After Governor Dayton said Tuesday in a press conference he would veto the E-12 bill, MREA updated its side-by-side comparison of the omnibus education finance and policy bill HF 844, tax bills, and Governor Dayton’s budget proposals. View the comparison.
Final Day of Session: The Next Moves
Tonight at midnight, the 2015 session must end according to the state’s constitution. Legislative leaders have negotiated a two-year budget plan that, if signed into law by Governor Dayton, will spend $42 billion. The legislature’s plan leaves $1 billion on the bottom line for them to negotiate with when they come back into session on March 8, 2016. The budget plan does … Read More
Education Deal Reached with $400 Million Target
The Education Conference Committee convened early Sunday morning. The E-12 bill (HF 844) approved by the committee members spent the $400 million target that leadership gave them on the following major provisions for fiscal years 2016-17: Formula increases of 1.5% and 2%: $283.75 million (71% of $400 million) School Readiness: $30.75 million over two years Early Learning Scholarships: $30.75 million over two years Long … Read More
Early Start Date Included in Final Bill
MREA is still digging into the policy details of the final agreement reached by the Education Conference Committee early Sunday, but one thing is for sure: Districts can begin school on September 1, 2015 if they choose. This comes late in the planning process for schools, but for those who want to start before Labor Day for the 2015-16 school year … Read More
Submit Presentation Ideas by June 3
MREA is now accepting presentation proposals for breakout sessions at its 2015 Annual Conference, Great Beginnings: When Learning Starts Early, Inspires and Applies. Think about the following when brainstorming presentation ideas from your district or organization: Best Programs and Practices What’s new and popular? What has helped educators and staff be more effective at their jobs? What has been refined over the years with … Read More
Need to Promote Teaching Careers as Interest Dwindles
A new report by ACT Inc. shows the percentage of high school graduates intending to become teachers has declined to 5 percent. Citing the report, a StarTribune editorial on May 11 said, “Education has a pipeline problem, and that problem will only get worse unless more intentional efforts are undertaken to attract good candidates to the field.” The editorial called on education partners such … Read More
Editorial Urges Substantive Investment in AMI Students
Pointing out that Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton’s proposed $20M investment in Minnesota’s students who are American Indian would go far to address educational opportunities, an editorial in today’s StarTribune urges the Minnesota Legislature to make a substantive investment in the education of these students. “Minnesota lawmakers must not squander the opportunity at hand to take a serious run at improving the state’s still dismal education … Read More
No Deal with One Week Left
The last week of the 2015 session ends one week from today. The three key leaders, Governor Dayton, Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk, and House Speaker Kurt Daudt, met over the weekend to continue negotiations on the budget, but as of this morning they don’t have a deal to announce. Whether or not the Legislature and Governor have a budget … Read More
Tax Conference Committee Reviews Ed Issues
The Tax Conference Committee met several times last week and reviewed topics of interest to education. They didn’t take any action on these provisions. Like all of the conference committees, they’re waiting for a leadership agreement to give them a spending target and direction before finalizing their bill. View the latest side-by-side on the issues. Agricultural Production Land Tax Relief The … Read More
Top Issues for Education Conference Committee
The Education Conference Committee met three times last week reviewing the details of the House and Senate plans. They didn’t take action on any items, as they’re waiting for a leadership deal on their spending target. They focused committee time on a handful of the more significant issues in play. MREA provides a snapshot of where each stands below. View latest side-by-side … Read More