By Vernae Hasbargen, MREA Lobbyist The Legislature finished its work a week ago and hit the road to sell the public on what they had done. Republicans pointed to tax increases while Democrats to investments those taxes created, but so far it is not clear which message is resonating with the public. While $2 billion in new taxes can sound … Read More
Initial District Run Available
The 2013 session ended in a flurry of activity as any session usually does. The legislature has always had district runs before final passage of an Omnibus E-12 Finance bill, but not this year. A last minute amendment by Rep. John Benson (DFL Minnetonka) to the omnibus Tax bill is causing a delay in getting final district runs. Here is … Read More
Legislative Session Successes
Even before the Legislature reconvened in January, we saw the potential of this being a landmark session. We ramped up our efforts at MREA so we could elevate our advocacy and be the voice for education in Greater Minnesota. Here’s a look at some of the legislative actions and successes MREA had this session at the Capitol and for your … Read More
K-12 Omnibus Bill Passes: Highlights Released
This landmark legislative session came to a close this week with some major wins for Greater Minnesota education. The K-12 Omnibus Bill is packed with changes that will affect school districts in Greater Minnesota. MREA dissected the bill that awaits the governor’s final sign off and outlined highlights related to: Funding 13 major highlights, from the 1.5&1.5 formula with a statewide impact … Read More
Finish Line: Session Ends in Hours
By Sam Walseth Six months ago it was cold outside and a new legislature was about to be sworn in. That new legislature would be lead by a majority of DFL legislators in both bodies. They set out to work with Governor Dayton to accomplish some common agenda items like balancing the budget without “gimmicks” and to raise the revenue … Read More
Ventura to Marquart: We’ve Come a Long Way
By Vernae Hasbargen It’s been 12 years, an entire generation of K-12 students, since pro wrestler Jesse Ventura became Governor and reshaped K-12 with what he called, “The Big Plan.” While well-intentioned, The Big Plan gave sole responsibility for funding schools to the state by eliminating the long-standing Minnesota Miracle, which shared education cost between the state and local property … Read More
K-12 Omnibus Bill Highlights: Taxes
MREA released today highlights of the K-12 Omnibus Bill for funding, taxes and policies. Here’s what you need to know regarding taxes: (View all the statewide levies and statewide levy changes). … Read More
K-12 Omnibus Bill Highlights: Policies
MREA released today highlights of the K-12 Omnibus Bill for funding, taxes and policies. Here’s what you need to know regarding policies: GRAD Rule repealed as recommended by Assessment and Accountability Working Group GRAD tests and required cut scores repealed Transition period for graduating class of ’14-16 with a mixture of tests Beginning with graduating class of ’17 (8th graders in ‘13-14): … Read More
K-12 Omnibus Bill Highlights: Funding
MREA released today highlights of the K-12 Omnibus Bill for funding, taxes and policies. Here’s what you need to know regarding funding: (View all the statewide totals and all statewide changes.) … Read More
Legislature Establishes New Task Forces & Working Groups
The Legislature has established seven new task forces and working groups to continue to address key issues in education. These groups include: Career Pathways and Technical Education Advisory Task Force Adult High School Diploma Task Force Teacher Licensing Advisory Task Force Online and Digital Learning Advisory Council School Facilities Financing Working Group Special Education Case Load Task Force Minnesota Youth … Read More