English Language Learners Bill Receives First Public Hearing

SAINT PAUL, MN – Today, legislation to increase funding for English Language Learners (ELL) received its first hearing in the Education Finance Committee. Rep. Kaohly Her (DFL – St. Paul), a former ELL student and chief author of the bill (H.F. 448), advocated to significantly increase ELL funding to help address unfunded costs to school districts. Per-pupil funding for English Learners has not been increased since 2003.

“As a former ELL student myself, I know that language barriers can prevent students from participating in and advocating for their own education,” said Rep. Her. “With growing new immigrant communities in Minnesota, it’s important for us to ensure all Minnesotans receive appropriate funding for an education that prepares them to be successful in life after the classroom.”

ELL funding goes to research-based language instruction programs that help all students achieve language proficiency and high academic outcomes. Minnesota Local Education Agencies enrolled 73,128 ELL students in the 2018-2019 school year.

A companion bill, S.F. 26, is carried by Sen. Charles Wiger (DFL – Maplewood) in the Senate.