SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, the Minnesota House advanced a bipartisan measure 69-63 to fund a summer learning package for Minnesota students from cradle to career.
“Today’s vote for summer learning is the first step in passing significant investments for education this session,” said Speaker Melissa Hortman. “All Minnesota children deserve a world-class education and every opportunity to succeed. We are going to help our children and students recover from a difficult year and then thrive once this pandemic is behind us.”
“It’s critically important for us to be thinking carefully about strategic investments that put our students first,” said Rep. Jim Davnie, House Education Finance Chair. “The measures and steps we can take now will help our kids bounce back more quickly from the pandemic, academically and emotionally, and be better prepared for their future.”
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 continues to lag in disparities and with opportunity gaps,” said Rep. Ruth Richardson, chair of the House Education Policy Committee. “Today’s vote is a positive development in our efforts to close these gaps and meet the immediate and long-term needs of our students, families, and communities across the state.”
The measure also funds student mental health support. A key provision in the legislation prioritizes school districts that have experienced declining enrollment.
The bill awaits action in the Minnesota Senate. More information and a recap of the debate will be available on the nonpartisan office of House Public Information Services’ YouTube channel.