to work. The majority party in both bodies of the legislature always makes sure that the first handful of bill introductions (i.e. SF 1-6 and HF 1-5) outline their caucus’ priorities for the session. Both the Senate and House majorities did that Thursday morning. Senate Bills … Read More