SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – The evening of March 16, the House Education Finance Committee advanced a measure to fund a summer learning package for Minnesota students from cradle to career.
“House DFLers support strong investments in education, starting with funding for summer learning,” said Speaker Melissa Hortman. “We need to help our children and students recover from a difficult year and then thrive once this pandemic is behind us. All Minnesota children deserve a world-class education and every opportunity to succeed. We intend to pass this bill off the House floor next week.”
“The House DFL is taking swift action to get this money out early so families can finalize summer plans, and school districts and community partners can begin planning,” said Rep. Jim Davnie (DFL-Minneapolis), chair of the House Education Finance Committee. “We have a comprehensive summer learning package detailed in our bill that reaches all learners in Minnesota, from children enrolled in summer preschool, to high school seniors making the transition to college, to adult learners who are looking to re-enter the labor market with sharper skills. These funds can be utilized through the 2022 school year, as well. This is a sound investment to help get our students back on track.”
The bill addresses learning loss by expanding access to tutoring, investing in field trips and hands-on learning, and implementing summer programs for preschoolers, high schoolers, and adult basic education.
“Minnesota is home to some of the worst disparities in the nation,” said Rep. Ruth Richardson (DFL-Mendota Heights), chair of the House Education Policy Committee. “We know these have existed long before the pandemic, but now have a real opportunity to level the playing field and make significant progress in addressing the opportunity gap head on with this bill. All of our students deserve the support they need to be successful and thrive.”
The measure also funds student mental health support. A key provision in the legislation prioritizes school districts that have experienced declining enrollment.
The bill’s next stop is the House Ways and Means Committee. More information and materials will be available on the committee’s webpage.